Paresthesia
Paresthesia (/ˌpærɨsˈéi"ziə/ or /ˌpærɨsˈéi"ʒə/), spelled paraesthesia in British English, is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of a person's skin with no apparent long-term physical effect. It is more generally known as the feeling of "pins and needles" or of a limb "falling asleep" (although this is not directly related to the phenomenon of "limb falling asleep"). The manifestation of paresthesia may be transient or chronic.
Etymology
The name comes from the Greek para ("beside", i.e. abnormal) and aisthesia ("sensation").
Cause - Transient
Paresthesias of the hands and feet are common, transient symptoms of the related conditions of hyperventilation syndrome, often open mouth, and panic attacks.
Other common examples occur when sustained pressure has been applied over a nerve, inhibiting/stimulating its function. Removing the pressure will typically result in gradual relief of these paresthesias, often described as a "pins and needles" feeling.
Treatment
Medications offered can include the immunosuppressant prednisone, intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), anticonvulsants such as gabapentin or gabitril and antiviral medication, amongst others, according to the underlying cause.
In addition to treatment of the underlying disorder, palliative care can include the use of topical numbing creams, such as Lidocaine or Prilocaine. Care must be take to apply only the necessary amount, as excess can contribute to the condition. Otherwise, these products offer extremely effective, but short-lasting, relief from the condition.
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. 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. However, in some cases this clenching action simply exacerbates the discomfort. More rapid relief can sometimes be obtained by gently and systematically massaging the affected area of the body.
Manipulation of the neck won't apply to facial paresthesia, such as early stages of Bell's palsy, as nerves of the face and scalp don't pass through the neck. However, manipulation can be particularly beneficial when paresthesia is present in the upper or lower extremities. Manipulation should only be carried out by an appropriately qualified chiropractor, osteopath, physical therapist or physician specifically skilled to do so.
Paresthesia caused by shingles is treated with appropriate antiviral medication.
- More information is available at [ Wikipedia:Paresthesia ]
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