It is widely believed that numbness occurs as a result of phlebological problems. In particular, they include varicose veins, thrombosis and others. However, experts say that if paresthesia appears in such cases, then due to advanced forms of vascular pathologies, in which prolonged edema in the tissues compresses the nerve trunks and damages them. Next, we consider how often numbness of body parts can occur. Causes and treatment will also be described in the article.
Radicular syndromes
These include radiculopathies - radiculitis, which are associated either with inflammatory processes, vascular disorders, or with mechanical action on the nerve roots in segments of the spinal cord and spine of the intervertebral hernia. Radicular syndromes are considered the most common cause of numbness.
Polyneuropathy
The most common of these is considered diabetic. It is characterized by damage to nerves and blood vessels as a result of a continuously elevated glucose level and due to metabolic disturbances. Violation of sensitivity is always symmetrical. As a rule, numbness occurs on the periphery of the lower and upper extremities - in the area of socks and gloves.
Stroke
This condition is considered one of the most dangerous causes of sensory impairment. Numbness in this case develops as a result of an acute circulatory disorder, provoked by blockage of the vessels that feed the brain, or hemorrhage. As a result, the areas responsible for the sensitivity of one or another area of the body are damaged. In this case, paresthesia occurs on one side of the body according to the hematotype: or the entire half of the body, including numbness of the skin of the face or limbs.
Brain tumor
This pathology can also act as a cause of numbness. The same applies to aneurysms (pathological expansion of the walls of blood vessels) and subdural hematomas that form under the hard membranes of the brain. As a rule, these pathologies occur in the elderly with falls, even minor ones. Such conditions are characterized by a unilateral violation of sensitivity. Patients have numbness of the skin on the left, for example, paresthesia of one arm or any half of the body. Unpleasant sensations are not acute in this case. They can appear and disappear, increasing over time.
Numbness of the head and face: general information
This condition is characterized by an unpleasant tingling sensation. On the cover there is a feeling of "goose bumps." In some cases, sensitivity worsens. Numbness of the face, the causes and treatment of which will be described later, can be accompanied by swelling, burning, loss of control over muscle contractions. The syndrome can manifest itself in various degrees, from mild to severe, manifested by complete paralysis. If numbness of the skin of the face is observed for an extended period, a thorough examination is necessary.
Provocative factors
What causes numbness of the skin of the face? The causes of unpleasant sensations are very diverse. Among the most common should be called diseases of nerves or blood vessels that pass through this area. With the spread of the condition to other areas of the body, a specialist may suggest that the cause is CNS pathologies. Numbness of the face is often manifested as a symptom of a disease. There are several pathologies for which the occurrence of paresthesia is characteristic. The most popular should include:
- Bella paralysis. This disease appears as a result of a viral infection (herpes, meningitis and others). It provokes an inflammatory process in nerve fibers. This, in turn, entails numbness of the skin of the face, lips and tongue.
- Cervical osteochondrosis. This disease is one of the most common causes of paresthesia. Reduced sensitivity and discomfort in this case are the result of constant compression of blood vessels and nerves of the spine by accumulated salts. In this case, numbness of the skin of the face is accompanied by pain in the cervical spine, malaise, and a crunch of the vertebrae when the neck is turned.
- Multiple sclerosis. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune cells begin to attack and damage nerves. This results in the destruction of the protective sheath of the fibers (myelin). Due to these injuries, numbness of the face, paresthesia of the neck, limbs appears.
- The defeat of the trigeminal nerve. Neuralgia develops as a result of irritation or compression of the fibers on the outside or inside the skull. This is due to adhesions after the expansion of the cerebellar arteries or veins, injuries, inflammatory processes in the area of the oral or nasal cavity. Against the background of pathology, numbness is not the only symptom. Along with this, the patient feels severe pain near the ears, eyes and nose.
- Infringement of the nerves. In this case, we are talking about damage or irritation of the maxillary or mandibular, optic nerves. As a result, sensitivity is disturbed, which, in turn, manifests itself in the form of numbness.
- Shingles. This pathology is accompanied not only by paresthesia. Tingling, loss of sensation is accompanied by itching and a rash in the face, headache, chills and fever.
Other factors
Numbness of the face may be due to a lack of B-group vitamins, sodium, calcium, potassium. As provoking factors, stress, depression. Numbness of the face acts as one of the side effects when taking a number of medications. Paresthesia is often a sign of an ischemic transient attack. In some cases, there is numbness of the skin on the face before migraine attacks, with hyperventilation. Paresthesia may occur due to an uncomfortable position during sleep. During quarrels or emotional conversation, many face muscles contract strongly (chewing most often). This provokes hypertonicity, which leads to unpleasant sensations, tingling and worsening of sensitivity. Often, numbness of the face appears after prolonged work at the computer, doing needlework, reading. In this case, you need to change the position of the body and take small breaks.
Diagnostics
If severe numbness persists for a long time, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible. This symptom is an indication for a thorough examination. During the diagnosis, the condition in which the trigeminal nerve is located is assessed, and an x-ray of the auditory internal opening, nasopharynx, and skull base are performed. Also, during the examination, an MRI or CT scan of the cranial fossa (posterior), ultrasound of the vessels can be performed . Additionally, serological reactions to syphilis, as well as labial puncture, are prescribed. With an unclear diagnosis, the patient is referred to the otolaryngologist for consultation and examination of the posterior areas of the nasal cavity.
How to get rid of paresthesias?
In some cases, numbness of the face goes away on its own. For example, when a person is in an uncomfortable position. A change in position contributes to a rush of blood to the problem area and a return to normal sensitivity. You can speed up the process by rubbing the skin. In case of numbness, accompanied by stiffness of movements, dizziness, soreness, weakness, emergency assistance may be required. The warning signs also include involuntary emptying of the intestines or bladder, loss of ability to move or speak. If numbness occurs as a result of a head or back injury, help should be provided as quickly as possible. If paresthesia is a sign of a disease, treatment is aimed at eliminating the pathology. For example, with multiple sclerosis, a patient is prescribed a course of B-vitamins and corticosteroids. With trigeminal neuralgia, therapy is aimed at reducing soreness. For this, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are used. As a rule, with this pathology, the drug "Prednisone" is prescribed. Additionally, the patient is recommended special exercises for plastic surgery of the face. In some cases, unpleasant sensations are eliminated after rubbing the problem area with an alcohol solution.
Preventive actions
First of all, you need to be careful about your health. Experts recommend avoiding hypothermia and drafts. In the presence of any pathologies, one should not delay the visit to the doctor and wait for the development of their chronic form.