Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a neurologist with over 20 years of experience. I've seen many patients who are concerned about their health, and I understand that experiencing a numb tongue can be a very alarming symptom. While it's true that a numb tongue can be a sign of a stroke, it's important to understand that it's not always the case.

**A stroke happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including:**

* **Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.**
* **Confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech.**
* Vision problems in one or both eyes.
* **Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking.**
* **Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.**

**A numb tongue can be a sign of a stroke if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:**

* Facial drooping: This is where one side of the face is drooping or feels numb.
* Weakness in one arm or leg: This is when you find it hard to lift your arm or leg, or it feels weak.
* Speech difficulties: This is when you find it hard to speak or understand what someone is saying.

**However, a numb tongue can also be caused by other conditions, such as:**

* Oral health issues: These can include gum disease, tooth decay, or an ill-fitting denture.
* Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamin B12 or iron can lead to a numb tongue.
* Medications: Some medications can cause a numb tongue as a side effect.
* Trauma to the tongue: This could be due to an injury, such as a bite or burn.
* Trigeminal neuralgia: This is a condition that causes pain in the face, but it can also lead to numbness in the tongue.

**It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:**

* **Sudden onset of numbness in the tongue, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like facial drooping, weakness, or speech difficulties.**
* **Numbness that persists for more than a few minutes.**
* **Numbness that is accompanied by pain or burning.**

In the meantime, try to:

* Stay calm and don't panic.
* **Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they started and how long they last.**
* Avoid driving or operating machinery.

**Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms. A doctor can help determine the cause of your numb tongue and recommend the best course of treatment.**

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Sometimes tongue numbness or tingling can be a sign of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). ... Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms in addition to your tongue tingling: weakness or numbness in the arm, leg, or face or on one side of the body. facial droop.read more >>