Numbness on one side of the body: symptoms, causes and treatment (2023)

Numbness on one side of the body can be caused by a variety of health conditions and can be a medical emergency. Causes include nerve damage or compression, stroke, and systemic medical problems. Fortunately, locating your sensory issues and corresponding symptoms can help you identify their origins.

This article describes the most common causes of one-sided numbness and discusses typical symptoms and treatments for these conditions.

Symptoms of numbness on one side of the body

If you experience numbness on one side of your body, you may experience other related symptoms as well. The following symptoms are common with unilateral sensory problems and can help identify the source of the problem:

• Weakness in the face, arms or legs
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• vision loss
• dizziness
• paresthesia(burning or tingling)
• Loss of sensations of pain or temperature.
• cramps
• muscle atrophy(decreasing in size)
• Shake
• unsteady walk
• Sexual, bowel or bladder dysfunction

Regardless of the cause of your single-sided deafness, you should speak to a doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms due to their potential severity.

Causes of numbness on one side of the body

Many medical conditions can cause numbness on one side of the body. The most common ones include:

• Stroke (stroke)
• peripheral neuropathy
• spinal radiculopathy
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

punchesThey occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or stopped, or when bleeding occurs in the brain. When this happens, your brain runs out of oxygen and loses its ability to communicate with certain areas of your body. This quickly leads to sensitivity problems (eg, single-sided deafness) and movement deficits.

peripheral neuropathyIt occurs when one (or more) nerves of the peripheral nervous system are damaged. This can happen as a result of physical injury or trauma,arthrosisin a neighboring joint, chronic repetitive movements,Diabetes, or vascular problems.

Depending on the nerve affected, peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness limited to a specific strip of skin or spread down an arm or leg.

Spinal radiculopathy is the compression or injury of aNerve root when it branches from the spinal cord. If that happens inthe cervical region (neck), you may have sensory and movement problems in one (or both) of your arms. insidelower back (lumbar region).spine, radiculopathy can lead to numbness and strength problems in one (or both) legs.

Depending on the source of the spinal radiculopathy, these symptoms can appear quickly or slowly worsen over time. The most common causes of this concern areBulging or herniated disc,degenerative disc disease,spinal arthritis or spondylosisand bone spurs.

Multiple sclerosisis a disease of the central nervous system that occurs when the protective covering around the nerves in your body (calleddie Myelinscheide) It is damaged. This damage affects the nerves' ability to transmit signals properly and can lead to many symptoms, including numbness on one side of the body.

Accordinglythe MS guythe symptoms of the disease can be constant and progressive, or they can be more intermittent.

How to treat numbness on one side of the body

Treatments for single-sided deafness vary widely, depending on the cause. In any case, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

punchesare a medical emergency and you should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room. A stroke is typicalstruggled with drugsto clear blockages in your artery.

Medicines that reduce swelling in the brain and protect it from damage are also commonly given.Surgery may be necessaryto remove a clot or repair damaged blood vessels. Rehabilitationafter a stroke, it is necessary to restore body functions.

Peripheral neuropathy can be treated in several ways. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and quitting smoking can improve nerve health and function. Forneuropathy caused by diabetes, monitoring your glucose levels and maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial.

Also, certain types of peripheral neuropathy can be managed with neuropathic or immunosuppressant medications. In rarer cases, surgery may be needed to relieve compression or tension on an affected nerve.

Treatment for spinal radiculopathy can also vary widely. Physical therapy is often initiated to strengthen the core muscles and relieve tension on the pinched nerve root.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)It can also help reduce the inflammation that could be causing your symptoms.

steroid injections in the spineThey are also sometimes needed when more conservative treatments are ineffective. In advanced cases of radiculopathy, surgery may be required.decompress the nerveÖFusion of the affected spinal segments.

Multiple sclerosisIt is mostly treated with prescription drugs. While there is no cure, a class of drugs is calleddisease-modifying therapies (DMT)It can help reduce flare-ups and slow the progression of the disease.

Additionally, physical therapy is sometimes requested to teach energy saving strategies and maintain muscle tone.changing your activityAvoiding extreme temperatures, stress, and fatigue can also reduce the likelihood of an MS flare-up.

Are there tests to diagnose the cause of deafness?

Depending on the diagnosis your doctor suspects, several tests may be done to confirm the condition. A physical exam, medical history, andneurological examinationis performed.

Imaging tests may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- Provides detailed images of structures such as the brain, spine and muscles and can aid in the assessment of MS, radiculopathy or neuropathy
• Computed tomography (CT): Used to get a clear picture of the brain when diagnosing a stroke
• Electromyography (EMG): Used to assess nerve function in diagnosing radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy
• ultrasonic: Used to assess blood flow in an artery when looking for a stroke

When to see a doctor

Symptoms of a stroke require immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 and be transported to an emergency room.

If you experience new or worsening numbness on one side of your body, see a doctor right away. This is especially true if the numbness is accompanied by any of the other symptoms listed above.

If your condition is not evaluated, you may be at greater risk of permanent disability and, in some cases, death, depending on the cause of the deafness. After a thorough exam, your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine which treatments are right for you.

Summary

Numbness on one side of the body can be caused by many different medical conditions, some of which are very serious. The most common possible causes are nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Many other symptoms, such as weakness, dizziness, and slurred speech, can also accompany your sensory deficits. People with this type of deafness should be seen by a health professional urgently. A physical exam and imaging tests may be done to diagnose the condition. Treatment depends on the cause.