Should I be worried if my face feels numb?

Yes, you should be worried about facial numbness, especially if it's sudden, severe, or accompanied by weakness on one side, vision changes, confusion, or difficulty speaking, as it could be a stroke (call 911 immediately). While it can stem from less serious issues like migraines, infections, or nerve irritation, persistent or concerning numbness always warrants a doctor's visit to rule out serious conditions like stroke, Bell's Palsy, MS, or tumors.

Should I go to the ER if my face is numb?

Call 911 or seek emergency help

Go to a hospital emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number if your numbness: Begins suddenly. Follows a recent head injury. Involves an entire arm or leg.

When should I be worried about numbness in my face?

A numb face is not usually anything to worry about — in some cases, it may just be due to being very cold. A mild allergic reaction is also a possible cause. However, a person who experiences a numb face along with the symptoms of a more serious medical condition, such as MS, should speak to a doctor.

How do I get rid of face numbness?

To get rid of facial numbness, especially after dental work, try gentle massage, warm compresses, sipping warm liquids, and light movement to boost circulation, but if numbness is sudden, severe, or with weakness/headache, seek urgent medical care as it could signal a stroke or other serious issue, requiring a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause like nerve issues, diabetes, or infection. 

Why do I have a weird sensation in my face?

Several factors might cause a strange feeling in your face, including: Nerve irritation or compression: Pressure on facial nerves can cause abnormal sensations. Infections: Sinus infections or dental issues can cause facial discomfort or strange feelings.

Face Tingling: When to Worry and When to Relax

Can anxiety cause facial numbness?

Yes, anxiety can absolutely cause facial numbness or tingling, often during panic attacks, due to the body's fight-or-flight response triggering hyperventilation (which alters blood gases) and muscle tension, leading to reduced blood flow and irritated nerves in the face, scalp, and extremities. This feeling, known as paresthesia, usually subsides as the anxiety lessens, but persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical evaluation to rule out other conditions like migraines or nerve issues. 

What vitamin deficiency causes face numbness?

Facial numbness, tingling, and nerve pain can signal a vitamin deficiency, primarily Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency, which damages the myelin sheath protecting nerves, causing neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, and balance issues; Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency can also cause cranial nerve weakness and facial issues, especially with severe malnutrition. Other deficiencies, like B6, are also linked to facial tingling, but B12 is the most common culprit for widespread numbness and nerve problems, requiring prompt diagnosis (blood test) and treatment (supplements/injections) to prevent permanent damage.
 

How long can your face stay numb?

Face numbing from dental work usually lasts 1 to 3 hours, but can extend to 4-8 hours depending on the anesthetic (like stronger bupivacaine lasts longer than lidocaine), injection site, metabolism, and procedure complexity, with some lingering tingling possible for longer. Topical numbing creams wear off faster, often within 1.5-2 hours after application. 

What are the early signs of MS?

Early signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) vary but often include subtle numbness/tingling, fatigue, vision problems (blurry/double vision, eye pain), muscle weakness/stiffness, balance issues, and "brain fog," frequently affecting one side of the body initially, with symptoms appearing suddenly or gradually and sometimes resolving before returning. Key indicators are persistent tingling, weakness, walking difficulties, optic neuritis (pain with eye movement), and unexplained exhaustion.
 

What diseases cause numbness?

Numbness is caused by nerve issues from various diseases like Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Stroke, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often resulting from nerve damage, compression, or immune attacks, leading to symptoms in hands, feet, or other body parts, though it can also stem from vitamin deficiencies, infections (like Lyme, Shingles), kidney disease, thyroid issues, or toxins. 

What are the red flags for numbness?

Red flags. In patients with numbness, the following findings are of particular concern: Sudden onset (eg, within minutes or hours) of numbness. Sudden or rapid onset (eg, within hours or days) of accompanying weakness.

Can a blocked artery cause facial numbness?

In its early stages, carotid artery disease often doesn't have symptoms. The condition might not be obvious until it's serious enough to deprive the brain of blood, causing a stroke or TIA. Symptoms of a stroke or TIA include: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on one side of the body.

Is numbness in the face a stroke?

Yes, sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg, is a classic warning sign of a stroke, often accompanied by uneven smile or drooping, and requires immediate 911 attention. Other signs include confusion, vision trouble, dizziness, and severe headache, but always call 911 at the first sign of any symptom, as rapid treatment prevents brain damage.
 

When is face numbness serious?

It's easy to dismiss mild facial tingling as stress or nerve strain, but persistent or one-sided numbness should always prompt medical evaluation – particularly if accompanied by: Severe or sudden headache. Vision changes or double vision. Neck stiffness.

What are the early signs of a stroke in the face?

If one side of a person's face is drooping or their smile is uneven or lopsided, this can be a sign of stroke. If one side of your face suddenly feels numb, this can be a sign of stroke. If my loved one's face is drooping or twisting, I can wait a little bit to see if it goes away on its own.

How do you know if numbness is serious?

You know numbness is serious if it's sudden, affects one side of the body, or comes with weakness, confusion, slurred speech, vision problems, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of bowel/bladder control—these can signal a stroke or spinal injury and need emergency care. Serious but less urgent signs include persistent numbness after an injury, worsening numbness, or numbness impacting daily activities, requiring a doctor's visit. 

What age does MS usually start?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) most often begins in young adults, typically between ages 20 and 40, though it can occur at any age, with early-onset (under 18) and late-onset (over 50) cases also seen, note Penn Medicine, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, The Kensington White Plains, ScienceDirect.com, Mayo Clinic, and Wikipedia. While 85% of cases present between 18-50, children as young as five and adults in their 70s have been diagnosed, with late-onset MS (LOMS) occurring after 50 and early-onset MS (EOMS) before 18, say Cleveland Clinic and ScienceDirect.com. 

At what age do you start using MS?

Some women start using Ms. as soon as they feel they are an adult (typically between ages 18 and 25 but some start as early as 16 and some wait until they are in their 30's). As mentioned, an individual's preference is what matters here.

What are the first red flags of multiple sclerosis?

Myelin damage and the nervous system

Depending on the location of the damage in the central nervous system, symptoms may happen, including numbness, tingling, weakness, visual changes, bladder and bowel troubles, memory troubles, or mood changes, for example. Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary depending on the person.

How long can your face be numb before a stroke?

Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.

How do I get rid of numbness in my face?

To get rid of facial numbness, especially after dental work, try gentle massage, warm compresses, sipping warm liquids, and light movement to boost circulation, but if numbness is sudden, severe, or with weakness/headache, seek urgent medical care as it could signal a stroke or other serious issue, requiring a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause like nerve issues, diabetes, or infection. 

Can blocked sinuses cause numbness in the face?

Yes, blocked sinuses (sinusitis) can absolutely cause facial numbness or tingling because the inflammation and swelling put pressure on nearby facial nerves, like the trigeminal nerve branches, leading to these sensations, often alongside pain, pressure, and congestion, though persistent or severe numbness warrants a doctor's visit for other causes.
 

What do you crave when your B12 is low?

B12 deficiency can cause specific food cravings, particularly for meat, fish, or eggs, as your body seeks sources of the vitamin, and may also lead to sugar cravings due to its role in serotonin and energy regulation, but it can also manifest as pica (craving non-food items like ice or even bleach in severe cases). These cravings signal your body trying to correct a nutrient imbalance, but clinical testing is needed for a proper diagnosis, as emotional factors also drive cravings. 

What does B12 numbness feel like?

Nerve Tingling or Numbness

Without B12, myelin deteriorates, leading to nerve damage. You might experience a sensation of “pins and needles” or feel as though certain body parts are falling asleep frequently, indicating that your nervous system may be struggling.

What are the first signs of neuropathy?

The first signs of neuropathy often involve tingling, numbness, or "pins and needles," usually starting in the feet and hands, along with heightened sensitivity to touch (even light pressure), or burning/sharp pain, especially at night, sometimes feeling like walking on "stones" or "bubble wrap". Other early indicators include muscle weakness, clumsiness, balance problems, and changes in temperature sensation, with symptoms often fluctuating and worsening over time.