What might be the reason for numbness on the right side of my face?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Numbness on the right side of the face may signal a serious condition such as a carotid artery problem, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or stroke. Other possible causes include Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, or a pinched nerve. Because facial numbness can indicate a medical emergency, prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential to identify the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.

If you're experiencing facial numbness and unsure what to do next, taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify your symptoms, understand potential causes, and decide how urgently to seek care. It takes only a few minutes and provides personalized guidance based on your specific situation—an important first step before your condition potentially worsens.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

What brings you in today?

Can I treat this myself Do I need to see a doctor Where should I go for care I'm concerned about a symptom Concerned about a possible condition My symptoms are getting worse Seeking a second opinion

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Feeling numbness on one side of your face can be concerning. There are a few possible reasons for this. One possible cause is a problem with the carotid artery, which can affect blood flow to the brain and lead to numbness or strange sensations in the face. Another possibility is a small type of stroke called a lacunar stroke, which can happen in the brain's pons area and cause numbness on one side of the body, including the face.

Carotid Artery Issues: These can affect blood flow and lead to facial numbness.
Lacunar Stroke: This is a small stroke that can cause one-sided numbness, sometimes affecting the face.

If you experience numbness on your face, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care. You can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment to better understand your symptoms and when to seek help.

(References)

Francis KR, Williams DP, & Troost BT. (1987). Facial numbness and dysesthesia. New features of carotid .... Archives of neurology, 3827688.
Brigo F, Tomelleri G, Bovi P, & Bovi T. (2012). Hemiparesthesias in lacunar pontine ischemic stroke. Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 21910003.
de Souza DG, Ditzel Filho LF, Makonnen G, Zoli M, Naudy C, Muto J, & Prevedello DM. (2014). Retrosigmoid approach for resection of petrous apex .... Neurosurgical focus, 24380515.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

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.

Was this page helpful?

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.