What is Numbness and Tingling?
Numbness and tingling are unusual prickling sensations that can happen in any part of your body, but they are generally noticed in hands, feet, arms, and legs. Many things can cause the feeling of numbness and tingling, including sitting with your legs crossed or falling asleep on your arm.
If numbness and tingling persist and thereâs no obvious cause for the sensations, it could be a symptom of a disease or injury, including multiple sclerosis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment will depend on your diagnosis.
The medical term for numbness and tingling is paresthesia.
Causes of Numbness and Tingling
Many things can cause numbness and tingling, including some medications. Everyday reasons that are no cause for concern include:
lack of movement, for example when you sit or stand in one position for a long time
sitting with your legs crossed
falling asleep on your arm
Other conditions that can cause numbness and tingling are:
insect or animal bites
radiation therapy
abnormal levels of vitamin B12 or other vitamins, potassium, calcium, or sodium
seafood toxins
carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on the nerves in your wrist)
poor blood supply to the affected area
an injured nerve in your neck
herniated disk in your spine
pressure on your nerves (could be due to scar tissue, enlarged blood vessels, infection, or tumors)
diabetes
migraine headache
frostbite
shingles (a painful skin rash caused by latent varicella-zoster virus (chicken pox virus)
Raynaudâs phenomenon (a condition which causes blood vessel spasms that block blood flow)
transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord)
encephalitis (inflammation and selling of the brain)
multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease that targets the brain and spinal cord)
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism, Hashimotoâs thyroiditis)
seizures
hardening of the arteries
transient ischemic attack (TIA) (a mini-stroke)
stroke
When to Seek Urgent Care
In some cases, feelings of numbness and tingling or burning can indicate a serious injury or medical condition. Seek urgent care if you also:
have just suffered a back, neck, or head injury
are unable to walk or move
lost consciousness, even if only for a short time
have feelings of confusion or trouble thinking clearly
have slurred speech
have visual disturbances
have lost bowel or bladder control
feel weak
have severe pain
Diagnosing Numbness and Tingling
Everyone experiences numbness, tingling, or burning on occasion. You probably have felt it when you stood up after sitting in one position for a long time. Usually it is resolved within minutes. You should consult with your physician if:
there is no obvious cause for continuing numbness and tingling
you have a rash
symptoms in your legs worsen when you walk
you feel dizzy
you have muscle spasms
you are urinating more frequently than usual
Expect your doctor to request a complete medical history. Be sure to report:
all symptoms, even if they donât seem related
any previously diagnosed conditions
any recent injuries
any recent infections
any recent vaccinations (especially flu shots)
your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements
Depending on the findings of a physical exam, your doctor may order additional tests. These may include:
blood tests
electrolyte level testing
thyroid function testing
toxicology screening
nerve conduction studies
spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
diagnostic imaging tests (may include X-rays, angiogram, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound of the affected area)
Treatment for Numbness and Tingling
Treatment will revolve around the reason for your symptoms. Any underlying medical conditions will have to be addressed.
Complications and Precautions
If you are experiencing numbness and tingling, you may also have reduced feeling in the affected areas. Because of this, you will be less likely to feel temperature changes or pain. This means that you could touch something without realizing itâs hot enough to burn your skin. You could be cut by a sharp object without realizing it initially. Make sure you take precautions to protect yourself from burns and other accidental injuries.
Source: http://www.healthline.com