What causes Numbness on left side of body?
There are many potential causes of numbness (a loss of sensation) on the left side of the body, ranging from minor and temporary to more serious and permanent. Some possible causes include:
Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, can cause numbness. This damage can be caused by various factors such as diabetes, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, and compression or injury to the nerves.
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke): A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to a loss of neurological function. Depending on the location of the stroke, it can cause numbness on one side of the body, including the left side.
Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to the spinal cord, such as from an accident or trauma, can disrupt the nerve pathways that control sensation, resulting in numbness on one side of the body.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It can cause various neurological symptoms, including numbness on one side of the body, which may come and go.
Migraines: Migraines are severe headaches that can cause various neurological symptoms, including numbness on one side of the body, as well as visual disturbances and nausea.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, which can cause symptoms similar to a stroke, such as numbness on one side of the body, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its own nerves. It can cause muscle weakness and numbness, which may start in the legs and then progress to the arms and other parts of the body.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve, which passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, gets compressed or irritated. It can cause numbness and tingling in the fingers and hand, usually on the affected side.
Other causes: In some cases, numbness on one side of the body can be caused by other underlying medical conditions or infections, such as certain tumors, meningitis, or vitamin B12 deficiency.
If you experience persistent or sudden numbness on one side of your body, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, to identify the underlying cause of the numbness and recommend the most suitable course of treatment.