Question
Sometimes when i turn my neck quickly, all of the sudden it goes numb, becomes tingly, and warm. My tongue also becomes numb and tingly plus It sometimes gets a copper taste. This can happen about once every two days and each "episode" lasts for about a minute. What could be the cause of this?  

Answer
Dear Kathy,

It sounds like you are experiencing nerve compression/irritation due to the position of the neck.  There can be different causes of this but the most common is due to degenerative changes in the neck which encroach (place pressure) upon the nerve root as it exits the spinal cord through a hole called the neuroforamen. The pressure although it may be slight causes localized inflammation which easily irritate the outer portion of the nerve and may result in tingling, numbness, pain, and if severe enough lost muscular function.

That alone does not explain the facial/tongue symptoms though.  The nerve supply to the face and mouth is supplied by the cranial nerves which do not originate in the neck, but inside the skull. They are direct extensions off of the brain stem.  However, there is a ganglion (group of nerve cells outside the central nervous system) called the trigeminal ganglion that can be irritated by neck movements due to its relationship to the anatomy of the neck.  The trigeminal ganglion receives many nerve projections from the brain stem as well as the neck.  It is like a train station with all the tracks coming in.  Therefore if stimulated, can create powerful symptoms.  

In relation to the taste sensation this is actually supplied by a separate cranial nerve:  The Facial Nerve.  This nerve is mostly a motor nerve, but also supplies the taste sensation from the taste buds of the tongue. The general sensory component enters the brainstem and connects with part of trigeminal nucleus. The special sensory or taste fibers enter the brainstem and terminate in the gustatory nucleus which is seperate and distinct from the trigeminal.

I would go and have this checked out with a complete physical examination of the head and neck.  The exam should include functional testing of the structures of the neck as well as neurological tests of reflexes, balance, taste, smell, eye movements, swallowing, etc...  this will give the doctor improved ability to pinpoint the probable cause.  You will likely have to have x-rays taken of the neck to include oblique views looking at the structure of the neuroforamen and a possible MRI if a structural problem is a not found.  A good chiropractic physician will easily be able to perform this examination.  If an MRI is ordered, and any lesions found, you may need to be referred to a neurologist for follow up.

If you have any further comments or questions Kathy, please feel free to write back.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net