What causes numbness on one side of the head?
Sep 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Numbness on one side of the head may be caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve. Compression or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve can lead to such symptoms. If there is hardening, plaque buildup, or narrowing in the cerebral blood vessels, it may result in ischemia or stroke on one side of the brain, causing numbness on the opposite side of the head. Cervical spondylosis, electrolyte imbalances, hypocalcemia, or deficiencies in potassium, sodium, and chloride may also cause numbness on one side of the head.
Unilateral numbness of the head may result from trigeminal nerve damage or cerebral lesions. It may also be caused by other underlying conditions.
1. Trigeminal Nerve Damage
Sensation in the face and head is primarily mediated by the trigeminal nerve. Compression or inflammation of this nerve can lead to unilateral numbness of the head.
2. Cerebral Lesions
Cerebrovascular changes—such as arterial hardening, atherosclerotic plaque formation, or stenosis—may cause ipsilateral cerebral ischemia or infarction, resulting in contralateral numbness of the head.
3. Other Conditions
Unilateral head numbness may also occur in association with cervical spondylosis, electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypocalcemia), or deficiencies of potassium, sodium, or chloride.
If unilateral head numbness is accompanied by headache, temporal arteritis should be considered as a possible cause. Patients are advised to seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital, including imaging studies such as MRI, X-ray, or CT, to identify the precise etiology and initiate targeted treatment—thereby preventing disease progression and potential worsening of symptoms.
