Published on: 5/30/2025
What does it mean if my face is numb?
Facial numbness can be caused by issues with the nerves in your face, such as trigeminal neuropathy, or problems with blood flow in the carotid artery.
Explanation
Feeling numbness in your face might be linked to problems with the nerves that help you feel sensations, like the trigeminal nerve. This is called trigeminal neuropathy, and it can make parts of your face feel numb or tingly. Sometimes, facial numbness can also be a sign that there is a problem with blood flow in the carotid artery, which is a blood vessel in your neck that supplies blood to your face and brain.
Possible Causes of Facial Numbness:
- Trigeminal Neuropathy: This condition affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for feeling in your face. When this nerve is not working well, you might feel numbness or tingling.
- Carotid Artery Issues: Problems with the carotid artery can reduce blood flow to your face, leading to numbness or other unusual feelings.
If you are experiencing facial numbness, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine the cause and get the right care. They can help figure out if the numbness is due to nerve issues, blood flow problems, or something else.
(References)
- Smith JH, & Cutrer FM. (2011). Numbness matters: a clinical review of trigeminal neuropathy. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 21628435.
- Francis KR, Williams DP, & Troost BT. (1987). Facial numbness and dysesthesia. New features of carotid .... Archives of neurology, 3827688.
- Varela H, & Rubin DI. (2009). Facial and trigeminal neuropathies as the initial .... Journal of clinical neuromuscular disease, 19494731.
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