Numbness of the tongue is an unpleasant, but common phenomenon. In addition, the sensation can be observed after a visit to the dentist, from anesthesia or after a long unusual position of the jaw, multiple irritants. The tongue is also numb from spicy dishes, mint sweets, pops - the reaction of the receptors to excessive stimuli is understandable. But are there other causes of numbness in the tongue?
Indeed, the tongue can become numb for no apparent reason. But is it dangerous, is it worth paying attention to such symptoms?
Causes of numbness of the tongue?
If you know exactly what numbness can be associated with, for example, brushing your teeth with a paste with a strong mint effect or burning your mouth with hot tea - there should be no problem. Sensitivity will be restored in the very near future, you just have to wait. But if in addition to the mentioned effect there are other problems, it is worth being wary.
If, at the same time as numbness, you no longer feel tastes, feel pain or tingling, find weakness in the muscles of the face or a decrease in their tone in general, this is very suspicious. Also, numbness of the tongue can be accompanied by vision problems, this is another alarming symptom. In such situations, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Numbness of the tongue as a dangerous symptom
If the tongue goes numb suddenly and for no apparent reason - most often we are talking about a nerve damage, which can occur for a variety of reasons.The nerve can be damaged mechanically, and it can also stop functioning normally due to the bacteria that caused the infection. Each individual case requires attention from specialists. Among the most common situations that cause loss of sensitivity of the language, it is worth noting the following:
- Mechanical damage after a visit to the dentist - anesthesia passes, but the sensitivity to the tongue does not return;
- Numbness of the tongue after head injuries or strokes by it, which is explained either by direct damage to the nerve, or by its compression due to edema;
- Neoplasms of any nature, pinching a nerve;
- The consequences of surgery, accidental damage or pinching of nerves.
In addition, there are even more dangerous conditions in which numbness of the tongue may also occur. This is multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism. Numbness is also observed in a pre-stroke state, with radiation sickness or as part of the consequences of radiation therapy.
The tongue goes numb with ischemic attacks and a deficiency of vitamin B12, potassium, and calcium. Taking a number of medications can also lead to numbness in the oral cavity.
Situations when it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance
Since numbness of the tongue can signal a dangerous condition of the human body, it is necessary to list the accompanying symptoms in which it is definitely worth calling an ambulance. Doctors need to be called urgently if, in addition to numbness of the tongue, incoherent speech, impaired worldview are observed, if a person is on the verge of losing consciousness or loses it.
An ambulance is also caused when numbness of the tongue is associated with difficulty breathing, problems with swallowing, numbness of one side of the body, spontaneity of movements, and the inability to control natural functions. It is worth knowing that these phenomena are harbingers of stroke.
Thus, numbness of the tongue can be quite safe if there were reasons for this. It can come from overloading of taste buds, when drinking cold water, eating spicy dishes. Even strong tobacco or other strong irritants can cause this symptom for a while. However, with suspicious concomitant symptoms, numbness of the tongue becomes a serious warning about problems in the body.
