Could COVID-19 cause numbness on the left side of my face?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

COVID-19 may cause facial numbness in rare cases, typically linked to complications such as stroke, nerve inflammation (neuropathy), or secondary infections. However, direct evidence connecting COVID-19 to facial numbness remains limited, and other causes are far more common.

Because facial numbness can signal anything from a minor nerve issue to a serious medical emergency like a stroke, it's important not to guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if left face numbness needs urgent care Discover likely causes of your face numbness See if COVID-related numbness could be serious Find OTC options for numbness symptoms Find a doctor for facial numbness Understand home remedies for face numbness Find out what could be causing numbness

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Explanation

Numbness on the left side of the face could potentially be linked to COVID-19, but not directly from the virus itself. It might be due to complications that can occur in some COVID-19 patients. For example, Reference 2 discusses how COVID-19 could lead to an acute ischemic stroke, which is a condition where blood flow to the brain is blocked. This can cause numbness or weakness on one side of the body, including the face.

Another possible explanation could be an infection like mucormycosis, as mentioned in Reference 1. This is a rare fungal infection that can occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with COVID-19. It can affect the sinuses and brain, potentially leading to facial numbness.

While these are possibilities, there is no direct evidence from the provided references that COVID-19 itself directly causes facial numbness. If you're experiencing numbness or other concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool and seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.

(References)

Kumar Gupta S, Jyotsana P, Singh A, Phuyal D, & Allam P. (2021). Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis in a COVID-19 Patient from .... JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 34508493.
Elaidouni G, Chetouani Z, Manal Merbouh CB, Bkiyar H, & Housni B. (2022). Acute ischemic stroke after first dose of inactivated COVID .... Radiology case reports, 35392049.
Ju T, Vander Does A, & Yosipovitch G. (2022). Scalp dysesthesia: a neuropathic phenomenon. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 35122352.

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