Recently, my significant other had an episode which I think was a panic attack (I have a Psychology degree and the doctor's results have been inconclusive). The episode began when he was at work. His mouth began to tingle, progressed to his entire face, arms and chest. He had trouble breathing, a racing heart rate and in minutes, he lost muscle control in his face. He was rushed to the ER where they gave him muscle relaxers in order for him to regain movement in his face. Does facial paralysis occur in extreme panic attacks? Can a lack of sleep, malnutrition and excessive drinking (daily and in large quantities -- a new habit in his life) on top of extreme stress trigger anxiety? This was the first episode that has occurred.