Paresthesia

Paresthesia is a common sensation that feels like tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” on or under the skin. Some people experience it for only a short time, such as after sitting in one position for too long, while others may deal with it for weeks, months, or even years. Pressure on nerves, poor circulation, health problems like diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies can cause paresthesia.

There are two main types: transient paresthesia, which is temporary and often harmless, and chronic paresthesia, which may signal an ongoing nerve issue or health condition. Understanding what triggers these sensations helps people know when it’s a minor inconvenience and when it’s a sign to get medical advice.

Definition of Symptom

Paresthesia means unusual skin sensations. People often describe it as tingling, numbness, pins and needles, itching, or burning. These feelings usually happen in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.

Symptoms of paresthesia can be temporary or long-lasting. They may go away on their own, especially after pressure on a nerve is removed. In some cases, symptoms are chronic and point to a nerve problem or underlying condition. Common descriptions of paresthesia include:

• Tingling, like when a limb “falls asleep”.
• Numbness or loss of feeling.
• Burning or prickling sensations.
• Mild to strong itching without a clear cause.

A table below outlines key sensory symptoms:

Symptom	Description
Tingling	Light prickling or “pins and needles”.
Numbness	Lack of sensation in the skin or limb.
Burning	Warm or hot feeling, sometimes painful.
Itching	Urge to scratch without visible rash.

These sensations can happen spontaneously or after certain movements. They may also happen with changes in circulation or damage to nerves. Paresthesia itself is a symptom, not a disease. It often signals a change or problem with how nerves send sensations to the brain.

Possible Causes/Disease Conditions

Several causes, including both minor and serious health conditions, can lead to paresthesia. Nerve compression often causes tingling and numbness. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and a pinched nerve in the neck or back can cause symptoms in the hands, arms, or legs.

Injuries to the spinal cord or from whiplash can also trigger paresthesia. When nerves get hurt, such as from a herniated disk or narrowing in the spine, abnormal sensations may develop. Some diseases may lead to paresthesia:

• Diabetes, which can damage nerves
• Multiple sclerosis and other conditions that affect the brain or nerves
• Stroke
• Migraines
• Seizures

Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases sometimes affect nerves and may cause tingling or burning. Vitamin deficiencies—especially low levels of vitamins B12, B6, or E—can harm nerve health. Thyroid disease and obesity may also play a role.

Certain infections can affect the nervous system and cause similar symptoms. In rare cases, toxic exposures or some medicines may be the cause. Here’s a quick summary table:

Condition/Disease	Common Link to Paresthesia
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome	Nerve compression in the wrist
Diabetes	Nerve damage
Stroke	Brain or nerve injury
Vitamin Deficiencies	Poor nerve function
Multiple Sclerosis	Nervous system problems
Spinal Stenosis/Disc Issues	Compressed nerves in the spine
Migraines	Nerve irritation
Thyroid Disease	Effect on nerves

Other Non-Disease Causes

Paresthesia does not always mean something is wrong with the nerves or a serious disease. Many people feel tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling from everyday causes. One common cause is pressure on a nerve. Sitting or sleeping in one position for too long can cut off blood flow or squeeze nerves, causing temporary paresthesia. This is why feet or hands might “fall asleep.” The feeling usually goes away with movement.

Hitting the “funny bone,” which is actually the ulnar nerve at the elbow, can also cause sudden tingling or numbness in the forearm and hand. This sensation is usually brief. Prolonged bed rest can slow circulation and increase the risk of temporary numbness, especially in people who are not moving much during recovery. Other factors include:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can affect nerve function.
• Hyperventilation: Breathing very fast, like during panic attacks, can change blood gases and cause tingling, especially in hands and around the mouth.
• Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as heavy metals or insecticides, can irritate nerves and lead to paresthesia.

Here is a simple table showing some non-disease causes:

Cause	Explanation
Pressure on Nerves	Sitting or laying in one position for too long
Funny Bone	Hitting the ulnar nerve at the elbow
Dehydration	Not enough fluids, affecting nerves
Hyperventilation	Breathing too fast, changing body chemistry
Panic Attacks	Fast breathing and anxiety triggering symptoms
Toxins	Chemicals or metals affecting the nervous system
Prolonged Bed Rest	Not moving, which reduces blood flow

How It Causes the Symptom

Nerve signals get mixed up or blocked and cause paresthesia. Nerves act like wires that send messages between the brain and the body. If these wires get squeezed, injured, or damaged, the messages might not get through correctly. Common causes include:

• Pressure on a nerve from sitting awkwardly
• Injury to a nerve
• Poor blood flow
• Conditions like diabetes or vitamin B12 deficiency

When nerve signals do not travel as they should, the brain senses tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles.” Sometimes, even a little pressure can make these signals abnormal. Tests that check for nerve problems include:

Test	What It Checks For
MRI	Structure of nerves and spine.
Electromyography (EMG)	How well muscles and nerves work.
Ultrasound	Blood flow or nerve compression.

Doctors use these tests to find out why the symptoms are happening. For example, MRI can show if something is pressing on a nerve. EMG checks how nerve signals move to muscles. Physical therapy can help if pinched nerves or muscle problems cause paresthesia. This treatment may improve strength and support the nerves.

Possible Complications

If people do not treat paresthesia, it can lead to serious problems. Some causes, like nerve damage, may get worse over time. Complications may include:

• Permanent Nerve Damage: Long-term or severe cases may result in nerves not recovering, leading to lasting numbness or weakness.
• Loss of Sensation: This can affect a person’s ability to feel pain, heat, or cold, increasing the risk of accidental injuries.
• Mobility Issues: Weakness or lack of feeling in arms or legs can make walking or using the hands harder.

Underlying conditions that cause paresthesia can also bring risks. For example, untreated circulation problems may lead to tissue damage. If illnesses like diabetes or multiple sclerosis cause paresthesia, people may have problems with organ function or muscle control.

Complication	Description
Nerve Damage	Weakness, numbness, pain
Injury Risk	Burns, cuts, or pressure sores
Infection	Poor healing due to injuries

In rare cases, some causes of paresthesia are life-threatening if not managed. Neurological causes and untreated circulation issues need fast medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Paresthesia is usually harmless when it goes away quickly, like when a hand or foot “falls asleep.” If tingling or numbness does not stop or keeps coming back, see a doctor. Get help right away if you have paresthesia with any of these symptoms:

• Sudden weakness or loss of movement
• Confusion or trouble speaking
• Severe headache
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Trouble breathing

These symptoms can signal a serious problem, such as a stroke or nerve damage, and need fast medical care. If paresthesia affects daily activities or gets worse over time, a healthcare professional can help find the cause. Doctors may run tests and suggest treatment. Make an appointment with a doctor if the tingling is:

• Persistent and unexplained
• Comes with pain, weakness, or muscle loss
• Affects more than one part of the body

Medication side effects or new health conditions can also cause paresthesia. In these cases, talk to a doctor about symptoms and any medications you are taking. Regular or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Getting help early can prevent further complications.