Numbness of the face

My hands are going numb

Numbness is a loss of sensation in any part of the body. Numbness may be accompanied by a tingling sensation, goosebumps, burning, tightness of the skin, as well as a feeling of cold in the numb part of the body. The most common complaints are numbness of the extremities - hands (sometimes they talk about numbness of the fingers) or legs.

We perceive numbness as a loss of signal: nerve impulses from the numb area do not reach the brain. In most cases, the cause is local in nature and consists of damage to peripheral nerves or a violation of local circulation, as a result of which the nerves are deprived of the necessary nutrition. However, sometimes numbness is a symptom of a central nervous system disorder.

Physiological causes of numbness

Numbness occurs with prolonged immobility. Whatever position we are in, some vessels become pinched, and we risk that the nerve endings, which do not receive proper nutrition, will lose sensitivity. Our body must move, changing the areas that have been subjected to compression, and then we will not be in danger of numbness. This usually happens during the day. But during deep sleep, we can lie in the same position for quite a long time without changing posture. And then, when we wake up, we notice that we have rested some part of our body, for example, a hand placed under our head.

Numbness is caused by exposure to cold. When in contact with cold air, the skin loses sensitivity. Local blood circulation is disrupted, and we cease to feel the nerve endings. If this situation lasts longer, frostbite is possible, but in most cases it is enough to rub the area of ​​skin that has lost sensitivity or return to warmth, blood circulation will be restored and the numbness will go away.

If numbness occurs without an obvious connection with a specific situation, then it probably has a pathological cause.

Numbness as a symptom

Numbness can be caused by:

• pinched nerve. A pinched nerve can occur at the point where it exits the spinal canal ( radicular syndrome

  ).
  Therefore, numbness is a typical symptom of osteochondrosis and other spinal diseases. The nerve can also be pinched in other areas. Pinching of a nerve in its natural canal (tunnel) is defined as tunnel syndrome
  .
  The most common is carpal tunnel syndrome
  (a pinched nerve in the wrist).
  In this case, the fingers go numb. Office work (using a keyboard and mouse) contributes to the development of the disease. Also quite common is ulnar nerve neuropathy
  , the development of which is facilitated by the need for prolonged support with the elbow (typical of working at a computer).
  Wearing a belt, pressing the thigh against the edge of the table, or inconvenient objects in pockets can lead to pinching of the external cutaneous nerve of the thigh ( Roth disease
  ) - the most common foot tunnel syndrome;

• injury. Trauma can disrupt the integrity of nerve fibers, resulting in loss of sensation in the area supplied by the damaged nerve;

• 
  My legs are going numb

  problems of peripheral circulation. For example, the development of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities leads to disruption of the blood supply to the legs (primarily the feet). A lack of fresh blood flow manifests itself as pale skin, a local decrease in body temperature, and numbness. Numbness may also accompany a violation of the venous outflow of blood (chronic venous insufficiency);

• anemia (decreased hemoglobin in the blood). The reasons may be problems with the intake or absorption of iron, vitamins (B12, folic acid);
• polyneuropathy - multiple lesions of peripheral nerves. Polyneuropathy can be a consequence of diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, poisoning, long-term use of certain medications, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and other systemic pathologies;
• diseases of the central nervous system - such as brain tumors, cerebrovascular accidents, multiple sclerosis.

Causes of the problem

“There are a number of major nerve clusters that connect your brain to different parts of your face and head. When nerves are inflamed, compressed, or damaged, numbness can occur. Reduced or blocked blood supply can also cause numbness,” says Irina Ryabokon.

The reasons why numbness of the head may develop, says the neurologist, are varied. So, for example, if such a symptom appeared due to a cold, headaches or because of an uncomfortable sleeping position, then there is no need to worry. But if a person suffers from some illness, takes a number of medications, or has suffered an injury, you need to be wary. Head injuries or concussions can cause numbness if nerves are damaged.

“By the word “numbness,” which actually means loss of sensitivity, patients often understand various sensations, such as crawling, burning, tingling (so-called paresthesia). To find out the cause of such sensations, it is extremely important to determine what exactly is meant - a decrease, lack of sensitivity or paresthesia,” explains Ryabokon.

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The neurologist notes that with paresthesia, sensitivity can be preserved, sometimes even enhanced. Less common are situations where paresthesia is combined with a violation of sensitivity in this area (sense of touch, pain sensitivity - injection, feeling of vibration, etc.).

“Paresthesia (without loss of sensitivity) can have numerous causes, and the cause cannot always be determined. For example, they may be side effects of certain medications or associated with severe anxiety or anxiety. Especially when the localization of sensations changes,” notes the neurologist.

But impaired sensitivity in a certain area of ​​the head or face requires a detailed examination. “The cause may be vascular disorders, nerve damage, or brain diseases. The unilateral and persistent nature of the disorders requires seeing a doctor and a detailed examination,” she says.

Quite serious illnesses can also cause this symptom. “Diabetic neuropathy can cause permanent nerve damage. Numbness is also a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system,” says the specialist.

In addition, in the list of what numbness in the head may indicate, the following items:

• allergic rhinitis;
• cold;
• sinusitis;
• brain tumor;
• arterial hypertension;
• stroke;
• epilepsy attacks;
• use of prohibited substances;
• alcohol abuse;
• taking anticonvulsants.

“You should see a doctor immediately if head numbness occurs after starting medication,” says the neurologist. The specialist also notes that the list of reasons for the feeling of numbness in the head can be supplemented with headaches and cluster pains (severe pain syndrome), tension pain, migraines, encephalitis, Lyme disease, shingles, as well as dental infections.

“Numbness in the head sometimes occurs only on one side. Or only the temple or back of the head may suffer. Typically, such conditions signal the following diseases: Bell's palsy, infections, acute migraine,” the doctor notes.

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In what cases should you consult a doctor if you have numbness?

If the numbness has a physiological cause, that is, caused by a temporary disruption of the local blood supply, then it is enough to change the position and rub the numb area, and sensitivity will be restored. If the numbness does not go away, then the cause is more serious and you should consult a doctor.

It is necessary to get emergency medical help if numbness is accompanied by symptoms of damage to the central nervous system:

• headache, dizziness, attacks of weakness, double vision, loss of coordination;
• unexpected bowel movements or sudden urination;
• speech problems.

These symptoms may occur after a head, neck, or back injury.

You should also consult a doctor if:

• numbness occurs periodically and without an obvious reason;
• thermal perception is impaired (for example, the ability to distinguish between warm and cold water is impaired);
• Numbness is preceded by pain and loss of range of motion in one of the joints.

Causes of pain in the hand with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

At first glance, pain in the arm and osteochondrosis are not related in any way. But the fact is that such a symptom as a painful sensation in the upper extremities can accompany cervical osteochondrosis due to the fact that the peripheral nerves that are located in the spine also regulate their activity.

What is cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease affecting the articular-cartilaginous system. The disease itself is very insidious, since pain is felt only during the transition to the active stage.

As a rule, intervertebral discs are affected. Their dystrophy is the cause of smoothing. The movements, in turn, compress the nerve roots from the spine, and then there is inflammation of the muscles, which further compresses the nerve endings. As a result, weakness and pain in the hand occurs. In some cases, normal blood flow in the upper extremities may even be affected.

Most often, you can find that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characteristic of people who often need to sit in an uncomfortable position (for example, with their head bowed).

How does your hand hurt?

The sensations that patients experience in the hand are not the most pleasant:

• Numbness up to loss of sensitivity;
• Trembling;
• Painful symptoms and their increase as you move;
• Pale skin (due to vascular spasms and poor circulation);
• The hands seem to be welded together.

Basically, the above symptoms appear in the morning. It should also be noted that often only one hand is involved in this process - but this is not necessary.

Pain and numbness in the left hand may indicate problems in the heart. If you are also elderly, then the diagnosis is carried out for the presence of disorders specifically in the area of ​​the cardiovascular system. The diagnosis may not reveal any pathology, but the pain and numbness still persist.

The situation is more complicated when a person has both osteochondrosis and heart disease. By the way, the heart can also hurt with thoracic osteochondrosis, but here, too, there are differences.

But pain and numbness in the right hand can be confused with Raynaud's disease. This is nothing more than vasospasm, leading to the above symptoms. No other painful sensations are felt anywhere except the site of inflammation.

Diagnosis and treatment

If symptoms are detected, you should contact a neurologist or vertebrologist. After all the symptoms are described, a correct diagnosis will be required. It is diagnosed on the basis of CT and MRI. These methods make it possible to distinguish a number of diseases such as metastases from intervertebral hernia.

Treatment in this case is conservative and complex, and it must be started as early as possible due to the fact that the disease tends to develop into a chronic one.

Treatment consists of:

• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Analgin, Ketorolac);
• Using patches to reduce pain;
• Using medications and vitamins to improve blood supply and strengthen capillary walls (B vitamins, Pentoxifylline);
• Use of blockades;
• Physiotherapy (ozokerite, electro- and magnetic treatment);
• Exercise therapy (but only during the period of retreat of the disease, since it is very important that painful symptoms are not felt);
• The use of such a pleasant procedure as massage also brings very good results.

And only if conservative methods do not provide any tangible improvement, surgical intervention in the body can be applied.

Prevention

Of course, it is always better to take precautions to avoid any problems. Therefore, prevention, which consists of leading a healthy lifestyle, is no less important.

Good prevention is active rest, physical and breathing exercises without excessive stress, a healthy diet, and, in addition, correct and comfortable postures, both during night rest and during the day.
Massage as a preventative measure is also necessary for the body. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Which doctor should I contact for numbness?

Numbness is a neurological symptom, so if you complain of numbness, you should consult a neurologist. You must be prepared for the fact that a medical examination is only the first stage in solving the problem. Further instrumental studies will be required: MRI (for radicular syndrome), electroneurography, ultrasound (shows a picture of blood flow in the area under study), EEG (performed if diseases of the central nervous system are suspected). There may also be a need for laboratory tests (complete blood count, blood test for hormones, test for vitamins, etc.).

Treatment for numbness is aimed, first of all, at eliminating the cause that caused it, that is, the disease whose symptom is numbness is subject to treatment. In some cases this may require considerable time.

If you are concerned about numbness in your fingers, arms or legs in general, or any other area of ​​the body, contact the nearest clinic of JSC “Family Doctor”. Our neurologists will determine the cause of the numbness and prescribe adequate treatment. Therapeutic activities may include physiotherapy, physical therapy, massage, reflexology, manual therapy - this entire range of services is provided in the Family Doctor JSC network. Surgical treatment is carried out in the company's high-tech Hospital Center.