Paresthesia refers to a tingling sensation or numbness in any part of the body. It is described as a ‘pins and needles’ sensation that usually occurs in the feet or hands. This condition may be temporary or chronic. In most cases, pressure on a nerve results in the tingling sensation and once the pressure is alleviated, the discomfort ceases. Transient or temporary paresthesia may also occur when an individual hyperventilates or experiences a panic attack. Some people also experience paresthesia regularly and this could be a sign of an underlying problem. Paresthesia may occur when there is a malfunction of the neurons in the brain. Such neural irregularities may be attributed to conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes and malnutrition.
Paresthesia symptoms may also include a burning or pricking sensation. Some people also describe it as a crawling or itchy feeling. The causes of paresthesia could also be linked to nerve damage. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease lead to damage of the nerves and this could result in numbness and pain in the surrounding areas. A brain tumor may also lead to such symptoms. Chronic paresthesia could even be due to poor blood circulation or neuropathy. Individuals, who are prone to experiencing paresthesia regularly, must undergo a medical examination to determine the cause of the problem. The doctor may conduct a physical examination along with certain laboratory tests.
Paresthesia treatment is determined by the underlying cause of the condition. In cases of mild paresthesia, the pricking sensation may be alleviated by moving the limb around vigorously. Massaging and stretching the affected limb also helps in paresthesia treatment. In case of conditions such as diabetes, paresthesia treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms of the disease. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed. In some cases of severe paresthesia, anti-depressants are prescribed at low dosages as these alter the perception of pain. There are also some alternative treatments available for relieving paresthesia symptoms. Since malnutrition could be one the causes of paresthesia, nutritional therapy is recommended in some cases. This involves intake of B complex vitamin supplements. However such treatment must be done only under medical guidance as excess doses of vitamin B6 are known to lead to paresthesia in some cases. Those with paresthesia must also refrain from consuming alcohol as this can aggravate the symptoms. Some individuals also resort to acupuncture and acupressure to obtain relief from paresthesia.
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