Numbness and Tingling

Numbness and tingling generally result from some sort of nerve issue. Numbness refers to loss of sensation. In medical parlance, “numbness and tingling” as symptoms together are known as paresthesia. Numbness and tingling most often occur in the feet, hands, arms and legs, but can affect any part of the body.

Symptoms of numbness and tingling that last more than a day or so require a medical diagnosis. These symptoms may underlie a serious illness. Any numbness or tingling after an injury needs immediate medical attention.

Potential Causes of Numbness and Tingling

Numerous issues may cause numbness and tingling. Common conditions include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome – median nerve compression in the hand

Cervical spondylosis – neck arthritis, common in older people

Diabetic neuropathy

Herniated disk – herniation pressures the nearby nerves

Migraines

Multiple sclerosis

Neuralgia – nerve damage

Peripheral neuropathy – damage to the nerves transmitting signals from the central nervous system to other parts of the body

Radiculopathy – a pinched spinal nerve

Sciatica – may cause numbness in the feet

Shingles – herpes zoster infection

Stroke – numbness and tingling in the arm can be a sign of an impending stroke, which is a medical emergency

Thyroid disorders

Transient ischemic attacks – TIA, sometimes called “mini-strokes”

Tumors – growths may put pressure on nerves

People who smoke or drink excessively are at greater risk of developing some type of neuropathy, with numbness and tingling as primary symptoms.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience numbness and tingling, as can people taking certain antidepressant medications. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause numbness and tingling. To better understand the significance of your injury, it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Precautions Regarding Numbness

Patients dealing with numbness may not feel pain properly, and may therefore suffer a cut, burn, or other injury and not realize it.

Patients dealing with numbness should inspect the numb part of the body regularly to ensure they have not inadvertently harmed themselves and gone without treatment. Risks of accidents are higher when a body part is numb.

Diagnosing Procedures when Numbness and Tingling are Present

The doctor performs a thorough physical examination when diagnosing numbness and tingling, and asks the patient for a medical history, including whether the numbness and tingling are triggered by repetitive use of the hand or staying in one position for a long period.

Patients should inform the doctor of any medication they are taking. A detailed assessment and testing allows the doctor to make a diagnosis.

Common tests to find the cause of numbness and tingling include:

X-rays

Complete blood count

MRI

CT scan

Electromyography – measure nerve function

Myelogram – the use of a contrasting dye in x-rays to look for problems in the nerve roots

Treatment Options for Numbness and Tingling

Treatment of numbness and tingling depends on the diagnosis. Conservative treatment, such as the use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may help control pain in many patients, although some will need stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants.

The doctor may recommend certain exercises to ease symptoms. Dietary changes or supplements may ease numbness and tingling due to vitamin deficiencies.

Depending on the diagnosis, some patients may require surgery. For example, patients with herniated disks who do not respond to conservative therapy may need to have the protrusion removed.

Contact A Doctor

If you are experiencing numbness and tingling, contact us today to arrange an appointment for an examination.
(855) 77-SPINE