Chin Tingling: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

A tingling sensation in the chin, which may also burn or feel like "pins and needles," is not something to ignore. Also known as paresthesia, a tingling chin can indicate an underlying condition needing medical attention.

Progression

• Initial symptoms of paresthesia may be subtle but can progress to an overall numbness or periods of decreased or acutely heightened sensations.

Nerve Damage

• A tingling chin usually results from nerve damage, either through injury or disease. The cause behind the nerve damage is what needs to be treated.

Disease

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) and diabetes may both lead to chin tingling. MS and diabetes may cause tingling sensations throughout the body, with diabetes frequently causing tingling in extremities.

Injury

• Injuries around the face and chin may also lead to damaged nerves and tingling.

Other

• A tingling chin may be a side effect of the common cold or sign of a heart attack or a cerebrovascular accident, a condition in which the brain does not receive proper blood supply and cell damage results.

Help

• If chin tingling recurs, note when, the frequency and other accompanying symptoms. Then make an appointment with your doctor.