Right-sided numbness in the face may be a symptom of numerous possible conditions, such as stroke, Bell’s palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Treatment for facial numbness can depend on the underlying cause.

Different nerves control facial feeling and muscle movement. One-sided, or “unilateral,” facial numbness can occur when these nerves become damaged, inflamed, or compressed.

Some people may experience a complete loss of feeling in the affected side of the face, while others may experience a tingling sensation.

There are many different causes of right-sided facial numbness, and some are more serious than others. Determining the cause of facial numbness is vital for receiving effective treatment for the underlying condition.

This article outlines the various causes and their associated treatments and gives advice on when to consult a doctor.

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A stroke is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain. It is one of the most serious causes of right-sided facial numbness.

The most common cause of stroke is a blocked blood vessel in the brain. These blockages are usually due to blood clots. A stroke can also occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds out.

Early treatment for stroke can be lifesaving. The acronym FAST can help people memorize the symptoms of stroke.

FAST stands for:

  • F: facial drooping or numbness
  • A: arm weakness
  • S: slurred speech
  • T: time to call 911 for emergency medical help

Additional symptoms of stroke may include sudden:

Treatment

Treatment for stroke depends on the type. A person who experiences stroke due to a blood clot will usually receive a thrombolytic, which are drugs that help break up blood clots.

A person who experiences stroke relating to a ruptured vessel may require surgery. The goal of surgery is to repair the damage and prevent further bleeding.

Often, stroke treatment reduces facial numbness.

Bell’s palsy is a type of facial paralysis that usually affects one side of the face.

This condition develops in response to inflammation of the nerves that control facial movement. The underlying cause of this nerve damage is unclear.

Although people of all ages and genders can develop it, it is more common in those between the ages of 15 and 45.

Additional symptoms of Bell’s palsy include:

  • ear and jaw pain
  • drooling from one side of the mouth
  • drooping of the eyelid or corners of the mouth
  • loss of taste
  • excessive amounts of tears in one eye
  • low tolerance for loud noises
  • difficulty eating and drinking

Treatment

Some treatments to help ease the symptoms of Bell’s palsy may include medications, eye protection, other therapies, and surgery.

For example, steroids may help reduce inflammation of the facial nerves and speed up recovery, while over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can minimize any pain and discomfort. However, people should not take these alongside steroids.

Eye protection techniques may include wearing eye patches and using lubricating eye drops.

Other therapies that may help improve facial nerve function and reduce pain include physical therapy, facial massage, or acupuncture.

Some individuals may require reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, for example, if an eye does not close. However, in many cases, Bell’s palsy resolves on its own within weeks to months.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that involves damage to the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. MS is a progressive condition, which means it usually worsens with time.

One of the early symptoms of MS is numbness of the legs, arms, or face. Numbness may also affect one or both sides of the body. Other symptoms include:

Treatment

There is currently no cure for MS.

However, a range of treatments for MS exist, including:

The initial symptoms of a migraine episode can differ from person to person. Some people experience an aura shortly beforehand.

A migraine aura is a sensory disturbance, such as a change in vision or an unusual bodily sensation.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, people with hemiplegic migraine may experience an aura that causes numbness and weakness on one side of the face, body, or both. Facial numbness may develop before, during, or after the migraine episode.

Additional symptoms may include:

Treatment

Hemiplegic migraine is much less common than other types. It requires specialist treatment.

Doctors may recommend NSAIDs and antiemetics. They may also recommend intranasal ketamine.

Standard migraine drugs called triptans are generally unsuitable for hemiplegic migraine. Instead, a doctor may prescribe drugs to help prevent migraine episodes, such as:

Additionally, a healthcare professional may help someone identify migraine triggers so they can avoid them if possible.

Some other possible causes of right-sided facial numbness include:

Any time a person has facial numbness for an unknown reason, they need to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

People need to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if right-sided facial numbness:

  • gradually worsens
  • develops after a head injury
  • spreads from the face to other areas of the body

Some causes of right-sided facial numbness require urgent medical treatment. People need to call 911 if facial numbness occurs alongside any of the above symptoms of stroke.

Right-sided facial numbness may involve a complete loss of sensation or a tingling feeling on the right side of the face. The extent and duration of the numbness may vary depending on the cause.

Several conditions can cause numbness on one side of the face. Some may resolve without treatment, but others may cause persistent or “chronic” facial numbness.

Stroke is a common cause of facial numbness. In fact, facial numbness can be one of the earliest symptoms of stroke.

People need to seek emergency medical care if the numbness accompanies other stroke symptoms. Early stroke treatment can be lifesaving.