Numb lips can sometimes be a sign of stroke, especially when the numbness appears suddenly and affects one side of the face. Strokes can interrupt blood flow to areas of the brain that control facial sensation, causing numbness around the mouth, lips, or tongue. This may occur alone or with other symptoms such as weakness in the arm or leg, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
In some cases, lip numbness may be caused by a small stroke affecting the thalamus or brainstem, regions that process sensory information from the face. These strokes can present subtly, with only tingling or numbness in part of the mouth or cheek. Because symptoms may appear mild, they are sometimes mistaken for dental or nerve problems.
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Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also called “mini-strokes,” can produce temporary facial numbness that resolves within minutes or hours but still signals a risk for a major stroke.
Anyone who experiences sudden lip numbness (especially if it occurs on one side) should seek immediate medical care. A neurologist or emergency physician can determine the cause and start treatment to prevent further complications.