How does tongue numbness occur?
Numbness of the tongue (paresthesia) manifests itself in different ways. Sometimes there is a slight and unnoticeable tingling sensation, which does not cause virtually any discomfort. In some cases, a strong tingling sensation occurs, “goosebumps”, and a symptom such as loss of sensitivity progresses. It often happens that in parallel with numbness of the tongue, numbness of the lips also occurs.
In any case, it will not be possible to find out the reasons for the occurrence of such a condition on your own. Only with a thorough examination by specialists can the source of this pathology be detected and proper treatment received.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease can be purely individual in each specific case, since we have already determined that the main cause of its occurrence is disorders of brain activity. Most often, after seeing the patient, examining and conducting a series of tests, doctors make a diagnosis of “mixed type glossalgia,” which implies a lot of possible causes for the formation of the disease.
And yet there is a small list of symptoms common to most patients diagnosed with this disease:
- the mucous membrane and shape of the tongue remain externally unchanged, while the patient feels an unpleasant burning sensation, tingling and even numbness of part or all of the tongue;
- occasionally the same symptoms appear in the area of the hard palate, cheeks and lips;
- the sensations described above can be either temporary or permanent, turning, in fact, into a chronic disease;
- many patients complain of difficulties when communicating, since the tongue gets tired very quickly during a conversation;
- approximately thirty percent of patients experience constant dry mouth, which is not eliminated even by drinking plenty of fluids;
- very often symptoms worsen before important events in the patient’s life;
- the localization of painful sensations is not permanent. The location of the lesion may change with each new attack;
- in most cases, patients with this disease experience depressive and apathetic states, sleep disturbances, or, conversely, signs of aggression and sociopathy.
If glossalgia is not treated, there is an equal probability of both its complete elimination and transition to a chronic stage.
Causes of paresthesia
The main reasons causing numbness of the tongue:
- This condition can be caused by various problems associated with the spine, often affecting the cervical spine. In addition, frequent headaches, discomfort in the neck, numbness of the fingers, and decreased vision may indicate cervical osteochondrosis. It is also necessary to trace in what position the numbness occurs, as this can help to find out the exact causes of the disease.
- Disruption of the thyroid gland often provokes a similar symptom. To find out, you need to undergo examination by an endocrinologist.
- Overuse of antibiotics often causes tongue numbness
- A disease such as diabetes mellitus leads to dryness of the oral mucosa and becomes the reason for the development of such a pathological condition. Patients often observe, in addition to impaired sensitivity of the tongue, numbness of the lips, especially the upper ones. The reasons for this are low blood glucose levels or improper use of insulin.
- Vascular diseases, stroke and heart attack can also affect the development of tongue paresthesia. Therefore, do not forget that numbness can be associated with serious illnesses
- When removing or treating teeth, the dentist may touch a nerve, which sometimes impairs the sensitivity of the tongue. In this case, there is no need to worry, these symptoms pass quickly
- Severe stress and regular experiences often become the reason for the development of the above phenomenon
- A lack of vitamin B 12 causes various disorders and disruptions in the body, including numbness of the tongue.
- In addition to the listed factors, toothpaste that contains low-quality substances or chewing gum can affect numbness of the tongue and lips. In this case, you must stop using toothpaste and chewing gum.
What will help restore sensitivity?
If during VSD your arms or legs are numb, you feel chills - take a hot shower, put on socks, wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
A hot drink will not only warm you up, but also activate reflex mechanisms that will return normal sensitivity to your limbs.
If numbness occurs after stress, take a sedative and try to sleep. For vegetative-vascular dystonia, Glycine is the best choice. Unlike herbal preparations, it will improve metabolism in nervous tissue at the cellular level and help recover from stress.
The combination of glutamic acid, glycine and cystine in Eltacin® helps to gradually bring dystonia under control and reduce the frequency of all symptoms. We recommend taking it in courses, as well as if your arms, legs or tongue become suddenly numb. After two or three courses of amino acids, manifestations of VSD will bother you less and less often, including sensory disturbances.
Numbness of the tip of the tongue and lips
Numbness often affects the tip of the tongue and lips, causing discomfort; the reasons for this are:
- A side effect from certain medications, in particular antibiotics. By damaging nerve endings, they can cause numbness of the entire tongue, as well as its tip and lips.
- Some diseases of the oral cavity and speech. Often such a disease is glossalgia. It often occurs in women after 40 years of age, causing problems with the digestive system, endocrine disorders, etc.
- Age characteristics. For the most part, this applies to women during menopause. This period in the fairer sex is associated with various disruptions and changes in the body, the mucous membrane is disrupted and this often affects the sensitivity of the tip of the tongue, and sometimes the lips.
- Various allergic reactions. It is known that allergies are characterized by swelling, impaired sensitivity, difficulty breathing, and numbness of the lips and tongue is often observed.
- Often, numbness of the lips is associated with various mental disorders. At the same time, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, redness of the face, and a feeling of anxiety develop.
- High blood pressure can also lead to severe numbness of the lips, and loss of sensation in the lower extremities can also occur. In this case, you need to take medications that lower blood pressure or, in more complex cases, call a medical team.
- Side effects during pregnancy associated with increased blood pressure and swelling.
- Poisoning, alcohol and tobacco abuse, radiation.
In addition, numbness of the tip of the tongue and lips can also be observed in certain diseases:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Neuritis
- Syphilis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain tumors
- Malignant tumors of the spinal cord
- Bell's palsy
- Certain types of migraine.
In addition to the listed diseases, this phenomenon is diagnosed with tumors of the nasopharynx, multiple sclerosis, herpes zoster on the face, with some viral infections, etc.
Diagnosis of these pathologies is possible only in medical centers; in no case can such diseases be treated independently.
Particular attention should be paid to vascular problems, since they are becoming the leading cause of death in the world. In addition to impaired coordination and speech, a patient with a stroke attack is almost always diagnosed with numbness of the lips and tongue, and sometimes paralysis of one part of the face. If the listed signs are observed, you should immediately call an ambulance. Before her arrival, place the patient on a high pillow, provide access to air, and do not use any medications yourself.
Diagnostics
With complaints of tingling of the tongue, first of all, contact a dentist, who carries out an examination and identifies the most common causes of this condition. If there are no obvious factors, a comprehensive examination is prescribed with the participation of a therapist, neurologist and other specialists. To detect the etiology of tongue tingling, the following are used:
- Instrumental diagnostics
. For dry mouth, ultrasound of the salivary glands and sialography are recommended. To identify gastrointestinal diseases that cause tingling, EGD and radiography with oral contrast are performed. Electromyography is informative to determine areas of paresthesia in glossodynia. - Laboratory research
. A general blood test determines the level of hemoglobin, the presence of macrocytes or megaloblasts, indicating B12-deficiency anemia. Additionally, the content of cyanocobalamin in the blood is examined. For differential diagnosis, a saliva test is performed to measure the pH value. - Microbiological analysis
. To confirm candidiasis, microscopy of plaque on the tongue is performed, during which pseudomycelium and budding cells are detected. Confirmation of the diagnosis requires inoculation of the biomaterial on nutrient media. To exclude syphilitic glossitis, microscopy of the scraping is done for Treponema pallidum.
Examination of the tongue and oral cavity
Treatment
If numbness of the lips and tongue is observed with cervical osteochondrosis, it is treated with medications, and also includes massage and physical therapy. Regarding this condition with neuritis, the therapeutic course includes: glucocorticoids, vasodilators, vitamins. When such a phenomenon is observed in viral diseases, treatment of the underlying pathology is mandatory.
Multiple sclerosis, which causes numbness of the lips and tongue, is treated with hormone therapy, immunomodulators, and some other drugs. This therapy allows you to cope with this disease and remove numbness.
Allergies can also cause the above condition. In this case, the allergen is determined; for the most part, food products and some medications can cause an allergic reaction. In parallel with this, antihistamines are prescribed.
It must be remembered that almost always numbness of the lips and tongue appears against the background of some ailment, so it is necessary to initially treat the underlying disease.
Numbness of the tongue and lips at first glance seems like a minor problem. But, having found out why this can happen, and if it concerns certain diseases, you should seek medical help, where they will help make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
Sweating
Excessive sweating with VSD is a common symptom in which people try to get rid of the problem on their own. Self-medication for vegetative-vascular dysfunction can lead to the development of other manifestations of VSD.
Disorders in the functioning of the nervous system cause excessive sweating, which makes a person feel insecure. A lump in the throat with VSD and other symptoms if left untreated can cause consequences. Thus, with increased sweating, a favorable environment is created for the development of infections. The protective functions of the skin gradually deteriorate, so the skin can be affected by fungus.
To reduce sweating, specialists at the Yusupov Hospital recommend that patients get rid of bad habits, adhere to proper nutrition, and maintain a daily routine. During sessions, psychotherapists at the Yusupov Hospital help patients reduce anxiety and learn to relax.
Advantages of treatment at the Yusupov Hospital
The Yusupov Multidisciplinary Hospital is a modern medical institution that maintains the tradition of attentive treatment and respect for each patient, which is especially important in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
During consultations with patients complaining of a lump in the throat due to VSD, specialists from the Yusupov Hospital clearly explain how to get rid of the unpleasant sensations. When treating patients, only proven methods are used, so the services provided meet international standards.
The therapy program, compiled by highly qualified specialists at the Yusupov Hospital, allows patients to be relieved of the main disorder and its manifestations, such as dry throat during VSD, increased anxiety, profuse sweating, numbness of the tongue, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, and panic attacks.
If you experience discomfort in the throat, numbness of the tongue or other unpleasant symptoms, contact the clinic to determine the cause. Pre-registration for a consultation with specialists allows patients to choose the most convenient time and avoid queues. Make an appointment with specialists at the Yusupov Hospital.