Differential Diagnosis for Numbness of Lips
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Hyperventilation syndrome: This condition often leads to respiratory alkalosis, which can cause numbness or tingling sensations in the lips, hands, and feet due to the reduction in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling in various parts of the body, including the lips.
- Multiple sclerosis: This chronic autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling sensations in the face, which may include the lips.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: Although it typically causes sharp pains, some forms of trigeminal neuralgia can lead to numbness or altered sensations in the face, including the lips.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Numbness of the face, including the lips, can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
- Lyme disease: In its later stages, Lyme disease can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling, though this is less common.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause neurological symptoms, including numbness, though it's more commonly associated with dry eyes and mouth.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the nerves, leading to numbness or tingling sensations.
- Leprosy: A bacterial infection that can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or loss of sensation in affected areas, which could include the lips in advanced cases.
- Peripheral neuropathy due to other rare causes (e.g., certain toxins, amyloidosis): These conditions can cause widespread nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in various parts of the body, including the lips.