Table of contents:
- The cause of numbness on one side of the face
- 1. Congenital
- 2. Bell's palsy
- 3. Stroke
- 4. An impact on the skull or face
- 5. Tumors
Numbness in one side of the face occurs when the facial nerve is damaged. Numb facial muscles usually appear loose with limited movement or even completely paralyzed. Depending on the cause, facial paralysis may be short or long lasting.
The cause of numbness on one side of the face
There are so many factors that can cause facial paralysis. Launch page Facial Palsy UK, these factors can come from birth or as a result of health problems that occurred during life.
Here are some factors that often cause numbness on one side of the face:
1. Congenital
Facial paralysis from birth is usually caused by the fetus's facial nerves and / or muscles not developing properly in the uterus.
The baby's face can also be lopsided if the facial nerve is traumatized and damaged during childbirth.
In some cases, facial paralysis can be caused by hemifacial microsomia (HFM). This condition is related to the growth of abnormal cells on the face of the fetus while it is in the womb. However, the exact cause is not known.
2. Bell's palsy
Bell's palsy is the most common cause of facial numbness. This disease occurs when the facial nerve becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed. Nerve disorders make the muscles on the face become lowered and immobilized.
Cause Bell's palsy it is not certain, but experts believe that inflammation of the facial nerve is triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. Bell's palsy usually comes on suddenly, then gets better after a few weeks.
3. Stroke
Stroke is the effect of stopping blood flow to the brain. Brain cells always need oxygen rich blood.
Lack of blood supply for just a few minutes can cause death to the brain cells and nerves around it.
Stroke can not only cause numbness in one face, but also hands, feet, and the whole side of the body. Stroke sufferers must get medical help immediately to prevent further complications.
4. An impact on the skull or face
The facial nerve covers all parts of the face to the right and left of the skull. Hard impact on the area can put pressure on the facial nerve and cause damage. As a result, one side of the face becomes numb.
This condition generally occurs after a person has had a vehicle accident or injury. If paralysis of the face occurs immediately after the impact, the patient will usually need to undergo surgery to reduce pressure on the facial nerve.
5. Tumors
Numbness on one side of the face can also be caused by a tumor on the head or neck. Tumors are usually benign and can be removed easily. However, there are also tumors that are cancerous, so they must be eradicated immediately.
If the tumor is located very close to the facial nerve, removal of the tumor can also cause temporary or permanent paralysis on one side of the face. Therefore, patients should consult a doctor before choosing to undergo surgical removal of the tumor.
Paralysis on one side of the face is certainly a cause for concern. The reason is, the medical conditions that cause it can lead to long-term impacts or more serious complications.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience numbness in one side of your face, either suddenly or slowly. Early medical treatment will have a big impact on the recovery process.
