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Paresthesias (i.e. tingling or numbness) also have a Polish name that translates to many things: misguided feeling. They are also referred to as allodynia, hyperalgesia, or hyperalgesia. However, it is always about a complex of unusual sensory sensations in the form of tingling, numbness, feeling of running currents, vibrations or even burning.
Paresthesias( mistaken feeling ,allodynia ,hyperesthesia,hyperalgesia ) appear seemingly for no reason, sometimes under the influence of an indifferent stimulus (for example, gentle touch) and are completely inadequate to its nature or intensity.
Paresthesia can appear all over the body, but the most common sensations are tingling sensations in the extremities - fingers, hands, arms or legs.
Paresthesias appear unexpectedly, it would seem - for no reason whatsoever. They usually disappear quickly too. We remember it as a rather unpleasant feeling, but we don't generally call it a pain.
We know them because we have certainly experienced numbness when we stayed in one position - sitting or standing - for a long time: squatting for too long or with our legs crossed. So we do not attach importance to them.
However, if numbness occurs frequently, it comes suddenly, and for no apparent reason, it is likely that you are seriously ill. It should not be taken lightly.
Causes of paresthesia
There are many causes of paresthesia, and it is this diversity that is troublesome for a correct diagnosis. They can be caused by injuries to the nerves. For example, it is known thatan injury to the neck area causes tingling or numbness of the skin in the hands ;an injury to the lower back results in a similar sensation in the legs .
The cause of unpleasant sensations may also be compression of the spine nerves (for example, caused by a herniated disc), compression of peripheral nerves, resulting from the enlargement of blood vessels, cancer or infection.
Tingling and numbness may also indicate an atherosclerosis that restricts or even completely cuts off the blood supply to the arteries. But it can also be the result of a mild frostbite in the winter.
Paresthesia can also be a signal that in oursdeficiencies of certain substances appeared: elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium) and vitamins (e.g. vitamin B12 ).
The same symptoms of misdiagnosis may result from the use of certain medications, as well as intoxication of the body, e.g. with lead, alcohol, nicotine.
Paresthesia can finally be caused by progressive diseases such as:
- diabetes
- shingles
- hypothyroidism
- multiple sclerosis
- brain hypoxia
- discharge
- migraine
- carpal tunnel syndrome
Degenerative diseases of the spine and discopathies are quite common diseases, the symptoms of which are pain and sensory disturbances.
The cause of ailments is therefore most often systemic diseases, which in their original form do not directly affect the nervous system. However, sensory disturbances could be defined as either a consequence or a complication thereof. Therefore, first aid should be sought from an internist who will find the cause, and then may refer for consultations to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
How is paraesthesia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of paresthesia is based on an interview which will allow to determine which stimuli directly affect the symptoms, and therefore what disease, trauma or ailment, seemingly unrelated to them, may be the cause. The doctor may order magnetic resonance imaging, angiogram, X-ray and ultrasound examinations, electromyography, computed tomography of the head and spine.
Treatment of paraesthesia
The mainstay of treatment for paraesthesia is to combat or neutralize the unpleasant symptoms, that is, to treat the underlying disease. So the first task for people with diabetes is to normalize the blood sugar level, for others - to supplement the deficiencies of elements with appropriate dietary supplements, eliminate back problems, etc. Symptomatic treatment, consisting in the use of anesthetic creams, is used at the same time.
ImportantIt is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if numbness or tingling is accompanied by weakness or paralysis, loss of consciousness or dizziness, or if paraesthesia is a natural and discernible consequence of head, neck, and back injuries, especially after prolonged loss of hand control or the troubles are accompanied by stuttering or blurred vision.