What causes numbness on one side of the head?
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, numbness on one side of the head may be caused by factors such as emotional tension and fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, trigeminal neuralgia, cervical spondylosis, or cerebral ischemia. Symptomatic management, including general treatment and medication, is usually required. It is recommended to rest adequately and ensure sufficient sleep. When sleeping, maintain a comfortable head position and avoid compressing the numb side.
Under normal circumstances, numbness on one side of the head may be caused by factors such as emotional tension and fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, trigeminal neuralgia, cervical spondylosis, or insufficient cerebral blood supply. Symptomatic management through general treatment or medication may be necessary. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Emotional Tension and Fatigue
Poor lifestyle habits such as emotional stress, excessive fatigue, and staying up late may cause dysfunction of the brain's nervous system, affecting the normal transmission of neurotransmitters, thereby leading to abnormal nerve sensations in the head and causing numbness on one side. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, maintain a regular schedule, and avoid staying up late or overexertion.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol intake can accelerate blood circulation and cause vasodilation, thereby affecting nerve sensations in the head. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, and facial flushing. It is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption in daily life. Drinking plenty of water after alcohol consumption can promote the excretion of alcohol metabolites and help alleviate symptoms.
3. Trigeminal Neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve is the main nerve responsible for facial sensation. When this nerve is stimulated or damaged, it may cause severe pain or numbness, typically affecting one side of the face. The pain is characterized by sudden, brief, electric shock-like episodes. It is recommended to take medications such as carbamazepine tablets, gabapentin tablets, or phenytoin sodium tablets under medical guidance.
4. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis refers to abnormal changes in the cervical spine, such as bone spurs or herniated cervical discs, which may compress cervical nerve roots, causing numbness on one side of the head. This may be accompanied by neck pain, shoulder and back pain, arm numbness, or weakness. It is recommended to take medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, or mecobalamin tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Insufficient Cerebral Blood Supply
Insufficient cerebral blood supply is usually caused by chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes, which lead to narrowing or hardening of cerebral blood vessels, thereby affecting blood supply to the brain. When the brain does not receive sufficient blood flow, neurological function may be impaired, manifesting as numbness on one side of the head, possibly accompanied by dizziness, headache, or memory loss. It is recommended to take medications such as rosuvastatin calcium tablets, amlodipine atorvastatin calcium tablets, or compound sodium ferulate aspirin capsules under medical guidance.
It is advisable to rest adequately in daily life and ensure sufficient sleep. When sleeping, maintain a comfortable head position and avoid compressing the numb side.
