Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

My tongue has be 'numb' for two days-what could cause this?

Hi! My tongue has felt numb for two days now. It's more like a "tingling" than numbness, because I can feel it (biting, etc). It feels like I burned it, without the pain. Could I have burned it and just don't remember? I do all the cooking (and tasting) around here! I seem to feel it more on the tip and it does look a little red.... If I burned it a few days ago, could I still be feeling it? Thanks!!!
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I really don't know why this tingling happens, but, I have it as well.  The tip of my tongue and lower lip both get the "tingling" sensation.  Just wanted to let you know you are not alone with this.

Sunnygal
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, numbness at tip of the tongue was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey Susiedisney, sunnygal, Dhouston and kizzle;

I have the numb tongue also--it is only on the right side though, but mine is from the syndrome(well condition--but it has the condition also invovled--do you feel like you have had dental work done?  I also have problems when I sing, talk, and swallow also.  Are you maybe rubbing the end of your tongue on the back of your front teeth susiedisney since you can not feel the tongue?--it could explain the redness.  Nethertheless--my ENT has been a great help.  Hope you all get your answers.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I too have experienced this, it feels like the tongue has been burnt and there is a slight bitter taste although it does not affect the flavours of food.
I have also been suffering from a condition known as "Globus hysterica" which affects the throat but as yet I have had no real explanation of what causes it, these two things may possibly be connected.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This could represent a number of things depending on your clinical history and other associated symptoms. Certainly it could have been due to local trauma (like a minor burn) which should resolve in a day or two, especially with the redness. Another possibility is that it could be an infection called thrush if you're immunocompromised or taking lots of antibiotics. It can also be part of a neurological syndrome, but usually these are accompanied by other symptoms such as facial weakness or numbness, swallowing changes, throat pain, etc...Some systemic problems can also present this way, but again other symptoms are usually present. Finally, medications can sometimes can cause alteration of sensation such as antibiotics.

Give it a few more days.  If it gets worse or is accompanied by other symptoms, consider getting medical attention. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same thing too. It comes and goes, but when it does happen it is the tip of my tongue and my lower lip. It doesn't affect anything, I am still able to eat and taste, and I don't lose any function of my lip.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Forum

Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease