What Causes Numbness in Your Face?

Facial numbness occurs when nerve signals between your face and brain are disrupted or damaged. The trigeminal nerve, which controls almost all sensation in your face, is most commonly affected. Temporary causes include sleeping in an awkward position, dental procedures, or cold weather exposure. More serious conditions like Bell's palsy affect about 40,000 Americans annually and can cause sudden facial numbness. Other potential causes include migraines, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or dental infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting 15% of adults over 60, can also lead to nerve problems and facial numbness. If numbness persists beyond a few hours, spreads to other areas, or occurs with weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking, seek immediate medical evaluation. A person at risk for a stroke should get emergency evaluation with sudden facial numbness, not wait for a few hours. This includes persons 55 and older, those with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or previous strokes or TIAs.