What causes numbness in the mouth and fingers, and what should be done about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Numbness in the mouth and fingers may be caused by physiological factors, or by conditions such as allergies or cervical spondylosis, and appropriate treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. Besides these common causes, other factors such as multiple peripheral neuritis, cerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral infarction could also be responsible. In such cases, patients need to seek timely medical attention to avoid delaying treatment.
Numbness in the mouth and fingers may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from medical conditions such as allergies or cervical spondylosis. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
Prolonged exposure to cold environments or consumption of spicy, irritating foods may lead to numbness in the fingers and mouth. This is considered a normal physiological response and usually does not involve other discomforts. Symptoms typically resolve spontaneously.
II. Disease-Related Factors
1. Allergy
If an individual comes into contact with an allergen or consumes food that triggers an allergic reaction, symptoms such as localized numbness, itching, rash, and fever may occur. Patients are generally advised to take antiallergic medications such as chlorpheniramine maleate tablets or levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
2. Cervical Spondylosis
In patients with cervical spondylosis, disease flare-ups can irritate surrounding muscles and nerve tissues, causing numbness in the upper limbs and sometimes in the mouth. Additional symptoms may include neck discomfort, headache, and dizziness. In such cases, physicians may recommend medications such as micronized purified flavonoid extract tablets or mecobalamin tablets.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, other potential causes include multiple peripheral neuritis, cerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral infarction. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek timely medical attention to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
