Numb Tongue: 11 Common Causes (& What to Do)

A numb tongue can be caused by conditions like stroke, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, allergic reactions, or vitamin B deficiencies.

Depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur, such as headache, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, or single or multiple bumps on the tongue.

Treatment for a numb tongue should be guided by a primary care doctor and may involve medications, surgery, or lifestyle and dietary changes.

What causes tongue numbness?

The main causes of a numb tongue include:

1. Stroke

A stroke can sometimes cause a numb tongue. Other possible stoke symptoms include severe headache, facial drooping with a crooked mouth or eyebrow, vision problems, and weakness on one side of the body. 

What to do: if a stroke is suspected, go to the nearest emergency room immediately, as this is a medical emergency. The doctor will determine the type of stroke and start treatment, which may include antihypertensive or antifibrinolytic medications, cerebral catheterization, or surgery.

2. High blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause a numb tongue, especially if blood pressure rises quickly. Other symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, headache, and neck pain.

Read more about the symptoms of high blood pressure and how they can present.

What to do: see a cardiologist or primary care doctor for a full evaluation. Treatment may include antihypertensive medications such as captopril or amlodipine, along with a low-salt, low-sugar, low-fat diet and regular physical activity. Check-out the high blood pressure diet your doctor may recommend.

3. Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety may cause a mild numb tongue. Other related symptoms can include tremors, dizziness, diarrhea or constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, and muscle tension.

What to do: if stress or anxiety is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe anxiolytics or antidepressants. Psychotherapy sessions and lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, healthy eating, and leisure activities, may also be recommended.

4. Allergic reaction

Allergic reactions to food or medications can cause a numb tongue or mouth. Other possible symptoms include sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, itchy skin, or abdominal pain.

What to do: consult an allergist or immunologist for diagnosis and treatment. Options may include oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, corticosteroid creams, or decongestants.

5. Vitamin B deficiency

A deficiency in B vitamins, such as B1 or B12, can cause a numb tongue. Other symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, tingling in the hands, and pale skin.

What to do: if confirmed by a doctor or nutritionist, treatment may involve vitamin supplements and dietary adjustments.

6. Migraine with aura

Migraine with aura can trigger symptoms like a numb tongue and a strong, pulsating headache. It can also cause bright or flashing spots of light, blurred vision, or temporary vision loss.

What to do: consult a neurologist or primary care doctor for a full evaluation. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, triptans such as sumatriptan, antiemetics, or intravenous dexamethasone for severe or prolonged cases.

7. Trauma

Trauma to the lingual or inferior alveolar nerves may cause a numb tongue. This can happen after dental procedures such as tooth extraction or a root canal, or from biting the tongue, burns, or accidents.

What to do: numbness usually improves within a few weeks. If it continues, consult the dentist who performed the procedure for further evaluation and treatment.

8. Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause numbness in the tongue and mouth. Other symptoms may include hunger, weakness, sweating, drowsiness, and headache.

What to do: in cases of hypoglycemia, consume half a cup of apple, orange, or grape juice; half a can of regular soda; or one tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup. Recheck blood sugar after 15 minutes, and if it is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the process. For severe hypoglycemia (below 55 mg/dL), use a glucagon injection if available and call emergency services if blood sugar does not improve after 20 minutes.

9. Medications

Some anesthetic medications, such as ropivacaine, bupivacaine, or prilocaine, may cause a temporary numb tongue.

What to do: this numbness usually resolves within minutes or hours. If needed, the doctor may switch medications to reduce or prevent the sensation.

10. Burning mouth syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome causes a burning feeling in the mouth that may be accompanied by a numb tongue, pain, or taste changes. It can be linked to nerve damage or conditions such as allergies, bruxism, diabetes, or hypothyroidism.

What to do: see an otolaryngologist or dentist for a full evaluation. Treatment may involve a bruxism mouthguard or oral medications to manage reflux or diabetes, depending on the cause.

11. Tongue cancer

Tongue cancer is a rare condition that can cause a numb tongue. It is more common in adults with a history of smoking, heavy alcohol use, or poor oral hygiene. Other symptoms may include sores, red or white patches on the tongue, persistent pain, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, or mouth numbness.

What to do: consult a primary care doctor or dentist for proper diagnosis. Treatment may involve surgery to remove malignant cells, as well as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Is a numb tongue a sign of a heart attack?

A numb tongue is not a symptom of a heart attack. Common signs of a heart attack include chest pain, cold sweats, palpitations, dizziness, and stomach pain or burning.

Is a numb tongue serious?

A numb tongue is usually not serious. However, if it occurs with symptoms like headache, facial asymmetry, vision problems, or weakness on one side of the body, it may signal a stroke, which is a medical emergency. In this case, immediate evaluation at the nearest emergency room is critical.