What is Numbness?

Symptoms of Numbness

• Diabetes
• Neuropathy
• Migraine
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini Stroke)
• Seizures
• Hardening of the Arteries
• An Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis)

Central nervous system disorders that may cause numbness and tingling include:

• Stroke: Sudden numbness, especially on one side of the body, in the arm, leg, or face. It is an early symptom of a stroke.
• Mini stroke: Transient ischemic attacks, or mini-strokes, can cause numbness and droop on one side of the face.
• Encephalitis: Swelling in the brain and spinal cord can lead to loss of feeling in parts of the body or partial paralysis in the arms or legs in extreme cases.
• Transverse myelitis: Inflammation in the spinal cord can cause a band sensation in the torso, and weakness in the legs and sometimes the arms.
• Back and neck damage: Injuries to the back and neck can cause damage or compression to the nerves, resulting in numbness and tingling.
  Some other conditions that affect specific parts of the body can cause numbness and tingling. Body parts include:

Feet and legs:

People with diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy, which is a type of nerve injury. Diabetes' metabolic impact on the bloodstream can cause nerve damage over time.

One-third to one-half of people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy, which causes discomfort and numbness in feet and legs and, less frequently, in the hands and arms.

Hands and feet:

Due to low red blood cell levels and decreased oxygen circulation, vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia may cause nerve damage, which can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Alcoholic liver damage can cause peripheral neuropathy, which affects the hands and feet.

A variety of medications can also cause peripheral neuropathy, such as:

• Medications for blood pressure or heart
• Chemotherapy and anticancer drugs
• HIV and AIDS medications
• Anti-alcohol medications
• Anticonvulsants
• Skin medications
• Medicine to fight infections

Fingers

• Calcium is vital for proper nerve function and blood flow. Hypocalcemia or calcium deficiency can cause numbness in fingers.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands and fingers may also cause numbness, tingling, and pain.
• It occurs when the median nerve, one of the main nerves in the arm, is compressed in the space where it travels through the wrist.

Hands

Panic attacks, or sudden, overpowering bouts of fear and anxiety with no real risk, can result in a number of symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the hands.

Face

Toothaches and infections can compress the facial nerves and causes face numbness.

How is numbness diagnosed?

To diagnose numbness and tingling, a doctor will review your medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam, and inquire about your symptoms. It's important to disclose all symptoms, even seemingly unrelated ones, and any pre-existing conditions. Mention recent injuries, infections, vaccinations, and all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins.

Based on the physical exam, your doctor may recommend further tests such as blood tests, electrolyte checks, thyroid function tests, toxicology screenings, vitamin assessments, and nerve conduction studies. 

Additional imaging like MRIs or CT scans may be necessary to detect conditions like strokes or tumors.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Electrolyte Panel
• Kidney Function Test
• Glucose Measurement
• Vitamin B-12 Level Test
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test

What are the treatments for numbness?

Numbness treatment and tingling depend on the cause of the symptom and will focus on resolving any underlying medical conditions.

If numbness is in a person's feet and affects their ability to walk, it can help avoid more injury and harm to the feet by wearing well-fitting socks and shoes, particularly while at home.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS)-related numbness is usually relatively harmless and painless. Niacin, a B-complex vitamin, can help reduce inflammation and related numbness.

In cases of severe or painful numbness, treatment may include a short round of corticosteroids, which also speeds recovery by reducing inflammation.

Various medications designed to treat different conditions can also help reduce the numbness and tingling associated with MS, such as:

• Gabapentin
• Pregabalin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Amitriptyline, Imipramine, and Nortriptyline

Other conditions

• Meningitis: Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids.
• Diabetic neuropathy: Physical activity, healthy diet, following diabetes treatment plans, daily monitoring of foot changes, and regular foot exams.
• Carpal tunnel: Wrist bands, over-the-counter pain relievers, nerve gliding exercises, or surgery. Avoid triggering activities.
• Pernicious anemia: Vitamin B12 injections, pills, nasal gels, or sprays.

When should someone visit a doctor for numbness?

Everyone experiences numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation at times. You probably felt it when you stood up after sitting in one position for a long time. It is usually resolved in minutes.

However, see your doctor if the numbness and tingling are persistent, occur without an apparent cause, or accompany any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Pain
• Intense anxiety
• Back or neck pain
• Reduced appetite

People who experience numbness and tingling, such signs may need emergency medical attention. These signs include:

• Signs may occur on one side of the body
• Confusion, slurred speech, or trouble speaking
• Chest Pain
• Severe Headache
• Sudden Fever
• Seizures
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Stiff Neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Pale or Yellowish skin
• Irregular Heartbeat

What are some home remedies for numbness?

Home remedies that can help relieve uncomfortable numbness include:

• Many of the conditions that cause numbness in the legs and feet, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.
• Eat a low fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Limit salt (sodium) intake
• Maintain healthy body weight and body mass index (BMI)
• Perform 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking
• Wash your hands daily with soap and water
• Avoid sharing food or other objects with people potentially exposed to infectious conditions
• Keep up with vaccinations
• Avoid exposure to radiation
• Limit repetitive hand or wrist movements
• Eat foods rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium or take supplements
• Treat back pain early and limit activities that make the pain worse
• Receive psychotherapy
• Stress management