Numbness means an absence of feeling or loss of sensation. A numb face can be a symptom of one of many health conditions, including migraine and allergies.
Numbness on any part of the body usually occurs as a result of damage to the nerves or a disturbance in their function.
Problems with the nerves can sometimes be due to an underlying health condition or an allergic reaction, but they can also just be a response to being cold.
In this article, learn about the possible causes of a numb face, as well as their treatment options and when to see a doctor.
1. Migraine
Migraine is a possible cause of a numb face.
Migraine is a condition that causes severe headaches and other symptoms. Some people experience a numb face during a headache or one of the other migraine phases.
There are four migraine phases:
- Prodrome: Early warning signs of migraine include food cravings, unexplained mood changes, uncontrollable yawning, fluid retention, and increased urination.
- Aura: People in the aura phase may see flashing or bright lights or zigzag shaped lines. They may also experience weakness in the muscles. The aura stage might happen just before or during the headache phase, but not everyone with migraine experiences it.
- Headache: The pain tends to be on one side of the head, and it typically gets worse when the person moves. People may experience a painful throbbing or pulsing sensation. Other symptoms at this stage include numbness, nausea, and severe sensitivity to light, noises, and odors.
- Postdrome: The person can feel exhausted, weak, and confused for as long as a day after the migraine episode.
There is no cure for migraine, but people can take pain relievers and prescription medications to decrease the frequency of episodes and ease the symptoms.
During a migraine episode, a person may also find it beneficial to:
- rest with their eyes closed in a darkened room
- place a cool cloth or ice pack on their forehead
- drink plenty of water
Numbness due to migraine will usually resolve after the episode passes.
