7 Causes of Numbness on One Side of the Face – It Could Be a Sign of Stroke!

Have you ever felt sudden numbness on one side of your face? This sensation can be alarming, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling, weakness, or facial drooping. Medically, numbness on the face can be caused by several conditions, ranging from mild to life-threatening—like a stroke.

What Is Facial Numbness?

Facial numbness occurs when there's a disruption in the sensory nerves that send signals to the brain. These nerves branch out across both sides of the face and are responsible for sensing pain, temperature, and touch. If one side of your face becomes numb, it could signal a neurological issue that requires immediate attention.

Below are the 7 possible causes of numbness on one side of the face that you should be aware of.

1. Stroke

A stroke is one of the most serious causes of facial numbness. It happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients.

Facial symptoms of a stroke include:

Drooping on one side of the face
Sudden numbness or weakness
Slurred or unclear speech
Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
Loss of coordination or balance
Severe headache
Blurred vision
Nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue

Seek emergency medical help immediately if you suspect a stroke. Early treatment can prevent permanent brain damage and save lives.

2. Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis of facial muscles due to inflammation or damage to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). It typically affects one side of the face and comes on suddenly.

Symptoms may include:

Facial weakness or paralysis
Drooping appearance on one side of the face
Pain around the jaw or ear
Excessive tearing or drooling
Increased sensitivity to sound
Loss of taste
Headache

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks the central nervous system—specifically the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause facial numbness and other sensory disruptions.

Additional symptoms of MS include:
Blurred or double vision
Fatigue
Loss of coordination and balance
Trouble speaking or swallowing

MS symptoms can affect one or both sides of the body.

4. Infections

Certain infections can impact the facial nerves and cause numbness. For example, Lyme disease—transmitted through tick bites—can lead to facial numbness if left untreated.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

Fever
A bull’s-eye rash at the bite site
Numbness on the face
Muscle pain and fatigue

Other infections, such as dental abscesses that affect facial nerves, can also result in similar symptoms.

5. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles is a nerve infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can reactivate later in life and affect the nerves in the face.

Symptoms include:
Painful rash on one side of the face or neck
Burning, itching, or tingling sensations before the rash
Numbness in the affected area
Pain around the eyes or ears

Shingles symptoms may appear a few days before the visible rash.

6. Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. Small aneurysms may go unnoticed, but larger ones can press on nearby nerves and cause facial numbness.

Signs of an enlarging or ruptured aneurysm:

Numbness on one side of the face
Severe, sudden headache
Double or blurry vision
Eye pain or pressure

A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency. Immediate hospital treatment is crucial.

7. Migraine

Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing headaches—often on one side of the head. In some cases, migraines are accompanied by aura, which may include facial numbness.

Other migraine symptoms:

Pulsating or throbbing head pain
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Vision changes, such as flashes of light or blind spots
Tingling in the face, arms, or legs
Trouble speaking

Facial numbness caused by migraine usually resolves once the migraine episode ends.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you suddenly experience numbness on one side of your face—especially with slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness—seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs of a stroke or another serious condition.

Numbness on one side of the face can be a warning sign of an underlying medical issue. From relatively mild infections to severe emergencies like stroke or brain aneurysms, recognizing early symptoms is vital for getting the right treatment.

Don’t delay seeking medical advice. Early diagnosis and prompt care can reduce the risk of complications and support full recovery.