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What Causes Numbness On The Face, Scalp And Arm?

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Posted on Wed, 26 Aug 2015
Question: Hello, on monday i started to feel this numbness in my face it started at my right jaw and gums and it move on my cheek and scalp and also my arm. The numbness last about 4 hours and in the night time it start up again in the arms and legs. The next day i was pretty fine all day. However, this morning it started up again. I feel the numbness in my face cheek and scalp. It feels like when you go to the dental anesthesia on my face.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

From your description I understand that numbness involves the right side of your face and arm predominantly. You do not describe any pain.

Now numbness of the face can have many causes. Some of them, serious ones, like stroke or brain tumor are fortunately unlikely in your case, both because of your young age, not typical for these conditions, as well as the lack of headache or other symptoms such as weakness of the face or limbs.

One neurological condition which can present with such numbness at your age though is multiple sclerosis. So while it is not a life threatening condition and there is no emergency, if the numbness is confined to one side a neurological consult and an MRI may be scheduled.

Another common cause is a psychological cause, triggered by anxiety or depression. It is more probable to be the cause if your numbness is on both sides

Less probable causes are metabolic disturbances, like electrolyte or thyroid function alterations, easily excluded through some routine blood routines.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Numbness On The Face, Scalp And Arm?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. From your description I understand that numbness involves the right side of your face and arm predominantly. You do not describe any pain. Now numbness of the face can have many causes. Some of them, serious ones, like stroke or brain tumor are fortunately unlikely in your case, both because of your young age, not typical for these conditions, as well as the lack of headache or other symptoms such as weakness of the face or limbs. One neurological condition which can present with such numbness at your age though is multiple sclerosis. So while it is not a life threatening condition and there is no emergency, if the numbness is confined to one side a neurological consult and an MRI may be scheduled. Another common cause is a psychological cause, triggered by anxiety or depression. It is more probable to be the cause if your numbness is on both sides Less probable causes are metabolic disturbances, like electrolyte or thyroid function alterations, easily excluded through some routine blood routines. I remain at your disposal for further questions.