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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.

I have been waking up with facial swelling . Anyone else?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Brockton, AL

I looked into it and inflammation can cause facial swelling. I thought it was one of my meds. I even discontinued flexeril because of it. The longer I have MS the weirder my symptoms get. And the more symptoms I have!

October 20
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the question of facial swelling with MS, sharing their own experiences with swelling, redness, and other surprising... Read more

Members connected over the question of facial swelling with MS, sharing their own experiences with swelling, redness, and other surprising symptoms that seem to keep coming. Several members offered practical suggestions, including wearing compression socks, adjusting blood pressure medications with a doctor's guidance, and trying anti-inflammatory teas like turmeric or green tea to help with inflammation. A recurring theme was the feeling that MS brings an ever-growing list of unexpected symptoms, met with warm encouragement from the community to keep communicating with doctors and leaning on each other for support.

A MyMSTeam Member

It has to be MS. The right side of my face turns red too, and my right ear. Good grief. What next?

October 20
MyMSTeam

Waking up with facial swelling is definitely something other MyMSTeam members have experienced too. One MyMSTeam member shared, "My face and legs swell every day, no matter what I do. I've learned to deal with my leg swelling, but I do have problems dealing with my face." So you're definitely not alone in this!

Facial Show Full Answer

Waking up with facial swelling is definitely something other MyMSTeam members have experienced too. One MyMSTeam member shared, "My face and legs swell every day, no matter what I do. I've learned to deal with my leg swelling, but I do have problems dealing with my face." So you're definitely not alone in this!

Facial swelling with MS can have several possible causes, including:

- MS medications — some disease-modifying therapies and symptom-management drugs can trigger swelling as a side effect
- Corticosteroids — prolonged use can cause a "moon face" effect with fluid retention
- Allergic reactions — even to medications tolerated well for years
- Trigeminal neuralgia — a nerve pain condition more common in people with MS, which can sometimes be accompanied by facial swelling It's really important not to stop or change any medications without speaking to your neurologist first, as some changes can affect MS management. Definitely bring this symptom up with your care team so they can pinpoint the exact cause.

In the meantime, some things that may offer mild relief include:

- Keeping your head elevated while sleeping
- Applying a cold compress to the affected area

If the swelling is sudden, painful, or comes with difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention right away.

October 20
A MyMSTeam Member

It was me. Shannon, @A MyMSTeam Member. Glad that is working for you!

October 21
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member I have Edema so I take a daily water pill but right now my face is all swollen from the high dose prednisone I'm on. Will be glad when it finally goes down.

October 20
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member did you get my team request?

October 20

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