Numbness on One Side of Your Body? Don’t Ignore This Warning Sign

Quick Facts

• Sudden numbness of one side can be a warning sign of a stroke.
• It can affect your face, arm or leg.
• You may have numbness with weakness, drooping of face, speech or vision problems.
• Even if the numbness disappears, do not ignore it.
• Sudden symptoms require urgent medical care.

Introduction

Do you suddenly experience numbness on one side of your face, arm or leg?

Numbness can be caused by pressure on a nerve or sitting in one position sometimes. But sudden numbness on one side of the body can be more serious.

This can be a warning sign of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). Recognizing the signs can help you to respond quickly.

What causes numbness on one side?

Some of the causes might be:

• Nerve entrapment
• Headache
• Nerve problems
• Problems with brain or spinal cord
• Stroke or TIA

Symptoms alone may not be enough to determine the cause.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Sudden Numbness in the Face

You might notice:

• Numbness of one side of the face
• A sagging mouth
• Trouble smiling
• Arm or Leg Weak or Numb
• One side might suddenly feel numb, heavy, low or difficult to move.
• Vision or Speech Changes

Numbness may be related to:

• Difficulty in speaking clearly
• Problems with speech
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty understanding speech

Dizziness or loss of balance.

Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking or loss of balance plus numbness needs immediate attention.

A pinched nerve can cause numbness in a specific area, sometimes with certain positions or movements.

Stroke numbness: frequent:

• Sudden onset
• One-sided effect
• Weakness or facial droop develops
• Has trouble talking, seeing or balancing

Only a healthcare professional can tell you what’s wrong.

What is TIA?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain that resembles a stroke and resolves within minutes to hours.

The symptoms may go away but a TIA can be an early warning sign of a future stroke. Medical evaluation is still needed.

When Is It an Emergency?

Call a doctor or go to the emergency room if you develop sudden numbness with:

• Facial drooping
• Weakness of an arm or leg
• Problems with speaking
• Changes in vision
• Intense headache
• Feeling faint or unsteady
• Trouble walking

Don’t wait till the symptoms disappear.

Remember FAST

F – Face: Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arms – Is one arm weak or numb?
S – Speech: Is the speech slurred or odd?
T – Time Call for emergency medical help immediately.

What Can You Do ?

If you suddenly go numb on one side:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Don’t ignore symptoms that disappear on their own.
• Look for weakness, drooping of the face, or difficulty with speech.
• If symptoms develop suddenly, seek emergency care.
• See a doctor if you have unexplained or repeated numbness.

Expert Insights

Do not ignore sudden numbness on one side of the body, particularly if associated with weakness, speech problems, facial droop or vision changes.

If a stroke is involved, prompt medical attention can be critical.

Dr. Nagarajan V

Key points:

• Sudden numbness on one side may indicate stroke.
• Sudden facial droop, weakness, speech and vision changes need to be treated as an emergency.
• Although the symptoms of TIA are temporary, you still need to get checked by a doctor. Numbness can also be due to migraine or nerve compression.
• Visit the emergency department for sudden or unexplained neurologic symptoms.

About the reviewer

Dr. Nagarajan V

Book an appointment

Sudden numbness on one side of your body should not be ignored.

Specialists at MGM Healthcare can help you find the cause and guide you to the right care.

Schedule an appointment with us.