That pins-and-needles feeling or numbness you sometimes experience in your hands or feet can also occur in your tongue. A numb tongue, or the sensation of tingling, can stem from various causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious underlying health conditions. Understanding why your tongue might feel numb is the first step in addressing it. This article explores some of the most frequent reasons behind a tingling or numb tongue and guides you on how to approach them.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted, often by a blood clot. This blockage prevents the brain from receiving adequate oxygen, which can impact nerve function, leading to a tingling or numb tongue. Stroke-related numbness isn’t limited to the tongue; it can also affect the face and other parts of the body due to the brain’s role in controlling these areas. Besides numbness, a stroke may also cause your tongue to become weak or difficult to move.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for timely intervention. Other symptoms that may accompany a numb tongue during a stroke include:
- Severe headache, particularly if sudden and accompanied by a stiff neck
- Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
- Speech difficulties, including slurred speech or trouble understanding others
- Facial drooping, typically on one side of the face
- Weakness or numbness affecting the face, arm, or leg, often on one side of the body
- Balance issues, dizziness, or difficulty walking
If you suspect you are having a stroke, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services (911 in the US) without delay. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to various neurological symptoms, including numbness and unusual sensations. These sensations can manifest in different areas, including the tongue and face.
In addition to a numb tongue, MS can also affect oral motor functions, potentially making chewing and swallowing more challenging. Individuals with MS might also be more prone to accidentally biting their tongue or the inside of their cheeks due to altered sensation and muscle control. MS is a chronic condition, and while there is no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. If you experience a persistent tingling tongue along with other symptoms suggestive of MS, consulting your doctor is essential for diagnosis and management. Medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of MS flare-ups and manage symptoms.
MS can present with a wide range of symptoms beyond tongue numbness. These may include:
- Difficulty walking or impaired coordination
- Muscle weakness in various parts of the body
- Persistent fatigue
- Vision problems like blurred or double vision
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Urinary urgency or difficulty urinating
If you experience any of these symptoms, along with a numb tongue, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care.
Nerve Damage
Damage to the nerves in the mouth and tongue area can also result in tongue numbness. This type of nerve injury can occur due to dental procedures or tongue piercings. During dental work, especially procedures involving injections of local anesthetics, there’s a possibility of inadvertently affecting a nerve or blood vessel. This can lead to temporary tongue tingling or numbness, which usually resolves on its own within weeks as the nerve recovers.
Tongue piercings carry a risk of nerve damage as well. The act of piercing the tongue can directly injure nerves, and while the damage is often temporary, it can sometimes be permanent. Symptoms of nerve damage from piercings or dental work can include not only a tingling or numb tongue but also altered taste perception or difficulty with tongue movement. While these symptoms often subside over time, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to rule out any serious complications and ensure proper healing.
In conclusion, experiencing a numb tongue can be unsettling, but understanding the potential causes can help guide appropriate action. While temporary numbness may be due to minor nerve irritation, persistent or sudden onset numbness, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like headache, weakness, or vision changes, could indicate a more serious condition like stroke or MS. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your numb tongue and receive appropriate medical advice and treatment.
