“Paresthesias” is a sensation that feels like a tingling, numbness, “pins and needles” and/or burning. These sensations may occur on various parts of the body but often, they are felt down the legs or arms. The various causes of paresthesias include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on the median nerve at the wrist)
- Diabetes.
- Migraines.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Seizures.
- Stroke.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke”
- Underactive thyroid.
- Pinched nerves in the cervical or lumbar spine
- Inflamed nerves from infections such as Shingles
- Certain vitamin deficiencies
Treatment to alleviate these annoying symptoms may include medications that modulate nerves such as Gabapentin and Lyrica. Additionally, if pinched nerves in the neck or lower back are the causation, injections into those areas with steroids and even surgery may eliminate paresthesias and pain.
It is important to be checked out by a physician if you are experiencing paresthesias as some causes are potentially dangerous. The workup will include an examination, lab testing and possibly imaging procedures such as an MRI of the neck or lower back if the extremities are the location where paresthesias are being felt.
And as a tribute to the paresthesia sensations of “Pins and Needles” here is the “Searches” singing their hit “Needles and Pins”.
