Differential Diagnosis for Slight Droop in Corner of Mouth with Mild Swelling in Cheek
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Bell's Palsy: This condition is characterized by a weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, which could cause a droop in the corner of the mouth. The mild swelling in the cheek could be due to inflammation of the facial nerve.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Dental Abscess or Infection: An infection in the teeth or gums could cause swelling in the cheek and, if it affects the nerves, could lead to a droop in the corner of the mouth.
- Facial Trauma: A minor injury to the face could cause swelling and temporary weakness of the facial muscles, leading to a droop.
- Salivary Gland Infection or Blockage: Infections or blockages of the salivary glands could cause swelling in the cheek and potentially affect the facial muscles.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, a stroke or TIA could present with facial weakness, including a droop in the corner of the mouth. Early recognition is crucial for timely intervention.
- Lyme Disease: In rare cases, Lyme disease can cause facial palsy, which might present similarly to Bell's Palsy but requires different treatment.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that could lead to swelling and potentially affect the facial nerves, though it's less directly associated with the described symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can affect various parts of the body, including the nerves, and could potentially cause facial weakness and swelling.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can lead to muscle weakness, which might include the facial muscles, though it typically presents with more widespread symptoms.
- Tumors (e.g., acoustic neuroma, parotid gland tumors): Although rare, tumors affecting the facial nerve or surrounding structures could cause the described symptoms, especially if they compress or invade nearby nerves.