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Published on: 7/14/2026

What could cause both numbness and tingling on the right side of my face?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Numbness and tingling on the right side of the face is often caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain or irritation of the facial nerves. Common triggers include Bell's palsy, migraines, pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, or, in more serious cases, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Less severe causes can include stress, anxiety, vitamin deficiencies, or sinus infections that press on facial nerves.

Because the potential causes range from mild to life-threatening, identifying the source of your symptoms quickly is important. Sudden facial numbness paired with weakness, slurred speech, or confusion requires emergency care. For non-emergency symptoms, understanding what may be behind them helps you decide whether to see a doctor, monitor at home, or seek urgent evaluation.

Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes based on your specific symptoms and medical history — giving you clarity and confident next steps in minutes.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing facial numbness and tinglingFind out if right-side facial tingling needs careDiscover if your facial numbness needs urgent attentionSee OTC options for facial numbness reliefFind a doctor for facial nerve symptomsUnderstand home remedies for facial tinglingCheck likely causes of right-side face numbness

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Explanation

Numbness and tingling in the face can be caused by several issues. One potential cause is changes in blood flow to the brain, as discussed in the references. This can happen with conditions like a stroke, where blood flow is blocked or reduced. A specific type of stroke, called a lacunar pontine ischemic stroke, can result in sensations like numbness and tingling, known as hemiparesthesias, on one side of the face.

Another possible cause is related to facial nerves. Problems with these nerves can lead to numbness or tingling sensations. Sometimes, treatments like osteopathic manipulative treatment can be used to help with these symptoms by focusing on improving nerve function and blood flow.

If you experience these symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify potential causes, but it's important to talk to a healthcare professional who can help determine the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

(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.

  • Genese JS. (2013). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for facial numbness .... The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 23843380.

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