numbness on one side

Overview

Numbness on one side (also called hemiparesthesia) is a loss of feeling or a 'pins and needles' sensation on one side of your face, arm, leg, or half of your body. It can feel like the skin is tingling, or like the area has 'gone to sleep.' It happens when something goes wrong with the way nerves send messages between that part of the body and the brain.

Temporary numbness or tingling is common and often harmless, but numbness on one entire side of the body is less common and deserves prompt medical attention.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common with age. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of stroke are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Numbness or tingling on one side of the face, arm, or leg
• Weakness or heaviness on one side of the body
• A feeling that the affected body part is clumsy or not responding
• Changes in sensation, such as burning, cold, or 'pins and needles'

Symptoms in children

• In children, numbness on one side can happen after a viral illness, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem like stroke. It is important to have it checked quickly.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, numbness on one side is more likely to be linked to stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It should be treated as a medical emergency until proven otherwise.

Causes

Main causes

• Stroke (a block or bleed in a blood vessel in the brain)
• Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – a temporary blockage that causes short-lived stroke-like symptoms
• Multiple sclerosis (a disease that damages the protective covering of nerves)
• Nerve compression – for example, a slipped disc in the spine pressing on a nerve
• Migraine with aura – some people get numbness just before or during a migraine
• Peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord, often from diabetes

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• A family history of stroke
• Age over 55

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden numbness on one side, especially with any of the emergency symptoms – call emergency services immediately
• Numbness that comes and goes or lasts for more than a few minutes
• Numbness after a head injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• You feel frequent tingling or numbness on one side, but it goes away quickly and you have no other symptoms
• You have a known condition like diabetes or multiple sclerosis and notice a new area of numbness

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will do a physical exam, checking your muscles, reflexes, and sensation on both sides of your body. They may also check your vision, speech, and coordination.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure measurement and blood tests (to check for diabetes, cholesterol, and clotting problems)
• CT scan of your head – a special X-ray that creates detailed images of your brain
• MRI scan – uses magnetic fields to look for damage in your brain
• Carotid ultrasound – looks at blood flow in the arteries in your neck
• Electromyography (EMG) – tests the electrical activity of nerves and muscles, sometimes used if nerve damage is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

You may see a neurologist, a doctor specializing in brain and nerve conditions. If a stroke is suspected, you will be taken to hospital urgently. Tests are often done as an outpatient, and in many cases the evaluation is completed within a day.

Treatment

Treatment for numbness on one side depends entirely on the cause. The goal is to treat the underlying problem and, when possible, restore normal sensation. Time is especially important when a stroke is suspected, so do not wait to get help.

Self-care at home

• If you have been diagnosed with a harmless cause, gently moving the affected limb can sometimes help improve circulation and sensation
• Avoid sitting or lying in positions that put pressure on a nerve
• If you smoke, ask your healthcare team for help to stop – smoking damages blood vessels
• Follow your healthcare provider’s advice for managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

Medical treatments

Medical treatment may include medicines to dissolve blood clots (for stroke, as an emergency), medicines to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, or medicines to change how the immune system works (for multiple sclerosis). All of these must be prescribed by a doctor. Physiotherapy can help you regain strength and coordination, and occupational therapy can help you manage daily tasks.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is sometimes needed if a nerve is being compressed, such as from a slipped disc, or to remove a blockage in an artery in the neck. This is an option only for specific causes and will be discussed with you if it applies to your situation.

Living with this condition

If you have ongoing numbness on one side, you may need to take extra care with daily activities. Be careful when using sharp objects, cooking, or walking, because you may not feel a cut or a burn on the affected side. Check your skin regularly for redness or injuries.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar within a healthy range – follow your doctor’s advice
• Stay physically active – walking, swimming, and stretching are good options
• Limit alcohol
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques or hobbies

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce salt and processed foods. Exercise most days of the week – even a 30-minute walk helps improve circulation and strength. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Numbness on one side can be frightening and frustrating. It may affect your confidence, and you may worry about what it means. It is normal to feel anxious or low. If these feelings are affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor or a mental health support service.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of a stroke – the most serious cause – by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control, not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and managing diabetes. If you have a condition that affects your nerves, working closely with your doctor can help prevent worsening of symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a stroke is the cause, untreated stroke can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or death
• Untreated nerve compression may cause permanent muscle weakness or loss of function
• Ongoing numbness can increase the risk of burns, cuts, or infections because you may not feel injuries

Long-term outlook

The outlook depends on the cause. With prompt treatment, many people recover fully or significantly. Even after a stroke, rehabilitation and support can help you regain function and adapt. Your healthcare team will work with you to give the best possible outcome.

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