Question
Hi Dr. Newhart
My mother in law is 61, she has been always obese. She is not diabetic and her blood pressure is normal. She felt numbness in her tongue for a year then she lost the ability to talk. Now she lost the ability to taste and swallow. The local doctor said that she suffers paralysis in the 5th, 7th and 9th nerves and this problem is incurable. He also said that the problem is progressive and her state will go worse. Is it true that the problem is incurable, or there is some hope? Please, I need your advice

Answer
The nerves involved, V-Trigeminal, VII-Facial, and IX-Glossopharyngeal, are involved in both sensory and motor functions of the areas  affected.  I would suggest she have an exam by a neurologist.  Problems in the brainstem can lead to some of the symptoms you describe, and it might be best to have a neurological opinion.  If everything is clear medically, I would suggest you find a chiropractor that utilizes low level laser.  We have had good success with treating trigeminal neuralgia and facial paralysis with it, and she may find benefit from this treatment.