Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGeneral CausesSymptoms and TypesAt-Home RemediesWhen to Seek Medical CareTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
General Causes
Symptoms and Types
At-Home Remedies
When to Seek Medical Care
Treatment
A wide range of issues can cause you to feel tingling in the head and face. Clinically referred to as paresthesia, this condition is a sign ofneuropathy, which is damage or dysfunction of the nerves.
Upper respiratoryandsinus infectionsare common causes of paresthesia, as areheadache disorders, head injuries, and diabetes, among other conditions. Tingling in the head may also arise due to neurological andautoimmune conditions, such as epilepsy,multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
Verywell / Daniel Fishel
Causes of Tingling in the Head
Thehead tinglingand numbness associated with paresthesia are primarily signs of nerve disorders in the affected area.
Certain nerves in the face and head become hyperactive, signaling pain sensations that aren’t there. This occurs due to nerve impingement (a trapped nerve, when too much pressure is on a nerve), disruptions of blood circulation, nerve inflammation or damage, or chronic underlying conditions.
The list of health conditions that can causetingling and numbness in the faceand head is extensive.
Head Cold and Respiratory Infections
Viral infections of the sinuses and upper respiratory tract can cause inflammation of tissues that impinges nerves in the head and face, leading to paresthesia. Common infections that cause tingling and numbness of the head include thecommon cold,influenza (flu), and sinusitis.
Treatment may include rest and over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain medication to relieve symptoms.Antiviral medications are sometimes prescribed to treat the flu.
Anxiety and Stress
Mental health conditions, especiallyanxietyandstress, have been linked with head tingling and numbness. When anxiety levels are high or you experience apanic attack, the body initiates a range of physical responses.
Constriction of blood vessels is a physiological response to this type of distress, which in turn disrupts nerve function. The sensation of pins and needles has also been reported to affect the tongue and inside of the mouth, a condition called psychogenic lingual paresthesia.
Treatment may include medication for anxiety as well as stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, exercise, deep breathing exercises, and getting enough sleep.
Headaches and Migraines
Paresthesia and numbness may also be a feature of certain kinds of headaches. Several kinds ofmigraines, includingmigraine with auraandhemiplegic migraine(a migraine and weakness on one side of the body), are associated with neuropathy and bring on these symptoms.In these cases, patients may report this sensation prior to a headache attack.
Additionally, these symptoms may also arise in other kinds of headaches, such as:
Different medications may be prescribed to treat different types of headaches. Other treatments may focus on ways to prevent headaches, such as taking breaks to relieve eye strain, and relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, massage, and exercise.
Head Injury
The nerve damage associated with head injuries, such as falls, collisions, or puncture wounds, can also lead to tingling and the sensation of pins and needles. Paresthesia arises as the nerve pathways recover and heal.
Treatment will depend on the extent of the head injury. Mild head injury may require rest, ice, and pain relievers, while severe head injury may require hospitalization, sedation, or surgery.
Diabetes
Tingling sensations are also a complication ofdiabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes), a common metabolic disorder that causes elevated levels of sugar in the blood. Over time, this condition damages the nerves and causes inflammation, leading to symptoms.
Diabetic paresthesia typically affects the hands and feet, though some, especially older patients, also experience it in the head and face.
Although there is no cure for this type of nerve damage, treatments to relieve symptoms may include pain-relieving prescription medications and keeping blood sugar levels in the target range.
Substance Misuse
Among the health effects of excessive consumption ofalcoholis damage to the nerves, called alcoholic neuropathy. The sensation of pins and needles in the head or face may be a sign of prolonged abuse, especially among drinkers who have malnutrition.
Medications
Neuropathy of the face and head can also be a side effect of a range of medications. Type of drugs that may cause it include:
Be Aware of Side EffectsIf you’ve been prescribed any medication, make sure you’re aware of its side effects and learn the correct way to use it. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about safe and effective use, as well as what signs might prompt calling them or seeking emergency care.
Be Aware of Side Effects
If you’ve been prescribed any medication, make sure you’re aware of its side effects and learn the correct way to use it. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about safe and effective use, as well as what signs might prompt calling them or seeking emergency care.
Your healthcare provider will likely change the dosage or type of medication you’re taking to treat medication-induced tingling or numbness.
ASMR
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a degenerative autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, in which the immune system attacks the lining of nerves in the brain, spine, or eyes. Alongside muscle weakness, cognitive issues, spasticity (muscle tightness), and pain, MS can causetingling and numbnessin the face and head.
There is no cure for MS and medications are not always effective in relieving symptoms. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may be recommended, such asreflexology,biofeedback,acupuncture, stretching, and aerobic exercise.
Epilepsy and Other Seizures
Seizures, often occurring due to the neurological disorder epilepsy, are bursts of disruptive activity in the brain. They causeconvulsions, among other symptoms. Paresthesia and neuropathy in the face and head can result, especially if attacks occur repeatedly.
Treatment involves taking medications to prevent or minimize the frequency of seizures.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Certain bacterial and viral infections can also lead to tingling in the head and face. This can accompanyencephalitis, a bacterial infection that causes swelling of the brain.
Symptoms also arise in cases of transversemyelination(TM), a rare condition that causes inflammation in the spine. Most cases of TM are due to viral and bacterial infections, including:
Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics, whereas viral infection treatment focuses on relieving symptoms until your body’s immune system fights off the infection.
Autoimmune Diseases
Alongside MS, several otherautoimmune disorderscause nerve damage, leading to paresthesia:
There is no cure for these autoimmune conditions, so treatment will focus on relieving symptoms as best as possible.
Neurodegenerative Conditions
Again, there is no cure for these conditions, so treatment focuses on reducing or relieving symptoms.
Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgiais a rare kind of headache that arises in the neck before spreading up to the head, face, and eyes.
These headaches occur due to irritation and compression of the occipital nerve at the top of the spine and base of the skull, causing numbness and tingling. This can occur as a result of trauma or compression, as well as other conditions like arthritis, tumors, or lesions.
Treatment for occipital neuralgia includes steroid injections to calm down the nerves or surgery to decompress the occipital nerves if less invasive treatments aren’t effective.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Compression around the trigeminal nerve, a major nerve of the face and eye, can also be a cause of tingling in the head. This chronic condition, calledtrigeminal neuralgia(TN), primarily arises as sharp, stabbing, and severe facial pain.
Treatment for TN may include antidepressants to treat pain or anticonvulsant medications to block the nerve from firing. Other treatments may include surgery and complementary approaches, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, low-impact exercise, and chiropractic treatment of the upper cervical area of the spine.
Stroke
Treatment may include physical therapy, but symptoms such as paresthesia may not go away after a stroke.
Other Conditions and Causes
Other conditions that lead to tingling symptoms in patients include the following:
Symptoms and Types of Tingling
The nature of the paresthesia depends on the nerve or nerves affected, as well as the underlying condition causing the issue. It’s a good idea to keep track of your condition, as this information can help your healthcare provider with diagnosis. Here’s a quick breakdown of specific symptoms as well as what causes them.
Tingling in the Head: One Side Only
In some cases, the paresthesia is unilateral, meaning it affects only one side of the head or face; it can also affect one ear or one temple. This occurs in cases of:
Tingling in the Head and Face
Many cases of paresthesia affect both sides of the face or head, though only individual sides or areas are sometimes affected. Along with the conditions listed above, the following conditions can contribute to tingling:
Tingling in the Head and Neck
Tingling in the Head and Dizziness
The combination of tingling in the head and light-headedness and dizziness can be indicative of a range of conditions as well. These symptoms are seen in cases of:
Cold Sensation in the Head
Sensations of cold in the head, such as the pain associated withbrain freeze, are typically the result of disruptions in blood flow. Brain freeze is a benigntype of headachewhen you drink or eat something very cold too fast.
As the temperature around blood vessels in the mouth drops, the body automatically opens up blood vessels as a means of warming up, which can spur head pain.
Lifestyle changes and other at-home approaches can decrease the incidence of tingling issues related to stress and anxiety, posture, and primary headache disorders.
Furthermore, there are steps you can take to combat diabetes and reduce blood pressure, which can also help. This involves:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most cases of tingling in the head are temporary and resolve on their own as the underlying condition resolves. For persistent cases, taking care of what’s causing the tingling typically resolves the issue. It’s important to know when you need medical help, as well as what you can do to ease the symptoms.
Contact your provider if:
In some cases, paresthesia is a sign of something serious. Get immediate emergency help if:
Alternative methods that may help alleviate head paresthesia or problems related to nerves include:
Summary
Tingling in the head, referred to clinically as paresthesia, is the result of compression or damage to nerves of the face, head, or neck. A wide range of diseases and conditions can cause paresthesia. Most common among these are diabetes, stress, anxiety, and primary headache disorders, as well as certain infections and neurological conditions.
Most cases of tingling in the head resolve on their own. However, others are signs of more serious issues. Home management involves promoting relaxation and boosting dietary and fitness habits.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Rochester Medical Center.Understanding the ‘pins and needles’ feeling. Health Encyclopedia.Autoimmunity Research Foundation.Numbness (paresthesia and neuropathy) (MPKB). The Marshal Protocol Knowledge Base.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About rhinoviruses.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu treatment.Bhatia M, Bhatia N, Bhatia N.Psychogenic lingual paresthesia.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(5):VD04-VD05. doi:10.7860/jcdr/2015/11916.5897Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coping with stress.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.Columbia Neurology.Headache and facial pain.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Paresthesia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.National Institutes of Health.Focal neuropathies. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Snyder MJ, Gibbs LM, Lindsay TJ.Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: An Update. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Aug 1;94(3):227-34. PMID: 27479625.Mount Sinai.Alcoholic neuropathy.MedlinePlus.Neuropathy secondary to drugs.Fredborg B, Clark J, Smith S.An examination of personality traits associated with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).Front Psychol. 2017;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00247MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Yadav V, Bever C, Bowen J, et al.Summary of evidence-based guideline: complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: report of the guideline development subcommittee of the american academy of neurology. Neurology. 2014;82(12):1083-1092. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000250National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Complementary and alternative medicines and multiple sclerosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epilepsy basics.NORD – National Organization for Rare Disorders.Transverse myelitis.Merck Manual.Overview of viral infections.Cojocaru IM, Cojocaru M, Silosi I, Vrabie CD.Peripheral nervous system manifestations in systemic autoimmune diseases.Maedica (Bucur). 2014;9(3):289-294.MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Headache.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Occipital neuralgia.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Trigeminal neuralgia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment and intervention for stroke.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple cranial neuropathies.Beran R.Paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy.Aust Fam Physician. 2015;44(3):92-95.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What causes brain freeze?American Psychiatric Association.What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?Mount Sinai.Numbness and tingling.Mount Sinai.Biofeedback.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Understanding the ‘pins and needles’ feeling. Health Encyclopedia.Autoimmunity Research Foundation.Numbness (paresthesia and neuropathy) (MPKB). The Marshal Protocol Knowledge Base.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About rhinoviruses.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu treatment.Bhatia M, Bhatia N, Bhatia N.Psychogenic lingual paresthesia.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(5):VD04-VD05. doi:10.7860/jcdr/2015/11916.5897Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coping with stress.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.Columbia Neurology.Headache and facial pain.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Paresthesia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.National Institutes of Health.Focal neuropathies. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Snyder MJ, Gibbs LM, Lindsay TJ.Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: An Update. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Aug 1;94(3):227-34. PMID: 27479625.Mount Sinai.Alcoholic neuropathy.MedlinePlus.Neuropathy secondary to drugs.Fredborg B, Clark J, Smith S.An examination of personality traits associated with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).Front Psychol. 2017;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00247MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Yadav V, Bever C, Bowen J, et al.Summary of evidence-based guideline: complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: report of the guideline development subcommittee of the american academy of neurology. Neurology. 2014;82(12):1083-1092. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000250National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Complementary and alternative medicines and multiple sclerosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epilepsy basics.NORD – National Organization for Rare Disorders.Transverse myelitis.Merck Manual.Overview of viral infections.Cojocaru IM, Cojocaru M, Silosi I, Vrabie CD.Peripheral nervous system manifestations in systemic autoimmune diseases.Maedica (Bucur). 2014;9(3):289-294.MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Headache.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Occipital neuralgia.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Trigeminal neuralgia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment and intervention for stroke.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple cranial neuropathies.Beran R.Paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy.Aust Fam Physician. 2015;44(3):92-95.Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What causes brain freeze?American Psychiatric Association.What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?Mount Sinai.Numbness and tingling.Mount Sinai.Biofeedback.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Understanding the ‘pins and needles’ feeling. Health Encyclopedia.
Autoimmunity Research Foundation.Numbness (paresthesia and neuropathy) (MPKB). The Marshal Protocol Knowledge Base.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About rhinoviruses.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu treatment.
Bhatia M, Bhatia N, Bhatia N.Psychogenic lingual paresthesia.J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(5):VD04-VD05. doi:10.7860/jcdr/2015/11916.5897
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coping with stress.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.
Columbia Neurology.Headache and facial pain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Paresthesia.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.
National Institutes of Health.Focal neuropathies. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Snyder MJ, Gibbs LM, Lindsay TJ.Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: An Update. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Aug 1;94(3):227-34. PMID: 27479625.
Mount Sinai.Alcoholic neuropathy.
MedlinePlus.Neuropathy secondary to drugs.
Fredborg B, Clark J, Smith S.An examination of personality traits associated with autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).Front Psychol. 2017;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00247
MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.
Yadav V, Bever C, Bowen J, et al.Summary of evidence-based guideline: complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis: report of the guideline development subcommittee of the american academy of neurology. Neurology. 2014;82(12):1083-1092. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000250
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Complementary and alternative medicines and multiple sclerosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Epilepsy basics.
NORD – National Organization for Rare Disorders.Transverse myelitis.
Merck Manual.Overview of viral infections.
Cojocaru IM, Cojocaru M, Silosi I, Vrabie CD.Peripheral nervous system manifestations in systemic autoimmune diseases.Maedica (Bucur). 2014;9(3):289-294.
MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Headache.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Occipital neuralgia.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Trigeminal neuralgia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment and intervention for stroke.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple cranial neuropathies.
Beran R.Paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy.Aust Fam Physician. 2015;44(3):92-95.
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.What causes brain freeze?
American Psychiatric Association.What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?
Mount Sinai.Numbness and tingling.
Mount Sinai.Biofeedback.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More.
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