Doctors Note Logo

Back

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.

answer background

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:

  1. 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.

  2. Lacunar Infarction: Sometimes, a type of small stroke called a lacunar infarction can occur in the thalamus, leading to sensory changes such as numbness.

  3. 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.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Face or mouth is numb

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom checker

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get a free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.