Dorothy FarrarSensory disturbances in the head
Sensory disturbances in the head must be taken seriously in any case, as they can be traced back to a large number of potential causes. In addition to physical and neurological damage, mental disorders are also a possible reason for the discomfort in the head area. The sensory disturbances are usually described as tingling or numbness. Especially in the latter case, neurological damage is obvious, which makes it necessary to start therapy quickly in order to avoid further (possibly irreversible) disorders.
What are sensory disturbances in the head?
Sensory disturbances in the head are usually described as tingling or numbness . Some sufferers find the tingling to be unpleasant or slightly painful. This can be due to the sensitive nerves or nerve endings under the skin. This is comparatively thin in the head area, which increases sensitivity. Sensory disturbances on the head can therefore often be perceived more intensely than those on the outer extremities (e.g. toes or fingers ). Most tingling sensations appear as paresthesia . This medical term describes that the irritation of the nerves cannot be attributed to any external cause that should be seriously considered.
The nerve reaction is therefore not due to any direct external stimulus, which indicates a disorder of the nerves. Numbness is most common in the face , lips, and mouth. They are also perceived as unpleasant and annoying. In extreme cases, an entire half of the face can be affected. Numbness is considered an indication of a temporary underactivity of the nerves, which can be harmless (e.g. body parts that have fallen asleep) or pathogenic. In any case, emotional disturbances are considered alarm signs. In addition to physical or neurological causes, sensory disturbances in the head can always have a psychological cause. This applies more to minimal discomfort that may turn out to be tics.
Causes
Sensory disturbances in the body have a variety of causes. In general, neurological, physical and psychological causes must be considered, with neurological causes being the most difficult to treat.Basically and independently of the respective part of the body, numbness and tingling feelings can be caused by disturbed blood circulation. An undersupply of blood leads to deficiency reactions of the nerves, which then cause the abnormal sensations as paresthesia.
However, injuries to the back, in particular to the neck and vertebrae, are also conceivable. However, in the majority of cases, such injuries are accompanied by circulatory or nerve damage. However, diseases of the peripheral nervous system, substance abuse and damage to the central nervous system are also possible. Sensory disturbances in the head usually involve the face, mouth, and neck. Since such unpleasant sensations each have a particular probability with regard to the presence of a specific cause, a differentiation must be made.
Sensory disturbances that affect the head in its entirety can be traced back to the onset of a migraine attack. Patients report that they feel a tingling in their heads before or during the onset of the typically severe headache. Especially during the migraine attack, this tingling can also develop into a complete numbness. After the migraine attack, however, the tingling and numbness disappear again. If they remain and occur independently of migraine attacks, circulatory disorders in the brain can be the source of the discomfort. Since these can turn into a stroke at any time , medical advice should be sought immediately. Brain tumors are also suspected of causing sensory disturbances in the head.
Sensory disturbances that are primarily limited to the face are usually due to damage to the facial nerves, burns or frostbite . In the case of head burns in particular, the causation is adequate so that there is no paresthesia. However, the nerve damage may be part of the tissue damage caused by the burn or frostbite.
Neck discomfort is usually associated with an injury to the cervical spine . Sensory disturbances on the head that remain limited to the mouth area or the tongue are usually accompanied by pain . Causes can be fever blisters, nerve failure, allergies , overactive or underactive thyroid glands and internal diseases. Cold temperatures in particular can also lead to (mostly only temporary) sensory disturbances that can be traced back to frostbite.
A loss of sensation or a paresthesia in the head area can also occur after the administration of certain neuroleptics (medicines against psychoses), antihypertensives or antiepileptics .
With other medicines, there is a suspicion of hypersensitivity to one or more of the active ingredients contained.
If no physical or neurological cause of the sensory disturbances or abnormal sensations can be found, mental illnesses should be considered. Even purely mental illnesses can have an impact on the organs. In this case, the professional world speaks of psychosomatoses or psychosomatics.
In principle, almost all mental illnesses can “break through” on the physical side of the human being. Common psychological triggers include panic and anxiety attacks.
Diseases
- CNS disorders
When to the doctor?
A doctor should be consulted if you suddenly experience sensory disturbances in your head for no apparent reason. If you have any other symptoms, such as impaired vision, speech or consciousness , call an ambulance. There is a risk of a stroke. In addition, first-aid measures must be carried out until the doctor arrives.
Long-lasting sensory disturbances should always be clarified by a doctor. This can hide serious and insidious diseases that have an irreparable course of the disease. In the case of a short-term sensory disturbance caused by a blow to the head or a slight fall, no consultation with a doctor is necessary. The symptoms usually disappear within a few minutes.
If the sensory disturbances spread further, the symptoms should be presented to a doctor and more detailed examinations are necessary. A doctor’s visit must also take place if the disorders on the head are perceived as stressful and impeding in coping with one’s own lifestyle.
The sensory disturbances in the head can have psychological causes. For this reason, a doctor should always be consulted if a tingling or numbness is inexplicable, incomprehensible and disturbing for the person concerned. Before taking any medication, you should always consult a doctor. Side effects and the exclusion of other causes must take place.
diagnosis and course
Patients usually go to a general practitioner first, so this is the first point of medical contact. The general practitioner will first try to determine whether the sensory disturbance on the head presents itself as paresthesia or not by asking the patient specifically. Usually, in the course of treatment by the family doctor, only a mere suspicion will arise, which will be confirmed by a specialist.
In cases of evidence, an initial diagnosis can also be made by the general practitioner. In the further course of the diagnosis, technical aids such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. X-rays may also be appropriate, especially after accidents . Neurological causes are treated by a neurologist. Strains, tension, etc. are caused by the orthopedist as long as the nerves have not been damaged. Mental illnesses are treated by licensed psychiatrists and psychological psychotherapists.
complications
In some cases, there is an itching or burning sensation in the head when there is a loss of sensation. The disorders can occur due to problems with blood circulation. Damaged blood vessels or low blood pressure are possible. If the blood vessels are defective, bleeding occurs, which can lead to a life-threatening condition. The risk of a stroke or heart attack increases. Due to the loss of feeling, injuries and burns can only be noticed later. As a result, irreparable damage occurs. These can affect the skin, skull or other vessels.
In severe cases, the sensory disturbances on the head spread further. The face or parts of the body may be affected. There is a risk of chronic or permanent sensory disturbances.
Cosmetic procedures on the hair can lead to sensory disturbances, but also to damage to the hair roots. Dyeing or transplanting the hair triggers the symptoms.
For some people, numbness in the head is the first sign of a migraine onset. This is associated with nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and severe headaches.
Allergies, drug side effects, or nerve damage are other complications that can occur. Problems washing your head or caring for your hair are very likely. The skin is subject to irritation, which leads to the experience of pain.
treatment and therapy
There is no uniform therapeutic approach to treating sensory disturbances in the head. The therapy depends on the identified cause. Operations, massages , acupuncture and targeted strengthening of the muscles are possible. Mental illnesses are treated therapeutically or psychiatrically.
prevention
Sensory disturbances on the head can only be prevented when it comes to burns and frostbite. For this purpose, the facial area should be adequately protected from cold or heat.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.