Facial and Scalp Numbness: When to Seek Medical Attention

Scalp tingling and facial numbness?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing tingling sensations on my scalp for the past few days, and then my left face started to feel numb as well.
Occasionally, my left hand also feels numb, but not as frequently as my face.
Due to the pandemic, I haven't sought medical attention yet.
I would like to know if you would recommend that I see a doctor.
Since the symptoms are all on the left side, could this be related to a neurological issue or a heart problem? I had an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram last November, which showed no issues, but I wasn't experiencing any numbness at that time.
Thank you for your hard work, Doctor.

Qing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/03

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Ching,
Your symptoms are occurring on the same side, affecting both your face and limbs.
It is advisable to rule out structural issues in the brain, starting with the exclusion of cerebrovascular diseases.
Generally, individuals with high blood pressure have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke.
Conversely, low blood pressure can lead to insufficient cerebral circulation, potentially causing borderzone ischemia.
I would like to know if you have metabolic syndrome (such as increased waist circumference, elevated fasting blood glucose, or abnormal lipid levels), as this also places you in a high-risk group for stroke.
Additionally, smoking can contribute to cerebrovascular diseases.
I recommend that you undergo examinations for risk factors related to brain and vascular diseases.
If you are concerned about radiation exposure, you may consider self-paying for a brain MRI.
Furthermore, as a young woman, it is important to rule out certain autoimmune and metabolic issues.
For nerve repair, it is suggested to supplement with B vitamins and manage risk factors.
I recommend consulting a neurologist to discuss examinations and treatment options.
However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to wait until the situation stabilizes before visiting a hospital for examinations.
Please ensure to implement self-protection measures, including cleaning and disinfecting, and adhere to new preventive health practices.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/06/03

More Info

Facial and scalp numbness can be concerning symptoms, especially when they occur on one side of the body. Your description of experiencing numbness in the scalp, left side of the face, and occasionally in the left hand raises several important considerations that warrant medical attention.

Firstly, the unilateral nature of your symptoms—specifically, the left side of your face and scalp—could suggest a neurological issue. Conditions such as Bell's palsy, which is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, often present with numbness or tingling on one side of the face. Another possibility is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a "mini-stroke," which can cause sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Given that you also experience numbness in your left hand, this could further indicate a neurological concern that should not be overlooked.

Additionally, while you mentioned that you had a normal echocardiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) last November, it is important to remember that heart conditions can sometimes present with atypical symptoms. Although less common, certain heart issues can lead to neurological symptoms due to reduced blood flow or embolic events. Therefore, even if your heart tests were normal, it would be prudent to consider a comprehensive evaluation.

In light of these factors, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, particularly a neurologist, is essential. They may perform a neurological examination, assess your medical history, and potentially order imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any serious conditions affecting your brain or nerves.

In the meantime, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any additional symptoms such as severe headache, difficulty speaking, weakness in your limbs, or changes in vision, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent intervention.

In summary, while it is understandable to be cautious about seeking medical care during the pandemic, your symptoms of facial and scalp numbness, especially given their unilateral nature, should not be ignored. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial to determine the underlying cause and to initiate appropriate treatment if necessary. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

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