Numb neck and tongue

[guilty670]

I am eighteen and last night the left side of my neck (and the back of my tongue) went numb. It felt like a thick sort of paralysis, and though I was able to move, both lifting my head and swallowing was very hard. I kept checking my tongue wasn't swelling (that was how thick it felt) and put myself in the recovery position for much-needed sleep (I haven't slept properly in days, and last night I was so exhausted - I believe I have chronic insomnia, as it's common for me to have little to no sleep for up to 4 days and then crash). I don't have any true allergies, only intolerances. Soy is one, and last night ate food with tofu in it (though not the tofu itself, and the usual reaction is a sore stomach). I was leaning on my left side for a little while before this happened, and have not experienced it before. It is still present, though not nearly as bad as last night - more merely like I slept in the wrong position and blood is sluggish to the area. I was momentarily worried I may be struggling with a minor stroke because of the numbness and that it was localised on the left side. However, below my neck seems fine, I had a headache only at a localised point above my ear directly before discovering the numbness, and I am, of course, eighteen. I believe it may be something to do with a neck muscle or a nerve that's been upset somehow.

[mstanfordrn42]

Sorry your having problems.  I am not sure what to tell you except see you PCP.  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
In my opinion it is related to neck-tongue syndrome. There is upper nuchal (neck) or occipital pain on one side, with or without numbness in these areas. This is accompanied by simultaneous ipsilateral (same side) numbness of the tongue. This numbness is caused by compression of the second cervical root (C2) in the atlantoaxial space. If there is a C1-C2 instability then this can be dangerous. Hence get this confirmed by a MRI immediately. It can also be an inflamed wisdom tooth. Do discuss this with your doctor (both dentist and orthopedic specialist) and get yourself examined. Hope this helps. Take care!