Paresthesia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Paresthesia is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness 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.

Numbness, tingling and abnormal sensations potentially occur secondary to lesions anywhere in the nervous system. They may be accompanied by a decreased sensation that can be noticed by exposure to painful stimuli.

Chest X ray is indicated for differential diagnosis.

Electromyography aids in muscular atrophy differentiation

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Chronic paresthesia indicates a problem with the functioning of neurons. 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 frhe surroom inflammation to tunding 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 disorders 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 attacks.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2] Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.

Paraesthesia is caused by a myriad of conditions. Common causes of paraesthesia include chemical poisoning, drug side effects and interactions, neurologic conditions, and hematological conditions.

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Alitretinoin

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