or '''paraesthesia''' (in ''' of a
Person 's
Skin with no apparent long-term physical effect, more generally known as the feeling of '''pins and needles''' or of a
Limb being "asleep" (but not directly related to the phenomenon of
Sleep ). Its manifestation may be transient or chronic.
Transient paresthesia is the temporary sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin — "pins and needles." It is usually felt in the extremities (
Hands ,
Arm s,
Legs , or
Feet ), but can also occur in other parts of the body. This temporary sensation is usually caused by inadvertent
Pressure placed on a
Superficial Nerve . The sensation gradually goes away once the pressure is relieved.
Chronic paresthesia indicates a problem with the functioning of
Neuron s. This malfunction, which is especially common in older individuals, is often the result of poor
Circulation in the limbs (such as in peripheral vascular disease), which may be caused by
Atherosclerosis — the build up of
Plaque on
Artery walls. Without a proper supply of
Blood and
Nutrients , nerve cells can no longer adequately send signals to the
Brain . Because of this, paresthesia can also be a symptom of
Vitamin deficiency and
Malnutrition , as well as
Metabolic disorders like
Diabetes ,
Hypothyroidism , and
Hypoparathyroidism .
Irritation to the nerve can also come from
Inflammation to the surrounding tissue. Joint conditions such as
Rheumatoid Arthritis and
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are common sources of paresthesia.
Another cause of paresthesia, however, may be direct damage to the nerves themselves, or
Neuropathy , which can stem from
Injury or
Infection such as
Lyme Disease , or which may be indicative of a current
Neurological Disorder . Chronic paresthesia can sometimes be symptomatic of serious conditions, such as a
Transient Ischemic Attack , a
Brain Tumor ,
Motor Neurone Disease , or
Autoimmune Disorder s like
Multiple Sclerosis or
Lupus Erythematosus . A diagnostic evaluation by a
Doctor is necessary to rule these out.
Paresthesiae of the
Mouth , hands, and feet are common, transient symptoms of the related conditions of
Hyperventilation Syndrome and
Panic Attack s.
Other known causes of paresthesia (aside from pressure on the affected area):
Treatment should be decided by a
Neurologist . Medications offered can include
Prednisone , intravenous
Gamma Globulin (IVIG) and
Anticonvulsants such as
Gabapentin or
Gabitril , amongst others.
In some cases, rocking the head from side to side will painlessly remove the "pins and needles" sensation in less than a minute. A tingly hand or arm is often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in the neck. Loosening the neck muscles releases the pressure. Compressed nerves lower in the body govern the feet, and standing up and walking around will typically relieve the sensation. http://health.msn.com/menshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100119940>1=7538
An arm that has "fallen asleep" may also be "awoken" more quickly by clenching and unclenching the fist several times; the muscle movement increases blood flow and helps the limb return to normal.
