Published on: 5/30/2025
What could be the reason my tongue keeps going numb?
Tongue numbness can happen due to head injuries, surgeries like tonsillectomy, or rare complications from certain throat surgeries.
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. Always consult with a healthcare provider to understand your symptoms better and 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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