Left-Side Numbness and Tingling: Causes and Concerns Explained

When lying on the left side at night, experiencing numbness in the leg and tingling on the left side of the scalp?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, when I lie on my left side to use my phone after work, I notice that the left side of my body, including my head and face, starts to feel numb.
When I sit up straight, the numbness in my hand gradually goes away, but my legs still feel very sore and numb.
The next day when I wake up, the symptoms are gone.
Additionally, at the start of my work shift, I sometimes experience numbness in my knees for some reason.
Could this be due to emotional stress? (I feel a bit better when I get home.) I often experience dizziness and headaches, and I have symptoms of nasal allergies.
Could this also be affecting me? (I usually feel fine when I drive or ride a motorcycle.)

Xiao Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/01

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

Posture-related issues may be associated with problems in venous return, potentially occurring in the cervical spine or brain.
A detailed assessment must be conducted by a neurologist who can evaluate your condition in person and arrange for relevant examinations.

Reply Date: 2016/07/01

More Info

Experiencing numbness and tingling on one side of the body, particularly the left side, can be concerning and may have several underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that the symptoms occur when you lie on your left side and can include numbness in your head, face, and limbs. These sensations can be transient, resolving when you change positions, but they can also be indicative of more serious conditions.

One potential cause of your symptoms could be related to nerve compression. When you lie on one side for an extended period, the weight of your body can compress nerves, particularly in the arm and shoulder area. This can lead to temporary numbness and tingling, often referred to as "paresthesia." If you notice that these symptoms resolve shortly after changing positions, it is likely due to the relief of pressure on the nerves.

However, the involvement of your head and face raises additional concerns. Numbness in these areas could suggest issues related to the cervical spine, such as a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy, which can compress nerves that innervate the upper body. Furthermore, if you are experiencing persistent headaches and dizziness, it may be worth considering whether there is a vascular component, such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency, which can affect blood flow to the brain.

Your mention of knee numbness and the association with emotional stress is also noteworthy. Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and changes in posture, which might contribute to nerve compression or exacerbate existing conditions. Additionally, anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of tingling or numbness, particularly in the extremities.

Allergies and sinus issues, as you mentioned, can also contribute to feelings of dizziness and headaches. Nasal congestion can affect your overall sense of balance and may lead to referred sensations in the face and head. If you have a history of allergies, managing these symptoms may help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. A neurologist or an orthopedic specialist can perform a detailed examination, possibly including imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan, to assess for any structural issues in the spine or brain. They may also recommend nerve conduction studies to evaluate the function of the nerves in your arms and legs.

In the meantime, consider practicing good posture, especially when using your phone or working at a desk. Taking regular breaks to stretch and change positions can help reduce the risk of nerve compression. If you notice that your symptoms worsen or become more frequent, seek medical attention promptly to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while your symptoms may be benign and related to posture or stress, the involvement of multiple areas of the body warrants further investigation. It is crucial to address these concerns with a healthcare provider who can guide you through the appropriate diagnostic process and treatment options.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults

Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old and recently started to feel a slight tingling sensation on the left side of my body. Sometimes it's in my arm, and other times it's in my entire leg, but it's always on the left side. I began an internship this summer where I sit i...

Dr. Xie Bojun reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your complaint is concerning, and simply inquiring with neurosurgery will not be able to address your questions. I recommend that you visit the neurology department at the hospital for an evaluation, as further diagnosis can only be made through examination.

Understanding Left-Side Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Jiang, I would like to ask about a condition I've been experiencing recently. For the past few days, when I wake up in the morning, I feel numbness from my left elbow to my fingers, and also from my left ankle to my toes. Today, I even felt numbness in my left face...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. Liu, You mentioned that "the left elbow to the fingers often feels numb," which may suggest a common condition of ulnar nerve compression. However, you also noted that "even the left side of the face feels numb, and there are involuntary twitching episod...

Understanding Persistent Left-Sided Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Dear Doctor, In the past, I occasionally experienced numbness in my hands while sleeping at night, but for the past month, I have been experiencing daily numbness, specifically in my left hand, which is unusual as it used to be more sporadic. The numbness is primarily on the out...

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
1. Limb numbness is a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy, often caused by compression in younger women, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurological examinations may appear normal even if symptoms are mild. 2. Headaches can be evaluated with an electroencephalogram (EEG)....

Understanding Left-Sided Scalp Numbness: Causes and Concerns

Hello, Doctor: Due to my job, I have to sit for long periods while using a computer, spending over 10 hours a day on it. In the past year or two, I have noticed some discomfort in my body. I experience sudden tingling sensations on the scalp at the back of my head on the left sid...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello: Prolonged computer use can lead to fatigue and body stiffness, resulting in soreness. It is recommended to: 1. Get up and move every 40 minutes. 2. Hand numbness may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is associated with mouse usage. These issues are caused by insu...