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Numbness and tingling - Overview

Alternative Names

Sensory loss; Paresthesias; Tingling and numbness; Loss of sensation

Definition of Numbness and tingling:

Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.

Common Causes:

There are many possible causes:

  • Remaining in the same seated or standing position for a long time
  • Injury to a nerve -- for example, a neck injury may cause you to feel numbness anywhere along your arm or hand, while a low back injury can cause numbness or tingling down the back of your leg
  • Pressure on the spinal nerves such as that due to a herniated disk
  • Lack of blood supply to an area -- for example, plaque buildup from atherosclerosis in the legs can cause pain, numbness, and tingling while walking (this is called vascular claudication)
  • Other medical conditions, including:
  • Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body
  • A lack of vitamin B12 or other vitamin
  • Certain medications
  • Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco
  • Radiation therapy
  • Reviewed last on: 5/22/2007
  • Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Viera AJ. Management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2003; 68(2): 265-272.

Smeal WL, Tyburski M, Alleva J, Prather H, Hunt D. Conservative management of low back pain, part I. Discogenic/radicular pain. Dis Mon. 2004; 50(12): 636-669.

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