Published on: 5/30/2025
What could cause numbness on the left side of my face and jaw?
Numbness on the left side of the face and jaw can be caused by issues with blood flow in the neck or problems with the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for feeling in the face. If other symptoms (including chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and feeling lightheaded or weak) are also occuring, it is important to seek emergency medical care.
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Explanation
Numbness on the left side of the face and jaw can result from different causes. One potential cause is a problem with the blood flow to the neck and face, which can lead to numbness or a tingling sensation. Another cause could be related to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. Occasionally, surgeries or dental procedures that impact nerves in the face can lead to numbness or tingling sensations.
Possible Causes:
- Problem With Blood Flow To The Neck And Face: A sudden, severe problem with blood flow to the neck and face leading to numbness can be caused by a stroke or heart attack.
- Trigeminal Nerve Dysfunction: This nerve affects feeling in the face, and damage or pressure on it can lead to numbness. The trigeminal nerve can occasionally be impacted by certain types of surgeries or dental procedures.
If you experience numbness on the left side of the face and jaw, it is important to discuss them with a healthcare professional who can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment. If other symptoms (including chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and feeling lightheaded or weak) occur around the same time as these numbness or tingling sensations in the jaw or face, it is important to seek emergency medical care.
(References)
- Francis KR, Williams DP, & Troost BT. (1987). Facial numbness and dysesthesia. New features of carotid .... Archives of neurology, 3827688.
- Francois EL, Clark NJ, & Freedman BA. (2019). Facial Numbness and Paresthesias Resolved with Anterior .... JBJS case connector, 31274646.
- Matsuda S, Nagano O, Serizawa T, Higuchi Y, & Ono J. (2010). Trigeminal nerve dysfunction after Gamma Knife surgery .... Journal of neurosurgery, 21121801.
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