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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In Tongue After Too Much Alcohol?

Hi, a few nights ago, I drank a tad too much and when I woke up the next day, my tongue was numb from the tip to about a half inch in, I remember seeing my tongue and it looked like I hadn't brushed in a while, so I scraped at it with my fingernails until the gunk was gone. could that be the cause of my numbness?
Fri, 27 May 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. There are two causes that are related to the tongue numbness after alcohol consumption. First is, as alcohol affects central nervous system, drinking too much may cause changes in the ability of the central nervous system to percieve feelings of the tongue, making you feel numbness over some areas of tongue. In addition, alcohol consumption in excessive amounts causes depletion of Thiamin or Vitamin B1 level in body causing numbness of tongue.

I would advise you to take Over-the-counter supplements of Vitamin B1, one tablet a day for a month to correct the deficiency.

For now, you need not to worry as the sensations may return as your body will metabolize and excrete alcohol from body.

I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if you have follow up questions.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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What Causes Numbness In Tongue After Too Much Alcohol?

Hello, I can understand your concern. There are two causes that are related to the tongue numbness after alcohol consumption. First is, as alcohol affects central nervous system, drinking too much may cause changes in the ability of the central nervous system to percieve feelings of the tongue, making you feel numbness over some areas of tongue. In addition, alcohol consumption in excessive amounts causes depletion of Thiamin or Vitamin B1 level in body causing numbness of tongue. I would advise you to take Over-the-counter supplements of Vitamin B1, one tablet a day for a month to correct the deficiency. For now, you need not to worry as the sensations may return as your body will metabolize and excrete alcohol from body. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Let me know if you have follow up questions. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah