Sudden Tongue Numbness and Facial Redness After Exercise: Causes and Advice

Numbness of the tongue accompanied by facial flushing?

Recently, about an hour after dinner, while doing aerobic exercise at home, I suddenly experienced numbness in my tongue, followed by facial flushing and swelling.
I quickly stopped and rested for about an hour, after which I felt somewhat better, but the numbness in my tongue was severe, making it difficult to speak.
It wasn't until the next morning that I started to feel better.
I have always been fine during exercise in the past.
My daily routine is normal, and I do not smoke or drink alcohol.
Why did this happen suddenly? Which department should I consult if I go to the hospital? Thank you very much.

Lin Sang, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/15

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Mr.
Lin,
You mentioned that "suddenly my tongue went numb, followed by facial flushing and swelling.
I quickly stopped and rested for about an hour, which improved a bit, but the numbness in my tongue is severe, making it difficult to speak." I would like to know if you have a history of smoking, metabolic syndrome, or issues related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia.
How is your blood pressure usually controlled? Have you noticed any increase in your heart rate, or has your heart rate suddenly slowed down?
Given the sudden onset of your symptoms, along with neurological dysfunction, I recommend ruling out cerebrovascular diseases.
Embolism can occur in various parts of the brain, and if it happens in critical areas such as those responsible for speech, swallowing, memory, or movement, the prognosis will depend on the location and severity of the blockage at the time of onset.
I suggest undergoing examinations for brain and vascular diseases.
For nerve repair, it may be beneficial to supplement with B vitamins.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist to discuss further examinations and treatment options.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to reach out with any related questions.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/12/15

More Info

Sudden tongue numbness and facial redness after exercise can be concerning symptoms, and it's important to understand the potential causes and appropriate actions to take. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a sudden onset of numbness in your tongue, followed by facial redness and swelling, which improved after resting for about an hour but left you with significant numbness and difficulty speaking until the next day.
There are several possible explanations for these symptoms:
1. Vasodilation and Hyperemia: During exercise, your body undergoes various physiological changes, including increased blood flow to the muscles. This can sometimes lead to temporary redness and swelling in the face due to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). If you were exercising vigorously, this could explain the facial redness.

2. Nerve Compression or Irritation: The numbness in your tongue could be related to nerve compression or irritation, possibly due to posture during exercise or muscle tension. Certain positions or movements can put pressure on nerves, leading to transient numbness.

3. Allergic Reaction: Although less likely, it's possible that you had an allergic reaction to something you ingested before exercising, which could cause swelling and redness in the face, along with numbness.

4. Anxiety or Panic Attack: Sometimes, intense physical activity can trigger anxiety or panic attacks, which can manifest as facial flushing, numbness, and difficulty speaking.
5. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: If you were dehydrated or had an imbalance of electrolytes, this could lead to muscle cramps, numbness, and other neurological symptoms.

Given that this was a sudden and unusual occurrence for you, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. If you decide to visit a hospital, you should consider seeing a neurologist, as they specialize in conditions related to the nervous system and can evaluate your symptoms more thoroughly. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your cardiovascular health, a visit to a cardiologist may also be warranted.

Recommendations:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any further occurrences of these symptoms, noting the circumstances surrounding them (e.g., type of exercise, duration, hydration status).

- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are adequately hydrated before, during, and after exercise.

- Warm-Up and Cool Down: Incorporate proper warm-up and cool-down routines to prepare your body for exercise and help it recover afterward.

- Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your posture during exercise to avoid nerve compression.

- Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while your symptoms may have been benign and related to exercise, it is essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions. A healthcare professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation and guide you on the next steps to ensure your safety and well-being during physical activity.

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