Why Do My Scalp and Face Feel Numb?

In daily life, it is inevitable that our bodies will experience discomfort. Many of the symptoms caused by physical discomfort are actually due to certain diseases. If we do not pay attention to them, the condition may become increasingly severe and lead to complications. Tingling sensations in the scalp and face are particularly common in daily life, and many people have experienced such symptoms. However, most people do not take them seriously. There are many reasons for tingling sensations in the scalp and face, and it is important to promptly identify the cause and seek active treatment.

Tingling sensations in the scalp and face are a type of sensory impairment, mainly involving the trigeminal nerve, trigeminal nerve nucleus, and lesions above the trigeminal nerve nucleus. These symptoms are generally caused by factors such as viral infections, inflammation, ischemia, and tumors.

Primary trigeminal neuropathy is primarily due to damage to the sensory fibers of the trigeminal nerve, manifesting as numbness on the same side of the face, which can affect half of the face. If it affects the ophthalmic branch, it can manifest as numbness of the skin on the face and head.

Secondary trigeminal neuropathy is mainly seen in ectopic arteries or veins, arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms compressing or twisting the trigeminal nerve root, as well as diseases such as cerebral infarction, multiple sclerosis, syringobulbia, and tumors of the skull base and brainstem.

Insufficient blood supply to the brain can lead to tingling sensations in the scalp. This can occur when a person works for extended periods, often staying up late or working overtime, resulting in excessive fatigue.

Cervical spondylosis can also be a factor. A simple way to check for cervical spondylosis is to have someone support the head on the affected side and grasp the upper limb on the same side. Then, extend the arm out to 90 degrees and simultaneously pull in opposite directions. If there is radiating pain or numbness, it may be a preliminary diagnosis of cervical spondylosis.

Peripheral nerve paralysis can also cause tingling sensations. It is important to rest, avoid stress, and consider taking medication to nourish the nerves.

Hypertension is another factor. With the fast pace of modern life and high stress levels, the incidence of hypertension is increasing. Blood pressure has a distinct diurnal pattern, and if there is a tingling sensation in the head after waking up, it is advisable to check blood pressure as there may be an elevation.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are also common causes of tingling sensations in the scalp, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals with multiple risk factors for these diseases. Slow blood circulation in the brain during sleep, particularly after waking up, can lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain vessels, manifesting as tingling sensations in the head. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor for appropriate cerebrovascular assessment and receive regular secondary prevention treatment.