Numbness After Head Injury: Treatment and Causes

Head injuries are a common occurrence and can range from minor to severe. One of the symptoms that can occur after a head injury is numbness. Numbness can affect different parts of the body, including the head. A variety of factors can cause numbness.

They involve damage to the nerves, swelling, or even medication. It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience numbness after a head injury – your doctor needs to conduct a thorough examination. They will recommend the most appropriate treatment. It will be based on the underlying cause of your numbness.
But you can start with this article from our blog. Here, we will discuss the various causes of numbness after head injury. Also, you will find out about the top 5 available methods of treatment. Let’s understand these causes and treatments. Then you can take the necessary steps to ensure the best outcome and quickest recovery.

What Causes Numbness After Head Injury?

Numbness after a head injury can have a number of potential causes, including:

• Trauma to the nerve endings. A direct blow to the head can cause damage to the nerve endings, leading to numbness in the affected area.
• Swelling and inflammation. They put pressure on the nerve endings and causing numbness.
• Concussion. A concussion can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It leads to numbness and other symptoms.
• Hematoma. A collection of blood outside of the blood vessels. It can put pressure on the nerve endings leading to numbness.
• Skull fractures. A fracture to the skull can put pressure on the nerve endings, leading to numbness in the affected area.

As medical professionals, we often see patients who have experienced head injuries. They experience numbness as a result. It’s critical to note that numbness or tingling in the head after a concussion can signify a serious underlying condition. 

And it’s always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Through an evaluation, your healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause of your numbness. They will recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Methods of Treatment Numbness After Head Injury

Here is a list of the most effective treatments for numbness after head injury:

• Sensory Retraining. This type of therapy involves retraining the brain. It recognizes and processes sensory information. It includes repeated exercises and activities. So the patient can improve their sensory function and reduce numbness.
• Electrical Stimulation (e-stim). E-stim uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the nerves and improve circulation. This can help reduce numbness and improve overall sensation in the affected area.
• Acupuncture. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. They promote healing and reduce pain and numbness after head injury.
• Massage therapy. This can help improve circulation. Also, it reduces inflammation and relieves pressure on the nerves. It is beneficial for addressing numbness caused by tension, and swelling.
• Medication. In some cases, medication can be necessary. It eliminates the underlying causes of numbness after head injury. This can include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or nerve-specific medications. Consult your doctor before taking any medication.

No single treatment will be effective for every patient! Therefore, a combination of treatments can be necessary to achieve the best results. Our clinic doctors work with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan. It will address your unique needs and goals. Contact us for more information.

Sensory Retraining

Sensory retraining is a type of therapy that aims to retrain the brain. It can improve sensations in the body and help get rid of tingling in the head after a concussion. This type of therapy focuses on gradually introducing various stimuli to the affected area. They include:

• light touch
• pressure
• temperature changes

Through repeated exposure to these stimuli, the brain begins to better process and interpret sensory information, leading to an improvement in overall sensations.

A doctor can perform sensory retraining through various techniques. They include hand and limb movements, balancing exercises, and daily living activities. This type of therapy is often performed in conjunction with other treatments.

They include physical therapy or medication, to maximize its effectiveness. It is important to work with a trained therapist with sensory retraining experience. Incorrect techniques can lead to further injury or worsening of symptoms.

Electrical Stimulation (e-stim)

Electrical Stimulation, also known as e-stim. It is a popular and effective method of treating numbness in the back of the head. This method uses electrical impulses to stimulate the affected nerves and muscles. It promotes:

• better circulation 
• reduces inflammation

Electrical stimulation helps improve the transmission of nerve signals. This reduces numbness and improves overall sensation. The treatment is non-invasive and painless. A device delivers electrical impulses to the affected area during the treatment. 

The intensity of the impulses can be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance. Electrical stimulation is applied on the affected area for several minutes at a time, several times per week. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine. It has a history of thousands of years and has been utilized to treat a diverse range of health issues by the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy.

It promotes healing and alleviates symptoms. When it comes to numbness in the back of the head, acupuncture can be an effective treatment method. It helps:

• increase blood flow to the affected area
• promote the release of pain-relieving chemicals

Acupuncture works by stimulating nerve endings. They trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. It can also helpreduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area. 

During an acupuncture session, the practitioner will use a sterile needle to stimulate specific points on the body that correspond to the area of numbness. The needle will be inserted to a depth of about 1 to 2 centimeters and left in place for about 20 to 30 minutes. With a series of treatments, many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is another treatment method for numbness in the back of the head. It involves manipulating the soft tissue and muscles in the affected area. Therefore it improves circulation, reduces pain, and promotes healing. Massage therapy can help:

• reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area
• improve the range of motion and flexibility

Massage therapy can help release tension and tightness in the affected muscles. It can help reduce pain and improve overall function. This type of therapy is typically performed by a licensed massage therapist. Overall, massage therapy is a gentle and non-invasive treatment.

Medication

It is one of the most common methods of treating numbness and post-concussion head tingling. Doctors use pain relief medications such as:

• ibuprofen
• acetaminophen

They can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which can relieve numbness. In some cases, opioids can be necessary for severe pain.

Additionally, some medications can help improve nerve function and reduce numbness. These include anticonvulsants and antidepressants. They can help reduce nerve pain and post-concussion head tingling. 

Topical creams and gels containing capsaicin are also helpful. Capsaicin, a natural compound found in chili peppers can relieve numbness. They reduce the amount of substance P. It is a chemical involved in transmitting pain signals.

It is vital to note that while medication can help relieve symptoms of numbness. It is not a cure and should combine it with other treatments. They include physical therapy or acupuncture. 

When Should You Go to The Hospital For Brain Numbness?

If numbness in the head occurs after a head injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. This is especially true if the numbness is accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• headache

• neck pain

• dizziness

• nausea

Numbness can also be a symptom of a stroke or a concussion. Therefore it requires prompt medical attention. Some cases of numbness are minor. Over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies can treat them.

But others can be indicative of more serious underlying conditions. Numbness is a common symptom of many different conditions. It is often caused by nerve damage, inflammation, or pressure on the nerves.

In some cases, numbness can be a side effect of a medication. Sometimes it results from an underlying medical condition. They include diabetes or multiple sclerosis. If the numbness persists or worsens over time, it’s time to seek a medical evaluation. It will determine the underlying cause and the appropriate course of treatment.

Is your numbness in the back of the head accompanied by other serious symptoms? Or is it present for an extended period of time? Then it’s best to seek medical attention. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation and provide a diagnosis. They will also recommend appropriate treatments. They will alleviate the numbness and prevent any potential complications.