The sensation of the back of your head “falling asleep,” characterized by numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles feeling, is medically termed paresthesia. This common experience, while often temporary and harmless, can sometimes indicate underlying issues that warrant attention. Understanding the reasons behind this sensation can help in determining when to seek professional advice.
Understanding the Sensation
The sensation of numbness and tingling in the back of the head, medically termed paresthesia, arises from how nerves transmit sensory information. When these nerves are compressed, irritated, or damaged, their ability to transmit signals is disrupted, leading to altered sensations. The occipital nerves—specifically the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves—are responsible for providing sensation to the scalp at the back and top of the head, and around the ears. If these nerves are affected, the result is the familiar “falling asleep” feeling in that region.
Common and Temporary Reasons
Several frequent and generally harmless factors can cause temporary numbness in the back of your head. Prolonged pressure on nerves from sleeping in an awkward position can lead to this sensation, which typically resolves once pressure is relieved. Poor posture from looking down at devices for extended periods can strain neck muscles and compress nerves, resulting in numbness or tingling. Wearing tight headwear, such as hats or helmets, can exert pressure on sensory nerve fibers in the scalp, causing temporary numbness. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, frequently associated with stress or anxiety, can also irritate nerves, leading to numbness in the head.
Potential Underlying Medical Conditions
When numbness in the back of the head persists or recurs, it may be linked to certain medical conditions. Occipital neuralgia, a condition where the occipital nerves become inflamed or injured, can cause sharp, throbbing, or shock-like pain along with numbness or tingling in the back of the head and scalp. Cervical spine issues, such as herniated discs or degenerative changes in the neck vertebrae, can compress nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck and head. Certain types of headaches, including some migraines, can also present with numbness as a symptom, though occipital neuralgia is often confused with migraines due to similar pain patterns. Less commonly, nerve damage from head or neck injuries can result in persistent numbness.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is advisable to seek medical attention if numbness or tingling in the back of your head is accompanied by concerning symptoms. These “red flag” signs include weakness in limbs, dizziness, changes in vision, or a severe, worsening headache. Numbness that spreads to other body parts, a loss of balance, or symptoms that appear following a head or neck injury also warrant prompt medical evaluation. If the sensation is persistent, progressively worsening, or significantly interferes with your daily activities, consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.