Numbness or tingling after a facial injury

It is normal to have temporary changes in feeling after an injury or when you have swelling. Home treatment may help relieve swelling that can cause numbness or tingling.

Numbness or tingling of the cheek, lips, teeth, gums, or tongue may mean nerves have been injured or pinched or that swelling is putting pressure on nerves. This can occur from a sudden (acute) face or head injury, such as a:

  • Broken facial bone (fracture).
  • Severe blow to the head or face.
  • Dislocated facial bone.
  • Penetrating injury such as a gunshot or stab wound.

Changes in feeling when other symptoms are present, such as:

  • Complete loss of feeling (numbness).
  • Drooling or difficulty talking or swallowing.
  • Pale, white, blue, or cold skin.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Symptoms that don't go away or that go away but keep coming back.
  • Symptoms that are slowly getting worse.


Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: July 11, 2007
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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