I have occasionally experienced a tingling sensation or numbness, similar to pins and needles, in my extremities, but I never knew what was causing it. Whenever I brought it up with someone, they would look grim and worried, and whenever I ran a Google search for an answer, I was quite scared to see what I would find. Then, time went by and I forgot all about it, so I must have been fine. Still, I will never forget that fearful feeling that there was something wrong with my health. Some time later, I found the following guide to such tingling feelings to be a great educational tool. Read on to find out about this incredibly common experience.
This guide is merely meant to inform. It is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis from a medical professional. If you experience the symptoms listed in this article, the best advice is that you discuss it with your GP.
Tingling and numbness are known as ‘paresthesia’.
It is usually felt on parts of our limbs, hands
or feet. Often, as pins and needles, it is
simply a benign consequence of undue pressure
being placed on the body parts in question,
such as leaning on one arm, or crossing your
legs for a long time. It is resolved as quickly
as it appears when you remove the offending
pressure, causing only mild discomfort, but no pain.
It is usually felt on parts of our limbs, hands
or feet. Often, as pins and needles, it is
simply a benign consequence of undue pressure
being placed on the body parts in question,
such as leaning on one arm, or crossing your
legs for a long time. It is resolved as quickly
as it appears when you remove the offending
pressure, causing only mild discomfort, but no pain.
The very same sensation can occur without
any obvious pressure being applied. This
paresthesia may be severe, episodic or even
chronic (never ending). If this happens and
is coupled with other symptoms, like pain,
itchiness, numbness and muscle wasting,
the tingling might be an indication of nerve
damage. Such damage is called peripheral
neuropathy, affecting nerves that are far
away from the brain and spinal cord, usually
in the hands and feet.
any obvious pressure being applied. This
paresthesia may be severe, episodic or even
chronic (never ending). If this happens and
is coupled with other symptoms, like pain,
itchiness, numbness and muscle wasting,
the tingling might be an indication of nerve
damage. Such damage is called peripheral
neuropathy, affecting nerves that are far
away from the brain and spinal cord, usually
in the hands and feet.
1. Diabetes
There are a great number of people, with
reference to the elderly in particular,
who suffer from peripheral neuropathy.
In America, for example, it is estimated
that more than 20 million people have the
condition, though there are in excess
of 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy.
In time, the condition worsens when left
untreated, resulting in reduced mobility and
possibly even disability. The major cause of
peripheral neuropathy, in around 30% of cases,
is diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is therefore
considered to be the first sign of diabetes.
reference to the elderly in particular,
who suffer from peripheral neuropathy.
In America, for example, it is estimated
that more than 20 million people have the
condition, though there are in excess
of 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy.
In time, the condition worsens when left
untreated, resulting in reduced mobility and
possibly even disability. The major cause of
peripheral neuropathy, in around 30% of cases,
is diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is therefore
considered to be the first sign of diabetes.
Since peripheral neuropathy, the underlying
cause of paresthesia, in 30% of cases is a sign
of diabetes, it is very important that if you feel
prolonged paresthesia you consult your
doctor immediately for treatment to help
reduce your blood sugar levels.
cause of paresthesia, in 30% of cases is a sign
of diabetes, it is very important that if you feel
prolonged paresthesia you consult your
doctor immediately for treatment to help
reduce your blood sugar levels.
In another 30% of cases of peripheral
neuropathy, where the cause is not diabetes,
no cause can befound, and they are thus
labeled ‘idiopathic’. This may be the case
more commonly in over60s, and progresses
slowly. Over-the counter pain medication can
be used for mild pain, or for severe pain,
prescription medication, can be taken
regularly. Therapeutic shoes can also
be acquired which reduce symptoms.
neuropathy, where the cause is not diabetes,
no cause can befound, and they are thus
labeled ‘idiopathic’. This may be the case
more commonly in over60s, and progresses
slowly. Over-the counter pain medication can
be used for mild pain, or for severe pain,
prescription medication, can be taken
regularly. Therapeutic shoes can also
be acquired which reduce symptoms.
Besides diabetic and idiopathic causes of
peripheral neuropathy, the remaining 40%
of cases contain a wide variety of unrelated
causes. There are so many causes on this
list that it frightens many people when
they first learn about the disease. However,
the disease is very well-researched, and your
doctor will know how to diagnose the root of
your illness efficiently.
peripheral neuropathy, the remaining 40%
of cases contain a wide variety of unrelated
causes. There are so many causes on this
list that it frightens many people when
they first learn about the disease. However,
the disease is very well-researched, and your
doctor will know how to diagnose the root of
your illness efficiently.
Neuralgia: this is a potent stabbing or burning
pain that occurs right along the nerve that has
become damaged. It has many possible causes,
such as shingles, diabetes, multiple sclerosis.
pain that occurs right along the nerve that has
become damaged. It has many possible causes,
such as shingles, diabetes, multiple sclerosis.
Radiculopathy: this is a disease of the spinal
nerve roots. It can produce pain, numbness and
weakness at the spine area.
nerve roots. It can produce pain, numbness and
weakness at the spine area.
Carpal Tunnel: a syndrome of the hand’s median
nerve, which has become compressed. It is located
on your palm.
nerve, which has become compressed. It is located
on your palm.
Mini Stroke (transient ischemic attack):
unlike a stroke, which kills brain cells, this ITA,
mini stroke, does not. It does however cause
similar symptoms to a stroke, and is the result
of blood flow to the brain stopping for a period
of time. This is considered a medical emergency
that may well require urgent attention.
unlike a stroke, which kills brain cells, this ITA,
mini stroke, does not. It does however cause
similar symptoms to a stroke, and is the result
of blood flow to the brain stopping for a period
of time. This is considered a medical emergency
that may well require urgent attention.
Spinal Cord Injury:
is a very serious type of injury, which may
drastically alter your life condition. It too will
require urgent medical attention.
is a very serious type of injury, which may
drastically alter your life condition. It too will
require urgent medical attention.
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Stroke Overview (urgent)
- Ulnar Nerve Palsy
- Panic Disorder
- Hemorrhage (urgent) Intracerebral
- Syndrome (urgent) Guillain-Barre
- StenosisSpinal
- Bone Fracture
- Alcohol Abuse / Alcoholism
- Frostbite (urgent)
- Vitamin Deficiency
If you are very worried and would like a good
idea of what may be causing your paresthesia,
try this web tool, which may help you do just
that. Keep in mind that this is no substitute
for a professional diagnosis.
idea of what may be causing your paresthesia,
try this web tool, which may help you do just
that. Keep in mind that this is no substitute
for a professional diagnosis.
In order to be absolutely thorough, your doctor
will require a complete medical history from you,
and a description of any apparently unrelated
symptoms you may be experiencing.
Since medication is often considered a cause
of tingling, the doctor will ask you about
any such medications, or vaccinations, in
addition to learning about any infections
or injuries you have sustained.
As well as a physical exam, you may also expect
further tests, such as blood tests, electrolyte
level testing, thyroid function testing, toxicology
screening or nerve conduction studies. Perhaps
a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) will also be
conducted. To conclude their diagnosis, your
doctor may also resort to x-rays, angiograms,
CT/MRI scans or ultrasound.
further tests, such as blood tests, electrolyte
level testing, thyroid function testing, toxicology
screening or nerve conduction studies. Perhaps
a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) will also be
conducted. To conclude their diagnosis, your
doctor may also resort to x-rays, angiograms,
CT/MRI scans or ultrasound.
For the following symptoms please contact
your medical provider for advice:
your medical provider for advice:
- Numbness or tingling with no obvious cause
- A pain in the neck, forearm or fingers
- Unusually frequent urination
- Numbness in legs worsens when you walk
- If you have a rash
or the following symptoms please contact your
hospital for urgent medical attention:
- You feel weak or unable to move, besides
tingling and numbness
tingling and numbness
- Your tingling or numbness is felt after
a recent head, neck or back injury
a recent head, neck or back injury
- You cannot control your arm or leg movement,
or have lost bladder or bowel control
or have lost bladder or bowel control
- You feel confused and have lost consciousness
for a time
for a time
- Your speech is slurring or your vision is
affected
affected
Treatments will be related to the diagnosis made
of the cause of your paresthesia. If the
peripheral nerve cells have not died they
will regenerate and you will return to normal.
For diabetes, good blood sugar control can slow
down and reduce the progression of diabetic
neuropathy. Those who, for example, have a
vitamin deficiency can have their diet
supplemented with more balance,
which will also correct their peripheral neuropathy.
To avoid paresthesia, you may take steps such as:
- Maintaining an optimal weight
- Avoid toxins, and follow your doctors
exercise program
exercise program
- Enjoy a balanced diet
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Stopping smoking, which can restrict
blood supply
blood supply
Posted by: Jaffer Kassam <Jafferkassam@gmail.com>
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