Definition:
Paresthesia pertains to a sensation of prickling, tingling, or numbness on the skin with no apparent long-term physical effect. Paresthesia is known colloquially as the “pins and needles” effect, and is usully associated with the feeling one one's limbs being “asleep”.
Diagnosis:
In diagnosing paresthesia, the most definite diagnostic tool used is a CT (computerized tomography) scan.
Treatment:
The course of treatment for paresthesia would be decided by a specialist called a neurologist. Medications commonly used to treat paresthesia include: intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), gabitril and antiviral medication, immunosuppressant prednisone, and anticonvulsants, among others.
Symptoms and Signs:
Paresthesia may be either transient or chronic. Transient paresthesia are those that are common but temporary, such as the occasional tingling of the hands, mouth, and feet. Chronic paresthesia is a more serious form of this condition, and tends to occur more frequently and at longer periods.
Causes:
Transient paresthesia is believed to be a transient symptom of panic attacks and hyperventilation. Meanwhile, chronic paresthesia is attributed to a defect in the functioning of neurons, which may be caused by inflammation to the surrounding tissue. Some joint conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to paresthesia. In the elderly, paresthesia may be caused by poor circulation in the limbs, such as in cases of peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, and the like. Another possible cause of paresthesia is neuropathy, or direct damage to the nerves themselves, which may result from trauma/injury or infections such as Lyme disease.
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