Sensory loss
Key points
- Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.
- The underlying cause of numbness or tingling should be identified and then treated by your doctor.
- Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, with careful evaluation of your neurologic system.
- For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, certain exercises may be recommended.
Alternative names
Numbness and tingling; Paresthesias; Tingling and numbness; Loss of sensation
Definition
Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Common Causes
There are many possible causes:
- Remaining in the same seated or standing position for a long time.
- Injuring a nerve supplying the body part where you feel the sensation. If you have a neck injury, for example, you may feel the sensation anywhere along your arm or hand. Similarly, a low back injury can cause sciatica - a sensation of numbness or tingling down the back of your leg.
- Lack of blood supply to the area. For example, plaque buildup from atherosclerosis in the legs can cause pain, numbness, and tingling while walking. (This is called claudication.)
- Pressure on the spinal nerves, like that from a herniated disk.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. This can cause numbness or tingling in your wrist, fingers, hand, or forearm.
- Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, underactive thyroid, multiple sclerosis, seizures, or migraine headaches.
- Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- Certain medications.
- Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Radiation therapy.
Home Care
The underlying cause of numbness or tingling should be identified and then treated by your doctor. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, certain exercises may be recommended.
If you have diabetes, your doctor will discuss ways to control your blood sugars. Medications that cause numbness or tingling may need to be switched or adjusted. DO NOT make any changes to your medications without instructions from your doctor. Low levels of vitamin B12 will be treated with vitamin supplements.
For multiple sclerosis, these steps can help some of the symptoms:
- Exercise to maintain muscle tone. Your doctor or physical therapist can guide you and design an appropriate program.
- Rest and practice relaxation techniques for improved energy level.
- Avoid temperature extremes.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.