- 1. Dental problems
- 2. Changes in facial nerves
- 3. Dental surgery
- 4. Migraine
- 5. Anxiety
- 6. Face changes
- 7. Other causes
- What to do
The sensation of tingling or numbness can often be felt on the face or in some region of the head, and can arise for several reasons, from a simple blow that happens in the region, a migraine, TMJ disorders, an infection or inflammation of nerves of the face, as well as after dental surgery, for example.
Tingling is characterized by a change in sensitivity that is provided by the nerves, however, it can also be triggered by an anxiety attack, since psychological changes can also cause physical symptoms. Learn more about this subject in psychosomatic illnesses.
1. Dental problems
A common cause of tingling in the face or head is only dental problems such as pulpitis, periodontitis or even a dental abscess, which can stimulate nerves in the face and cause numbness that is usually accompanied by pain.
A dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, known as TMJ, in addition to causing pain and crackling during jaw movement, can also cause tingling in the face that may be accompanied by headache. Check out more about the symptoms and how to treat temporomandibular disorders.
2. Changes in facial nerves
Inflammation that can arise in the nerves that cause sensitivity to the face or skull can cause tingling that is felt in the face and head.
Some of the nerves that can be affected are trigeminal, facial, glosopharyngeal or occipital nerves, for example, which, although they tend to cause pain when they are affected, tingling and numbness are also possible symptoms.
3. Dental surgery
Surgery on the face and teeth, such as removal of teeth, implants or orthognathic surgery can involve manipulation and inflammation of nerves in the region, which can result in numbness in the area.
Usually, this change is usually temporary, and does not last more than a few days, as it can occur due to swelling of the tissues of the face. However, if there has been any nerve damage, the change in sensitivity can last for many months and require prolonged treatment with the dentist or a maxillofacial surgeon, depending on the severity of the condition.
4. Migraine
Although the main symptom of migraine is headache, it must be remembered that it can be accompanied by changes in sensitivity in some parts of the body, such as the face.
In addition, migraine with aura can cause sensitive symptoms even before the headache appears, such as seeing bright spots or numbness. Check out how to identify and what to do to treat migraine.
5. Anxiety
A crisis of stress and anxiety can cause changes in sensitivity and tingling sensation in different parts of the body. It is also common for it to be located on the face, tongue or head.
Generally, the tingling in these cases is mild, and passes after a few minutes, when the person is able to calm down, and natural measures can be used to relieve stress and end the tingling. Check out 7 natural tranquilizers to relieve stress and anxiety.
6. Face changes
The appearance of nodules, polyps, infections, such as sinusitis, inflammation, deformity or even a tumor on the face or skull, can compromise the sensitivity of nerves, cause changes in blood circulation or any other type of impairment of the integrity of the tingling tissues.
Thus, whenever a cause of tingling in the face or head is investigated, the doctor should investigate the presence of changes in this region through physical examination. During the consultation it is important to inform the doctor how long ago the tingling sensation appeared and if there are other symptoms, both physical and emotional.
7. Other causes
It is important to remember that there are several other causes of tingling that can arise in different regions of the body, which should be remembered whenever the most common causes are not found, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, circulatory problems, side effects of medications, alcoholism or, even serious neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.
Check out what are the main causes of tingling in the body.
What to do
If there is a tingling in the face or head, without an obvious explanation, that lasts more than 30 minutes or is accompanied by other symptoms with a severe headache, changes in the movement of the face or elsewhere on the body, it is necessary to seek medical attention soon.
To investigate the cause, the general cynic doctor, neurologist or dentist must perform a physical examination of the region and may request tests such as radiography of the face, tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull, which may show certain lesions or changes in the nerves, then, indicate the most appropriate treatment for each case. A blood test may also be ordered to check the values of the various blood components.
