Published on: 5/30/2025
What are potential causes of numbness in my upper lip?
Numbness in the upper lip can be caused by nerve damage, such as from an injury or a condition like post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Explanation
Numbness in the upper lip can happen for different reasons. One reason could be nerve damage. The infraorbital nerve, which affects the upper lip, can get hurt in accidents or injuries. This is called an avulsion injury, and sometimes people get feeling back after a while.
Another reason is related to health conditions. For example, some people have reported numbness in their upper lip after having COVID-19. This is known as post-COVID-19 upper lip numbness.
There are also syndromes like the "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome that can cause numbness in the face, including the upper lip. Each cause can have different treatments, so it is important to talk to a doctor if you have these symptoms.
(References)
- Brazis PW, Vogler JB, & Shaw KE. (1991). The "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome. Neurology, 1992387.
- Im SMS, & Saranza G. (2024). Post-COVID-19 Unilateral Upper Lip Numbness: A Case .... Acta medica Philippina, 38966614.
- Lee SY, Kim SH, Hwang JH, & Kim KS. (2020). Sensory recovery after infraorbital nerve avulsion injury. Archives of craniofacial surgery, 32867414.
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