Numbness of tongue

At first glance, the numbness of the tongue may seem like a simple sensation that causes absolutely no concern. However, this phenomenon often indicates that a violation of susceptibility has occurred, which can act as a rather serious symptom of many diseases.

Why does the language go numb?

The phenomenon of numbness of the tongue in medicine is called "paresthesia" (a violation of the natural sensitivity of the tongue). It manifests itself in different ways - there may be a slight, almost imperceptible tingling on the tip of the tongue, up to the goosebumps that run across its surface. In the last stage, the patient feels a complete loss of sensation. In almost all cases, the signs of numbness are completely harmless, but with a strong manifestation they can bring serious discomfort.

It is almost impossible to immediately detect the cause that provoked the appearance of paresthesia. Only after the doctor carries out a full examination, he will be able to accurately establish it.

The most common language is numb for the following reasons:

• The presence of certain diseases of the spine, most often, it refers specifically to the cervical spine. In this case, it is necessary to follow with particular attention at what point the numbness of the tongue occurs - for example, when you are in an uncomfortable position for a long time, or you sit in a long place for a long time. Such a symptom may manifest more serious problems associated with the health of the spine, so there is a need to conduct a thorough examination of the patient.
• Thyroid problems. There are many diseases related to the work of the thyroid gland and only a doctor can determine them. That is why, if there are no other visible reasons, it is worth to be examined by an endocrinologist.
• Taking antibiotics. Most often, the tongue becomes numb due to the fact that the patient independently increases the dosage of the drug, as well as under the condition of prolonged use. In this case, you may need a simple adjustment of the dose of the drug, and sometimes its complete cancellation.
• The presence of a disease such as diabetes. This disease leads to serious negative health effects, including numbness of the language, which is constantly repeated. In this case, you will also need to be examined by an endocrinologist. A characteristic phenomenon for diabetes is considered to be constant dryness of the mucous membrane, which in turn leads to paresthesia.
• The presence of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, heart attack. Therefore, it is worth remembering that even such an innocuous phenomenon as numbness of the tongue may indicate the presence of dangerous diseases and pathological conditions.
• After visiting the dentist. During the extraction of the tooth, the doctor could accidentally touch the nerve, which is why the sensitivity of the tongue is disturbed. In this case, the phenomenon soon passes on its own and does not require any special intervention.
• Lack of vitamin B12. In the event that the body has a severe shortage of this substance, a variety of negative effects can occur, including numbness of the tongue.
• Strong stress. Increased irritability, nervousness, aggressiveness, and absolutely any negative psycho-emotional state can lead to numbness of the tongue.
• Various external stimuli. In some cases, it happens that as a result of the constant use of toothpaste, which includes aggressive substances, the language becomes numb. A similar phenomenon can manifest itself from chewing gum - if after using it you feel a slight numbness of the tip of the tongue, you should completely abandon it.

Paresthesia of the tip of the tongue: find out the reasons

Quite often there is such a thing as numbness of the tip of the tongue, which is also considered a violation of sensitivity. Various reasons can provoke it - most often it is a side effect from taking certain medications, but also a glossopharyngeal nerve damage can occur.

Glossalgia can also cause numbness of the tip of the tongue - common diseases among diseases of not only the tongue, but also the oral mucosa. The sensory neurosis of the tongue manifests itself in the form of a slight tingling and numbness.

In women, this phenomenon can manifest itself during menopause, which has a direct connection with the lability of the vasomotor system, disregulation of the autonomic centers, certain functional changes of the thyroid gland. Also, do not forget that with age there is a gradual thinning of the mucous membrane, which in turn causes a violation of the regenerative possibilities of the epithelium.

The phenomenon of numbness of the tip of the tongue can occur with anemia, as well as reflux esophagitis.

Severe depression, in some cases, may be accompanied by numbness of the tip of the tongue, which occurs against the background of sharp and frequent mood swings, increased anxiety, constant and severe irritability, as well as in case of sleep disturbance, which becomes chronic.

In the event that it is not the first time you encounter such a thing as numbness of the tip of the tongue, before trying to get rid of it, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of the loss of sensitivity.

You may need to pass tests for diagnosing diabetes, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system, taking medications and provide the doctor with the necessary data (for example, if a tooth was recently removed, a prosthesis was performed, or the patient began using a new toothpaste). After that, you will need to be examined by a dentist, endocrinologist, and a neurologist. After the patient has passed all the necessary tests and the reason that provoked the numbness of the tip of the tongue is determined, treatment will be given if necessary.

If your lips go numb too ...

Such symptoms may indicate the following health problems:

1. Anemia develops;
2. Pathological changes began in the cervical spine - the tongue becomes numb in osteochondrosis;
3. A side effect due to taking certain medications for a long period of time - for example, antibiotics or antihistamines;
4. The presence of systemic diseases - diabetes, certain cardiovascular diseases;
5. Negative effects after dental surgery;
6. Circulatory disorders in the brain are the most serious cause of numbness in the lips and tongue, which can lead to a stroke;
7. The presence of individual features of the structure of the skull, which in turn provokes squeezing the glossopharyngeal nerve (intracranial node).

See also: White plaque on the tongue in infants: causes and treatment

Regardless of what reason provoked the numbness of the lips and tongue, you should seek medical help. This will help to prevent possible negative consequences for health, such as a stroke, in a timely manner.