Facial Numbness

It's a scary feeling when you tend to touch your face and experience no sensation at all. Naturally you hit the panic button when you feel that your face is pulling towards one side (though there are no visible signs) or you have a weird feeling that a part of your face is missing.

You spend many anxious moments trying to decipher the meaning of this problem. This condition is characterized by numbness in face and may go away after some time. But in some cases, this feeling may tend to stay for a longer while.

This is when you need to consult your doctor. Facial numbness may affect, either one or both sides of the face. It may be mild at first but can become severe if ignored and may also result in complete paralysis or loss of sensation in the affected region.

What may be the reason for experiencing numbness and tingling sensation in the face? Several factors may lead to a numb feeling in the face. Some of the causes may be temporary and may go away after a period of time. But in some cases, the causes can be serious in nature, which may require a physician's help.

Mentioned here are some of the reasons for noticing numb sensation in the face.

• One of the primary vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms is experiencing a tingling sensation in the face, arms, and legs.

• An imbalance in the level of nutrients like sodium, potassium or calcium can also result in loss of sensation, of not only the face but also in other parts of the body.

• An injury or trauma to the facial nerves can also be one of the causes of face numbness. A severe blow to the face, due to an accident or fall can damage the nerves and result in loss of sensation.

• A tingling sensation can also be a result of a mild stroke in the region of the brain, where the facial nerves are present. This stroke, that is also one of the central nervous system disorders, caused due to a rupture in the blood vessels can break off transmission between the nerves.

• A health disorder, called Bell's palsy caused due to viral infection can result in temporary loss of sensation in the face. Other symptoms may include headaches, jaw pain and facial droop, etc.

• If an individual suffers from autoimmune diseases or disorders then he may be a victim of numb or burning sensation in the face and neck region. Multiple sclerosis is one disorder which can affect the nerves and impair their function permanently.

• Other causes for this disorder are diabetes, pinched nerves, shingles (or herpes zoster), hyperventilation, also known as panic attacks, etc.

In order to treat this disorder, it is necessary to recognize the root cause of the problem. Even slight changes in the countenance must be reported immediately to a health care provider.

Before administering treatment, the physician may conduct a series of diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of this disorder. Once the tests are done, the doctor may prescribe symptomatic treatment to treat the causes.

Normally the doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti seizure drugs to calm down the nerves and ease numbness.

In case of diabetes or vitamin deficiency, the health care provider may prescribe medications to treat the respective disorders. Vitamin supplements may be prescribed to suffice the body's requirement of vitamins.

There are also several facial exercises to strengthen the muscles of the face and put an end to this tingling sensation. Physical therapy may also be recommended by the doctor to restore the function of nerves.

The physical therapist or occupational therapist may also suggest massage techniques, with the use of lotions or creams, to provide relief from this tingling sensation.

Though this condition may come and go away, noticing persistent numbness or tingling sensation in the face can be a cause of concern. This condition can be an indication of some underlying health disorder and may require prompt medical intervention. Take care!