Why does numbness on the left side of my face come and go?

Intermittent numbness means the sensation appears and then improves or disappears. This pattern can be caused by several factors:

Nerve irritation or compression: Pressure on facial nerves from muscle tension, poor posture, or minor injury can cause numbness that fluctuates. Migraines: Some types of migraines cause temporary numbness or tingling on one side of the face, often as part of the “aura” phase before the headache. Anxiety or hyperventilation: Stress can cause changes in breathing and nerve sensitivity, leading to numbness that comes and goes. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs): Brief episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain can cause temporary numbness and require urgent evaluation. Multiple sclerosis (MS): Some people with MS experience intermittent numbness as nerve inflammation fluctuates. Because the cause can vary widely, keeping track of when the numbness happens, how long it lasts, and any other symptoms is helpful for your healthcare provider to make a diagnosis. If the numbness becomes more frequent, severe, or is accompanied by weakness or speech changes, seek medical attention promptly.