Perioral numbness refers to a temporary numbness or paralysis of the tissue around the mouth and lower face. This can be caused by a number of conditions including hypocalcemia, nerve damage, diabetic neuropathy and Bell's palsy. Treatment, when necessary, depends on the underlying cause.
Perioral Numbness
Numbness is an abnormal sensation that can occur anywhere in your body. If it is occurring in your face, particularly in your mouth and throat areas, this can be very dangerous, particularly if you are having difficulty swallowing or breathing. If you are experiencing facial numbness, contact your doctor immediately.
Hypocalcemia
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypocalcemia is a disorder caused by low levels of calcium. It is most commonly caused by cirrhosis, chronic illness or malnutrition. There are many complicated symptoms of this disorder such as fatigue, anxiety, muscle cramps, bronchial spasms, dry skin, confusion, psoriasis and perioral numbness. Hypocalcemia is treated with oral or intravenous repletion of calcium.
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy occurs when the nerves controlling facial muscles become inflamed and cause paralysis to one side of the face. The face will fell numb and stiff, the affected eye may not close, and the affected side of the face will appear to droop. It is usually treated with anti-viral medications or corticosteroids. The symptoms of Bell's palsy usually improve within six months, though some people will have at least one recurrence.
Diabetic Neuropathies
Diabetic neuropathies are a group of nerve disorders that are caused by diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 60 to 70 percent of diabetics experience a form of neuropathy. One form is perioral numbness. Focal neuropathy such as facial numbness most commonly occurs in older diabetes sufferers and usually improves without treatment within a few weeks or months, leaving no long-term damage.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a blood vessel in the brain blocking the flow or bursting. If the flow is inhibited for more than a few seconds, insufficient oxygen will reach the brain and brain cells will begin to die, leading to permanent damage. A stroke may cause perioral numbness on one side of the face. Depending on the severity of the stroke, facial numbness may improve over time, but in some cases it will be permanent.
