What causes numbness and swelling in the head?

Head numbness and a sensation of pressure or fullness may be associated with cervical spondylosis, insufficient cerebral arterial blood supply, or psychological factors.

1. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis commonly results from intervertebral disc herniation or cervical osteophyte formation. When these conditions compress the anterior horn or anterior root of spinal nerves innervating the head, patients may experience numbness and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the head.

2. Insufficient Cerebral Arterial Blood Supply

Patients with cerebrovascular stenosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral infarction are prone to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. Inadequate blood supply via the cerebral arteries can likewise lead to symptoms of head numbness and pressure/fullness.

3. Psychological Factors

Prolonged sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders, or depression—especially when accompanied by chronic poor rest—may trigger cerebral vascular spasm, resulting in reduced cerebral perfusion and producing the aforementioned symptoms.

When experiencing these symptoms, patients are advised to seek medical evaluation promptly for imaging studies of the head and cervical spine to determine the precise underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. In daily life, it is important to minimize excessive stress and ensure adequate, high-quality sleep.