Almost everyone has experienced a tingling sensation, such as numbness or numbness, and like pins and needles, which is felt in the hands or feet which is often referred to as tingling (paresthesia) because it feels like hundreds of ants have stung under the skin. This is not to the point of causing pain, but it feels uncomfortable, especially when the limb is moved.
Paresthesia generally occur spontaneously and often occur in the hands, arms, fingers, feet, and legs. However, it can occur on the face or other parts of the body. Numbness is a natural thing that happens to anyone and is temporary. However, in some cases, tingling in the hands, feet, face, or other limbs can occur continuously due to nerve damage or disorders of the central nervous system and ometimes it can be a sign of a more serious medical problem.
Symptoms of paresthesia generally occur in the hands, arms, feet and soles of the feet. The sensation or pain caused can vary, such as numbness or weakness in certain body parts, tingling, hot or burning sensations and cold. Paresthesia can be acute or chronic. Chronic paresthesia can cause stabbing pain and paralysis.
The cause of paresthesia (tingling) occurs due to pressure on the nerves, but there are other conditions that can cause paresthesia such as,
- Injuries resulting in nerve damage
- Stroke or minor stroke, pinched nerve, usually occurring in the neck, shoulder and arm area resulting from overuse or injury
- Sciatica or sciatica in the form of pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the nerve that runs along the pelvis to the feet, which generally occurs during pregnancy causing numbness and pain in the back and legs
- Carpal-tunnel syndrome, which is a narrowing of the nerves in the wrist to the palm that causes tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
- Lack of consumption of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 which is good for nerve health
- Certain drugs such as antibiotics, HIV drugs and anti-seizure drugs as well as certain types of chemotherapy that can irritate the nerves
- Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes
- Autoimmune Disease
The diagnosis of paresthesia (tingling) in some cases can go away on its own. However, before making a diagnosis, the doctor will usually ask for a medical history. If needed, the doctor will recommend performing several physical examination tests such as: Blood tests, nerve conduction studies to find out how fast the nerves respond to impulses, Electromyography (EMG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to display image of organs, especially those that are disturbed or damaged.
To prevent paresthesia, things that can be done include avoiding repetitive movements and continuous pressure over a long period of time, resting after doing tiring activities, maintaining good posture, for example not crossing your legs for a long time, exercising stretching or resting after sitting for long periods of time, maintaining an ideal body weight.
Treatment of paresthesia can be done by knowing the cause. Treating the cause usually makes paresthesia go away or occur less frequently. If you have diabetes or other chronic diseases, you should have regular check-ups to reduce the risk of paresthesia.
(Medical Affairs/NA)
Source : WebMD (2021). What Is Paresthesia?. https://www.webmd.com/brain/paresthesia-facts
Source Picture : Sering Alami Sensasi Kesemutan? Ini Penjelasannya (notif.id)