Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Caffeine Cause Facial And Tongue Numbness?
Question: I have been experiencing facial numbness and tongue numbness off/on for several months, not with severity but it does feel very awkward and can make talking sometimes with articulation slightly challenging. I have been evaluated by neurologists to rule out MS (mri was performed and negative for lesions), and I have had enormous amounts of testing/labwork which were all normal. I usually drink very little water and admittedly drink too many caffeinated drinks. I also do not sleep well without intervention. Could this numbess be related to any of these things? could my problem be rather simple? Is there any evidence to support these simple things could cause my numbness? Thanks in advance....
I also drink wine in the evening to help me sleep or with dinner, but not every night.
I also drink wine in the evening to help me sleep or with dinner, but not every night.
Brief Answer:
They could influence it, yes.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a good thing you have had MRI and other tests which have excluded any serious condition. Regarding whether drinking little water and having many caffeinated drinks can exacerbate your symptoms the answer is yes, they can certainly be a factor, especially the many caffeinated drinks.
There are no direct studies specifically for tongue numbness, but there is certainly evidence regarding caffeine and anxiety. Caffeine stimulates metabolism and increases levels of stress hormones. That can lead to anxiety which in turn can have many manifestations including abnormal sensations in the limbs or in the tongue and face such as in your case.
That doesn't necessarily mean too much coffee and little water are the only factors, anxiety is a very common issue which might be present even in their absence, but they certainly can contribute and exacerbate the intensity and frequency of the episodes.
The wine in moderate amount shouldn't have negative effects.
I hope to have been of help.
They could influence it, yes.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a good thing you have had MRI and other tests which have excluded any serious condition. Regarding whether drinking little water and having many caffeinated drinks can exacerbate your symptoms the answer is yes, they can certainly be a factor, especially the many caffeinated drinks.
There are no direct studies specifically for tongue numbness, but there is certainly evidence regarding caffeine and anxiety. Caffeine stimulates metabolism and increases levels of stress hormones. That can lead to anxiety which in turn can have many manifestations including abnormal sensations in the limbs or in the tongue and face such as in your case.
That doesn't necessarily mean too much coffee and little water are the only factors, anxiety is a very common issue which might be present even in their absence, but they certainly can contribute and exacerbate the intensity and frequency of the episodes.
The wine in moderate amount shouldn't have negative effects.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
This was very helpful, seeing that I do have a medical history of anxiety that was treated years ago. Since that time period, I may experience it periodically, but it is rather under 'control' without intervention. It does make me wonder if this is now how my body manifests anxiety, since our family has been under tremendous stress lately.
I appreciate your feedback, Dr. Taka.
I appreciate your feedback, Dr. Taka.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Anxiety can cause many different symptoms, some more common some rare, your symptoms are certainly not rare. Of course it should be considered only when other possibilities have been excluded, luckily you have done that.
Thank you for your appreciative words.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Anxiety can cause many different symptoms, some more common some rare, your symptoms are certainly not rare. Of course it should be considered only when other possibilities have been excluded, luckily you have done that.
Thank you for your appreciative words.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
