There are many different issues that may cause numbness on the right side of the body. One of the most common causes is a stroke. Multiple sclerosis is another condition that may cause numbness, and palsies may be at fault as well. Numbness on one side of the body can be a sign of a serious problem, and an individual who has this problem may do well to seek the help of a medical professional.
A stroke is one of the many conditions that may lead to numbness on the right side of the body. An individual has a stroke when blood flow to the brain is blocked or impaired. In such a case, the brain suffers from a deprivation of both oxygen and nourishment, and brain cells may die as a result. Numbness caused by a stroke can affect either side of the body, depending on where in the brain the stroke occurs. Other symptoms include trouble balancing and walking, speech problems, confusion, visual problems, and headaches.
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory condition that affects a patient’s brain and spinal cord and is often debilitating. Numbness that affects one side of the body may occur as a symptom of this condition. Other symptoms may include weakness of one side or part of the body, vision problems, tingling sensations, and tremors. A person may also experience tremors and extreme fatigue as symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
An individual also may experience numbness on the right side of the body because of a palsy. A palsy is a condition marked by weakness, numbness, or paralysis of a part of the body. For example, a person may develop Bell’s palsy that affects the right side of his face. In addition to numbness, a person with this condition may experience drooping of the face, pain in the jaw, pain behind the ear, headaches, and changes in taste. Often, a person with this condition will also experience changes in tear and saliva production.
Numbness on either side of the body may be a sign of a serious condition. In fact, it may even accompany a life-threatening medical problem. For this reason, a person with this symptom may benefit from the advice and evaluation of a medical professional.