Numbness and tingling

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Central nervous system

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

Your doctor should identify and treat the underlying cause of your numbness or tingling. Treatment of the underlying condition may reverse the symptoms or prevent them from becoming worse. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, your doctor may recommend certain exercises.

If you have diabetes, your doctor will discuss ways to control your blood sugars.

Low levels of vitamins will be treated with vitamin supplements.

Medications that cause numbness or tingling may need to be switched or adjusted. You should not change or stop taking any of your medicines or take large doses of any vitamins or supplements until you have talked with you doctor.

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Because numbness can cause a decrease in feeling, you may be more likely to accidentally injure a numb hand or foot. Take care to protect the area from cuts, bumps, bruises, burns, or other injury.

Go to a hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:

• Weakness or paralysis occurs with numbness or tingling
• Numbness or tingling occur just after a head, neck, or back injury
• You cannot control the movement of an arm or a leg or you have lost bladder or bowel control
• You are confused or have lost consciousness, even briefly
• You have slurred speech, change in vision, difficulty walking, or weakness

Call your doctor if:

• Numbness or tingling has no obvious cause (like a hand or foot "falling asleep")
• You have pain in your neck, forearm, or fingers
• You are urinating more often
• Numbness or tingling is in your legs and worsens when you walk
• You have a rash
• You have dizziness, muscle spasm, or other unusual symptoms

Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, with careful evaluation of your nervous system.

Medical history questions may include the following:

• What part or parts of your body have numbness or tingling? The trunk? Your legs or feet? Your arms, hands, or fingers?
• Which side of your body is involved?
• Which aspect of the specific body part? For example, is your inner thigh, calf, or foot affected? Your palm, fingers, thumb, wrist, or forearm?
• Does the numbness or tingling affect your face? Around your eyes? Your cheeks? Around your mouth? Is one or both sides of your face involved?
• Does the part of your body with numbness or tingling change colors? Does it feel cold or warm?
• Do you have other abnormal sensations?
• Do you ignore everything on the affected side?
• How long have you had the numbness or tingling?
• When did it start?
• Does anything make it worse like exercise or standing for long periods of time?
• Do you have any other symptoms?