Paresthesia

Paresthesia affects the peripheral nerves (Read about "Nervous System"), and is often a symptom of a bigger neurological disorder or disease. It involves unusual sensations in the extremities. These feelings of numbness, tingling, and prickling normally affect the hands, feet, arms and legs, but can occur in other parts of the body as well. The feelings are usually painless and happen without warning.

Temporary paresthesia has been experienced by just about everyone at some time. It can happen when you sit or lie too long in one position, putting sustained pressure on a nerve. You may say your foot has "fallen asleep" because it is numb from the pressure. When you move and relieve that pressure, a tingling or prickling sensation often follows but quickly goes away.

When episodes of paresthesia become chronic, it is often a symptom of an underlying neurological disease or serious nerve damage. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), paresthesia can be caused by disorders affecting the central nervous system, including stroke, multiple sclerosis or vascular lesions. (Read about "Stroke" "Multiple Sclerosis" "Vascular Lesions of the Central Nervous System") Also, a tumor putting pressure on the brain or spinal cord could cause it. (Read about "Brain Tumors") And sometimes paresthesia, accompanied by pain, is caused by entrapment nerve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. (Read about "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome") Treatment for paresthesia is aimed at the underlying condition.

Related Information:

    Chronic Pain