What causes numbness of the tongue for no apparent reason?
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, unexplained tongue numbness may be related to factors such as consumption of irritating foods, drug side effects, allergies, facial nerve inflammation, ischemic stroke, etc. Patients are advised to undergo symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. In addition, it could also be associated with intracranial tumors. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Generally, unexplained numbness of the tongue may be related to factors such as consumption of irritating foods, drug side effects, allergies, facial neuritis, ischemic stroke, and others. Patients are advised to seek symptomatic treatment according to medical advice. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Consumption of Irritating Foods
If a patient frequently consumes large amounts of spicy or irritating foods, it may easily stimulate the nerves in the oral cavity, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. This is a normal phenomenon that usually does not require special treatment and typically resolves gradually after drinking adequate water.
2. Drug Side Effects
Some medications have neurotoxic side effects; long-term use may cause nerve damage in the tongue, resulting in the above symptoms. It is recommended to switch or discontinue these medications under a doctor's guidance.
3. Allergy
If a patient consumes foods that commonly trigger allergic reactions, it may lead to immune system dysfunction, local blood vessel dilation, and increased glandular secretion, thereby inducing the aforementioned symptoms. The patient may take antiallergic medications such as ebastine tablets or levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
4. Facial Neuritis
Facial neuritis is a condition primarily characterized by impaired motor function of the facial muscles. Patients with facial neuritis may experience paralysis of the facial muscles on the affected side, which could also lead to the above symptoms. Treatment may include oral administration of mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, and other medications under medical supervision.
5. Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke refers to a general term for brain tissue necrosis caused by narrowing or blockage of cerebral arteries and insufficient blood supply to the brain. Patients with this condition may also suffer damage to the blood vessels supplying the tongue, thus developing the aforementioned symptoms. Under medical guidance, patients may receive treatments such as edaravone injection or citicoline sodium injection.
In addition, tongue numbness may also be associated with intracranial tumors. If a patient experiences any discomfort, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
