Numbness in Lips and Hands: Seeking Insight
Greetings. I’m a 26-year-old male, standing 6'1" and weighing approximately 210 pounds. Recently, I've been experiencing a peculiar numbness in part of my face that has persisted for about a week. This sensation is concentrated on the lower left section of my lips, extending slightly to both the upper corners of my lips, and it also affects a portion of my chin, as well as the right side of my face around the cheek and jaw area – which occasionally feels painful. Furthermore, I’ve noticed some numbness and discomfort in my hands, predominantly on the right side, that has been bothering me for over a month. The facial numbness became noticeable just before I went to bed around a week ago. Interestingly enough, I had a similar experience on August 5th while engaged in a video game. The numbness emerged unexpectedly in the same area of my lips and lasted for about 10 minutes. Though I’ve encountered this numbness sporadically in various parts of my face over the years, it occurs very infrequently – roughly every three or four years. The intensity of the numbness fluctuates throughout the day, sometimes worsening and other times alleviating. About a month ago, I had a related incident with my hand, where numbness suddenly affected my thumb and index finger while playing. After an hour, the sensation subsided but did not completely disappear, leaving me with lingering numbness that seems to shift from the back of my hand to different parts of my fingers. I suspect that my legs and feet might also be experiencing similar issues, though I can't confirm it. I often sit with one leg crossed, alternating positions when they become numb, which I’ve done habitually for years. This could potentially be affecting my circulation. As for my medical history, I have no officially diagnosed health conditions, though I’ve suffered from visual migraines since I was 10. Unfortunately, the triggers for these migraines are unclear, but I’ve noted that sleep deprivation tends to provoke them, and I’ve had a few instances during the same period as my recent lip numbness. I do not take any prescription medications, nor do I smoke, use drugs, or consume alcohol. My supplement intake includes Centrum gummies and Jamieson Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3, which I have been using regularly. I tend to live a moderately active life, neither completely fit nor in poor health. Currently, I reside in Ontario, Canada. I have an upcoming dentist appointment on Tuesday for a filling, and I am apprehensive about the anesthetic's effects given my current symptoms, especially since the cavity is near the area experiencing numbness. I'm contemplating postponing the dental work and seeing my family doctor instead, though I’m uncertain how quickly I could get an appointment. I’m torn between getting the filling attended to and informing my dentist about my concerns. Additionally, I haven’t seen my family doctor since turning 18, making it challenging to initiate a visit. There is a history of brain blood clots in my family, and I’ve asked my mother on several occasions to connect me with her specialist, but to no avail. As of now, I’m uncertain if this might play a role in my current situation, but I truly hope that’s not the case. I’m open to any advice or information that could shed light on my condition. Thank you for your assistance! **Summary:** I’ve been experiencing partial numbness in my lips for the past week, along with a similar sensation in my hands for about a month.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 2:21:17 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing concerning symptoms of numbness in your lips and hands, which could have several causes. These may range from nerve irritation to more complex neurological issues. Given the familial history of brain blood clots and your previous experiences with visual migraines, it’s understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms.
Explanation
Numbness can often arise from various factors, including:
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Nerve Compression or Damage: The numbness in your hands, especially after prolonged positions (like crossing your legs), could indicate nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or a pinched nerve in your neck that can affect feeling in your hands and occasionally your face.
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Neurological Causes: Facial numbness, especially if it fluctuates, can sometimes suggest underlying neurological conditions, but they are often rare. Given your brief episodes in the past, this could mimic issues like migraine-related auras, though it’s distinct from what you describe.
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Circulation Issues: Your habit of sitting with one leg crossed might impact blood flow momentarily, leading to numbness, especially in your feet and legs.
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Vitamin Deficiencies: While you’re taking supplements, certain deficiencies (like B12) can lead to nerve-related symptoms.
Next Steps
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Immediate Action: Inform your dentist about your current symptoms before your appointment. Discuss your concerns about the anesthesia, as they can adjust their approach or consider postponing the filling until you've evaluated your symptoms with a healthcare professional.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities. This information will be invaluable when discussing your health with a doctor.
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Follow-Up with Your Family Doctor: It’s crucial to establish care with a family physician, especially given your symptoms and family history. They can provide a thorough evaluation and possibly refer you to a specialist if necessary. Request an appointment as soon as you're able, explaining your symptoms clearly so they can prioritize your case.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Pay attention to your posture, especially while sitting for long periods, and try to take breaks to change positions. Engage in gentle stretches for your hands and neck to relieve any potential nerve compression.
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Nutrition Check: If you suspect vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, which is crucial for nerve health), consider discussing blood tests with your healthcare provider.
Reassurance
While your symptoms are understandably concerning, many causes of numbness are benign and manageable. Gaining clarity from a professional can help address your fears and lead you to effective treatment or management strategies. Your health and well-being are important, so taking these steps is a positive direction. Please prioritize consulting a healthcare provider to gain assurance and clarity regarding your symptoms.
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