Experiencing Numbness in Cheek After Drinking Cold Brew Coffee
Hello everyone. For the past three days, I've encountered an unusual issue. Each time I take a few sips of the cold brew coffee from Walmart's Starbucks line, I notice a numb sensation in my lower left cheek, particularly near my mouth and jaw. Interestingly, just a month ago, I was comfortably consuming three cups daily without any issues. After taking a two-day hiatus from caffeinated beverages, this strange reaction began. Right now, I'm feeling quite uneasy. There's also pain and tingling in my left arm, accompanied by a tightness that worries me. I prefer to avoid the emergency room since my EKG results typically return normal, but this situation is causing me significant anxiety. I am a 29-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 138 pounds. My daily regimen includes hydroxyzine 25 mg, twice a day, spaced out by 12 hours. In the evenings, I use a medical cannabis concentrate via a vape, but I always ensure there's at least an hour gap after taking hydroxyzine to prevent a negative reaction that makes me feel like I’m having a seizure. I've recently been diagnosed with Graves' disease, and my antibody levels have been alarmingly high for more than three and a half years. Just a month ago, I was consuming three cups of iced coffee regularly, but now it feels like even my lips are starting to go numb. Is it possible that my blood pressure is elevated? Could this lead to a stroke? What might be causing this facial numbness after drinking iced coffee? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 😬
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 4:30:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning set of symptoms, including facial numbness and discomfort in your arm, along with increased anxiety about these changes. While some cases of facial numbness can happen for a variety of reasons, the combination of symptoms you describe—particularly the numbness in your cheek and arm, and the tightness—should be taken seriously.
Explanation
Numbness in the cheek, particularly if associated with pain and tingling in the arm, can potentially indicate a neurological or vascular issue. Factors such as blood pressure fluctuations, anxiety, or reactions to caffeine—especially if you recently resumed intake after a break—might contribute, but it's important to rule out more serious conditions, especially given your symptoms of tightness and discomfort.
Actionable Steps
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a detailed record of when these symptoms occur, their frequency, and any other factors (like anxiety levels, caffeine intake, or emotional triggers). Note if any specific actions increase or alleviate the symptoms.
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Check Blood Pressure: If possible, measure your blood pressure at home or at a pharmacy. Elevated blood pressure can contribute to sensations of tightness or discomfort.
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Limit or Avoid Caffeine: Since you noticed a correlation between drinking cold brew coffee and the onset of these symptoms, consider avoiding it entirely for now to see if your symptoms improve.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to discomfort and other symptoms.
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Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Given your anxiety, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle physical activity may help ease symptoms and anxiety levels.
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Seek Medical Evaluation: While you wish to avoid the emergency room, if symptoms persist or worsen—especially the tightness in your arm or any worsening numbness—please consider seeking medical help. These could be signs that warrant immediate attention.
It's important to listen to your body and not dismiss signals that suggest something may be wrong. You're not alone in feeling anxious, but addressing these symptoms proactively is the best approach. Please prioritize your health and take care of yourself.
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