What to do if the left side is numb
Decreased sensation, slight tingling, impaired joint flexibility – are some of these symptoms familiar to you? In this article we will talk about why the left side goes numb.
Why is the left side of the face or body numb?
So, let’s look at the possible causes of numbness:
1. Violation of cerebral circulation (microstroke) can lead to left-sided numbness. Most often this happens to older people, after 55 years old, who previously had health problems: overweight, atherosclerosis, heart disease. In this case, numbness carries a warning character, the main symptoms of a microstroke will appear a little later.
2. Discomfort and decreased sensitivity may be a signal of the development of a benign or malignant brain tumor . Increasing in size, it compresses the tissues and provokes functional failures. Additional symptoms: migraine , dizziness, visual disturbances.
3. The presence of a hernia in the cervical spine leads to disruption of the circulatory system, which is often a source of numbness.
4. Paralysis of the facial nerve is another cause of discomfort. This problem occurs after infection with infections and viruses, such as meningitis or herpes. In this case, the patient does not feel the tongue, lips, cheeks, etc. In addition, the cause may be hidden in pinching or irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
5. Oddly enough, but loss of sensitivity can be triggered by taking strong drugs . Also, acute inflammatory diseases of the ears, throat or nose often become the culprits of numbness and soreness of the tissues.
In case of a systematic manifestation of discomfort, you should consult a specialist and check your health.
What to do if the left side of the face or body goes numb?
You can’t self-medicate! A competent doctor will prescribe a complete examination of the body and identify the focus of your problem. Modern research methods (ultrasound, MRI, EMG, etc.) will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and protect the patient from complications.
In addition to drug treatments, there are additional methods of therapy:
- yoga ;
- acupuncture;
- ultraphonophoresis;
- various types of massage;
- meditation.
The manifestation of the first, even minor symptoms should be taken seriously. Watch your health!
Expert opinion
If a person has a feeling of numbness in the left half of the body, he needs to urgently contact the doctors by calling an ambulance! Because this may be the first sign of an acute violation of cerebral circulation – a stroke. If a stroke is excluded, then there may be the following reasons:
1) Hypothermia or uncomfortable sleeping position.
2) Pinching in the cervical separate spine, as well as protrusions and hernias. Yes, indeed, hernias and protrusions, as well as less traumatic, but still unpleasant problems, can be the cause of numbness. In this case, after a visit to a neurologist, a complex of MRI studies is usually prescribed.
3) Autoimmune diseases. For example, multiple sclerosis. It can also be detected by MRI studies after visiting a neurologist.
4) Stress, smoking, drinking alcohol. As a result of stress, the vascular system suffers, and due to vasoconstriction, there may be problems with blood flow, resulting in insufficient blood supply and numbness.
5) Injuries, even chronic ones, can cause numbness (impaired blood flow, vital functions of the musculoskeletal system).
6) The use of specific medicinal preparations. However, usually the doctor warns about side effects by prescribing them.
7) Oncology or any neoplasms. Neoplasms (even benign) in the head or in any other organs can give a symptom such as numbness.
The causes of numbness can be very, very serious, and only after detailed examinations by a neurologist can a diagnosis be made and treatment can begin!
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