They are usually able to eat the next meal. The numbness with this procedure often is permanent. Should the numbness wear off, there is a chance of recurrent tic pain in which case the procedure can be repeated. Several undesirable side effects may follow the procedure. The first is that the numbness may have an unpleasant or painful sensation.
Some patients find the numb area seems irritated or aches.
One or two percent of the patients will find this sensation more disagreeable than their original tic pain. However, an overwhelming majority feel the numbness is far more preferable than the intense tic pain. The numbness is permanent and may extend to the area along the front part of the ear and even up to the forehead. If a person finds the numbness disagreeable very little can be offered except mild tranquilizer medications. The second most common undesirable side effect is a weakness of the chewing muscles on the side of the head where the patient feels the pain.