Paraesthesia

Paraesthesia is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of a person's skin with no apparent long-term physical effect. It is more generally known as the feeling of "pins and needles" or of a limb "falling asleep". The manifestation of a paresthesia may be transient or chronic, and may have any of dozens of possible underlying causes.

Causes

Paresthesias of the hands, feet, legs and arms are common, transient symptoms. The briefest, electric shock type of paresthesia can be caused by tweaking the ulnar nerve near the elbow. Chronic paresthesia indicates a problem with the functioning of neurons.

In older individuals, paresthesia is often the result of poor circulation in the limbs (such as in peripheral vascular disease), which can be caused by atherosclerosis, the build up of plaque within artery walls, over decades, or diabetes. The latter is known to target the body extremities. Chronic paresthesia can sometimes be symptomatic of serious conditions, such as a transient ischemic attack, a stroke, motor neurone disease, or autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis or lupus erythematosus. A diagnostic evaluation by a doctor is necessary to rule these out.

Treatment

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause, if one can be found. In many cases, however, no cause can be found. There's no known cure for chronic paresthesia, but these strategies might help reduce symptoms:

• Avoiding alcohol.
• Controlling blood sugar levels if diabetes is present.
• Adopting healthy ergonomic positions during work.
• Using over-the-counter pain medications.
• Using prescribed medicines targeted at the underlying cause, if found.
• Engaging in physical therapy.

See also

• Neuropathy
• Neuralgia
• Numbness

References

Paraesthesia Resources
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