Several conditions can cause face numbness. According to the MedlinePlus, numbness is an abnormal sensation that can manifest anywhere in the body. Although numbness is most common in the fingers, hands, feet, arms and legs, it can also occur in the face. Environmental exposure, blood vessel conditions and nerve-related disorders can all cause face numbness. Some cases of face numbness are temporary while others are permanent, depending on the cause of the numbness.
Frostbite
Frostbite can cause of face numbness in people living in cold climates. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, frostbite occurs when a person's skin, including skin of the face, is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Frostbite can manifest within minutes, especially if a person is exposed to a cold wind, is wet, or is at a high altitude. The hands, feet, nose, cheeks and ears are the most commonly affected body parts. There are two principle types of frostbite: superficial and deep. Superficial frostbite usually does not cause permanent damage to the skin and underlying tissues, whereas deep frostbite may damage muscle, nerves and blood vessels, causing tissue death. Common signs and symptoms associated with frostbite include pain, numbness, cold and hard skin with a waxy appearance, a burning sensation that can last for weeks and blisters in the affected area.
Stroke
Stroke is a potentially life-threatening cause of face numbness. MayoClinic.com states that a stroke occurs when blood flow to a portion of the brain is disrupted or significantly reduced. Without sufficient blood flow, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and food, leading to cell death within minutes. Certain risk factors may boost the likelihood of having a stroke, including a personal or family history of heart attack or stroke, being middle-aged, having hypertension or chronically elevated blood pressure, smoking, being overweight and being physically inactive. Common signs and symptoms associated with a stroke include paralysis or numbness on one side of the face or body, dizziness and loss of coordination, difficulty speaking and understanding what others are saying, blurred or blackened vision and a sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by vomiting.
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy can cause temporary face numbness. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bell's palsy is a transient type of facial paralysis that is caused by damage or trauma to one of the facial nerves. Bell's palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis, notes the NINDS. In most cases, Bell's palsy causes one-sided facial paralysis or numbness, although in some cases, it can affect both sides of the face. Bell's palsy-related symptoms usually manifest suddenly and become most severe within 48 hours. Common signs and symptoms associated with Bell's palsy include one- or two-sided facial numbness or paralysis, facial droop, difficulty making facial expressions, affected-side jaw pain or pain behind the ear, increased sound sensitivity on the involved side, headache, reduced ability to taste and reduced production of tears and saliva.
