Paresthesia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Paresthesias are abnormal skin sensations – such as tingling, itching or numbness, for no apparent reason. Paresthesia conditions can occur only temporarily or prolonged (chronic).
Temporary paresthesias usually go away on their own without treatment. Meanwhile, chronic paresthesia requires treatment and is difficult to completely disappear.
Almost everyone has experienced paresthesia. The most common occurrence is when you feel tingling in your hands or feet while sleeping. The sensation arises due to pressure on the nerves accidentally. This paresthesia will go away on its own when you change position. These paresthesias are known as transient paresthesias.
Symptom
Signs of paresthesia that sufferers generally complain about include:
- numb
- weak
- amused
- burnt
- cold
- tingling
- stabbing pain (in chronic)
Symptoms of paresthesia can occur in all parts of the body but are more common in the upper and lower limbs. Chronic paresthesias can cause clumsiness in the affected limb, making it difficult for you to walk.
Reason
It is difficult to determine the exact cause of paresthesias. Temporary paresthesias are usually caused by pressure on a nerve or a temporary lack of blood circulation.
The causes of chronic paresthesia are divided into two categories, namely:
- radiculopathy (compressed/ irritated/ inflamed nerve roots) in:
- herniated nucleus pulposus or herniated disc
- tumor pressing on the nerves in the spine
- pressure on the sciatic nerve
- neuropathy (chronic nerve damage) in:
- high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia
- traumatized
- accidents due to repetitive movements
- deficiency or deficiency of vitamins B1, B6, B12, E or niacin
- autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis), nerves (multiple sclerosis), kidney, liver
- strokes
- brain tumor
- spinal cord abnormalities
- hypothyroid
- too much vitamin D
- infections such as HIV
- certain treatments such as chemotherapy
- exposure to toxic substances such as heavy metals
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of paresthesia from the medical history and symptoms. Medical history is important to find out the possible causes of paresthesias. Activity or work history is also important to rule out possible causes of repetitive motions.
Physical examination, including a neurological examination, is also important to find out possible causes. Investigations such as blood tests and other laboratories (eg spinal fluid tests) are needed to rule out certain diseases.
Radiological examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs are also needed to examine your neck and spine.
Treatment
Temporary paresthesia does not require special treatment. While the treatment of chronic paresthesia depends on the cause. For example, if it is caused by a disease such as diabetes, the treatment is blood sugar control. If it is caused by work, the treatment is by changing posture or physiotherapy.
Prevention
Hard enough to prevent paresthesia. Temporary paresthesias can be prevented by not pressing the limbs while sleeping. Meanwhile, chronic paresthesia can be prevented by avoiding repetitive movements, avoiding sitting for too long and avoiding having diseases such as diabetes, kidney or stroke.