Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
London, UK

Had my tooth removed, thought I had been suffering from MS relapse but it was the tooth infection. Now I don't know if I am having a relapse or not, my entire face, especially tight and feel like im wearing a corset which goes up to my head when I look down. Not a headache but face pain. Is it sinus issues (I have polyps) or a true relpase? Can an MS hug happen on your face?

August 1
 · 
Reactions
MyMSTeam

What a tough situation — sorting out what's causing what after a tooth infection is genuinely tricky, and it makes complete sense to feel confused right now.

To answer your question directly: the classic "MS hug" is typically felt around the torso, caused by nerve damage and muscle spasms. However, MS can absolutely cause Show Full Answer

What a tough situation — sorting out what's causing what after a tooth infection is genuinely tricky, and it makes complete sense to feel confused right now.

To answer your question directly: the classic "MS hug" is typically felt around the torso, caused by nerve damage and muscle spasms. However, MS can absolutely cause facial tightness, pressure, and pain through a similar nerve-related mechanism. One condition worth knowing about is trigeminal neuralgia, which is more common in people with MS. It involves the large nerve running along your face and can cause:

- Intense facial pain or pressure
- Swelling on one or both sides of the face
- Sensitivity to touch or movement

The sensation you describe — tightness spreading up to your head when looking down — also sounds like it could be Lhermitte's sign, which causes a shock-like sensation triggered by neck movement, radiating outward. Given that you also have nasal polyps, sinus involvement is genuinely possible too, which makes this harder to untangle on your own.

The most important step right now is contacting your neurologist as soon as possible. They can help determine whether this is a relapse, trigeminal neuralgia, or something sinus-related — and get you the right treatment quickly.

August 1

Related Questions

View All
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kennebunk, ME

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Florence, OR