Published on: 5/30/2025
Could numbness in my lips and tongue be a sign of a stroke?
Numbness in the lips and tongue can be a sign of a stroke, especially if it involves the thalamus. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Explanation
Numbness in the lips and tongue can sometimes be linked to a stroke. This kind of numbness might happen if the stroke affects a part of the brain called the thalamus, which is responsible for processing sensory information.
Here are some key points about numbness and stroke:
Thalamic Involvement: If the thalamus is involved, you might experience numbness not just in your lips and tongue, but also in other areas like the thumb and forefinger. This happens because the thalamus plays a big role in how we feel sensations.
Lacunar Infarction: Sometimes, a type of small stroke called a lacunar infarction can occur in the thalamus, leading to sensory changes such as numbness.
Seek Medical Attention: If you notice sudden numbness in your lips and tongue, it's important to seek medical help immediately. Early treatment can be crucial.
Remember, while these symptoms can be due to a stroke, they could also be caused by other conditions. A healthcare professional can help determine the cause.
(References)
- Shimohata M, Watanabe Y, & Tanaka H. (2014). Numbness in the tip of the tongue and lower lip caused by .... Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association, 23602113.
- Berciano J, de Lucas EM, & Combarros O. (2013). Thumb, forefinger, and lip numbness: a distinctive thalamic .... Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 22367225.
- Wang YC, Chen IH, & Huang P. (2023). Pure Sensory Lacunar Infarction in the Thalamus .... Acta neurologica Taiwanica, 37723912.
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