Lip Numbness: COVID-19 Symptoms or Stroke Warning?

Numbness of the lips?

Hello, doctor.
During my COVID-19 diagnosis at the end of August, I experienced lip numbness, which has since become more frequent, often lasting over a day.
The numbness is located on the outer edge of my lips.
Is this a symptom of COVID-19, or could it be a warning sign related to a stroke? I have no history of hypertension or diabetes.
How should I monitor this, and should I seek medical attention? Thank you.

A-Liang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/06

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
A-Liang,
You mentioned that "your lips feel numb, and the frequency of this numbness has increased, often lasting more than a day, with the numbness occurring around the outer edges of the lips." Your symptoms may suggest that hyperventilation could be causing a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to systemic reactions and symptoms.
Common manifestations include vasoconstriction and reduced blood calcium levels.
The blood flow to the brain may be diminished due to vasoconstriction, resulting in dizziness, numbness (particularly around the lips and upper limbs), and weakness.
It is essential to rule out any physiological conditions; therefore, basic examinations such as pulmonary function tests, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, and blood tests are necessary.

To confirm the diagnosis, arterial blood gas analysis can be performed to verify the presence of low carbon dioxide levels.
Additionally, structural abnormalities in the brainstem may also need to be considered.
I recommend consulting 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 Jun-Yi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2022/11/06

More Info

Lip numbness can be concerning, especially in the context of recent COVID-19 infection. While numbness in the lips can occur for various reasons, it is essential to differentiate between potential COVID-19 symptoms and more serious conditions like a stroke.

Firstly, numbness or tingling sensations in the lips can be associated with several factors, including anxiety, nerve compression, or even vitamin deficiencies. In the context of COVID-19, some patients have reported neurological symptoms, including altered sensations, which may manifest as numbness or tingling. This could be due to the virus's impact on the nervous system, although such symptoms are less common than respiratory symptoms.

However, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a stroke, especially if the numbness is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, or severe headache. The classic acronym FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call emergency services) can help identify stroke symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.

Given that you do not have a history of hypertension or diabetes, which are common risk factors for stroke, it is still important to be vigilant. Other factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle choices, can also contribute to stroke risk. If your lip numbness persists or worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

In the meantime, you can monitor your symptoms by keeping a diary of when the numbness occurs, its duration, and any associated activities or stressors. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in determining the cause of your symptoms.

If you are concerned about the possibility of long-term effects from COVID-19, also known as "Long COVID," it is worth discussing with your doctor. Some individuals experience lingering symptoms after recovering from the acute phase of the infection, and these can include neurological symptoms like numbness.

In summary, while lip numbness can be a symptom related to COVID-19, it is essential to consider other serious conditions such as stroke. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention can be critical in managing both COVID-19-related symptoms and potential neurological issues.

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