What could be the reason my tongue keeps going numb?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Tongue numbness is often caused by nerve trauma from head injuries, dental procedures, or surgeries such as tonsillectomies. In rare cases, it may result from complications following throat or oral surgery. Other potential causes include allergic reactions, vitamin deficiencies (like B12), nerve disorders, or underlying neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.

Because tongue numbness can signal anything from a minor issue to a serious medical concern, identifying the cause quickly matters. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what might be behind your symptoms and guide your next steps—whether that's home care, seeing a dentist, or getting urgent medical attention. It takes just a few minutes and could bring clarity when you need it most.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what causes tongue numbness Discover if tongue numbness needs care Find out if numbness is serious See OTC options for tongue numbness Find a doctor for tongue numbness Understand home remedies for tongue numbness Check likely causes of your tongue numbness

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Explanation

Tongue numbness can be concerning, and understanding possible causes is important.

Head Trauma: Sometimes, after a head injury, people might experience tongue paralysis or numbness. This happens because the nerves controlling the tongue can be affected by the trauma.
Tonsillectomy: If you've had your tonsils removed, you might notice changes in how your tongue feels. This can happen in adults and might lead to altered tongue sensation.
Microlaryngeal Surgery: This is a type of surgery on the voice box. Although rare, it can lead to complications that affect tongue feeling.

If you are experiencing tongue numbness, it might be helpful to consider any recent injuries or surgeries you have had. To better understand what might be causing your symptoms and get personalized insights, try our free AI symptom checker. Always consult with a healthcare provider to get appropriate care.

(References)

Kacker A, Komisar A, Kakani RS, Reich E, & Rothman L. (1995). Tongue paralysis following head trauma. The Journal of laryngology and otology, 7561505.
Smithard A, Cullen C, Thirlwall AS, & Aldren C. (2009). Tonsillectomy may cause altered tongue sensation in adult .... The Journal of laryngology and otology, 18664316.
Chang YN, Lee JC, Chen JJ, & Lin YS. (2010). A rare complication after microlaryngeal surgery. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA, 20685596.

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