Probably every person has experienced at least once an unpleasant tingling sensation, and a feeling of numbness in various parts of the body. Most often it affects the arms, legs, and face. It usually appears unexpectedly and quickly disappears. Such sensations are called paresthesias. Sometimes these discomforts, become so frequent and intense that they can impede daily functioning. Often paresthesias have their origin in the psyche, as a reaction to stress. Find out what paresthesias are and how to deal with them?
What are paresthesias?
Paresthesias, according to the official definition, are abnormal sensations in the limbs, head, or torso, occurring in the form of a sensation, tingling, numbness, or prickling. They are otherwise known as peripheral sensation. Often these sensations, are described as: a pinprick sensation all over the body, a flow of electricity, and an intense feeling of heat. They usually result from damage to peripheral sensory nerve fibers. It should be noted that paresthesias, although unpleasant, do not cause any kind of pain, but only cause more or less discomfort. They can even awaken from sleep or make walking difficult. They can also limit the ability to hold an object in the hand. Based on the area on the body where the paresthesias occur , it is often possible to determine what condition they may be related to.
Paresthesias do not always have to indicate a serious illness; they can occur in pregnant women, for example. There are also transient paresthesias, usually appearing once – for example, when you hit your elbow (ulnar nerve reaction), or appearing as numbness in the legs when taking too long in one position. They can occur during sleep, when, for example, you unconsciously squeeze your arm.
Symptoms of paresthesia
Among the most common symptoms of paresthesia we can include:
- Tingling of the skin, tingling of the extremities.
- Itching of the skin.
- Numbness of the skin.
- Burning of the skin.
- Burning of the skin.
- Suffering of the skin.
- A feeling of temperature change on the skin – warm, cold, or their alternation.
- A feeling of needles on the skin.
- Sensation of water running over the skin.
- The sensation of electricity running through the skin.
- The sensation of bugs crawling over the skin.
- A sensation of fainting in a particular part of the body.
These sensations are quite individual and everyone can describe them in a different way. These symptoms do not occur on a consistent basis, most often they occur periodically and do not last very long.
Paresthesias – causes
The most common causes of paresthesias are related to nerve disorders and damage – that is, polyneuropathy. If parasthesia does not occur once, but begins to appear regularly, you should start looking for the cause by which it appears.
Usually the location of the paresthesia, can be an indication of what condition it may be related to. According to this division, it can be distinguished into:
- Paresthesias of the entire face. Numbness of the head and tingling of the lips may suggest tetany or hyperventilation.
- Paresthesias of parts of the face. They can occur during a migraine, epileptic seizure or cerebral ischemia.
- Paresthesias of the trunk. May occur in multiple sclerosis, or hemiplegia. The sensation of passage of electricity through the spine is characteristic of sclerosis.
- Paresthesias of the lower extremities. Tingling in the legs can mean polyneuropathies, spinal degeneration and multiple sclerosis. Tingling in the feet can also mean restless legs syndrome.
- Paresthesias of one upper limb. Numbness in the upper and lower extremities can indicate an epileptic seizure, or ischemia in one hemisphere of the brain. Parasthesias that are felt around the fingers of the hand may be caused by damage to the nerves of the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Paresthesias of the upper extremities. They can be the result of spinal cord cavernoma, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.
Other conditions not mentioned above that can cause paresthesias are:
- Poisoning. Most often heavy metals, for example, it can be lead.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Often a magnesium deficiency can cause problems in the conduction of nervous system impulses between nerves and muscles. Low levels of calcium can cause tingling around the mouth. Vitamin B12 deficiency, can lead to nerve cell damage, the result of which can manifest as paresthesias.
- Neurosis.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Stress, fatigue such as chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Migraines.
- Diabetes. Untreated or poorly treated, it can lead to so-called diabetic neuropathy, which is a complication of diabetes and can cause various types of paresthesias.
- Various types of sciatica, femoral or shoulder sciatica, for example.
- Alcoholic disease. Excessive alcohol consumption destroys nerve cells thanks to ethanol metabolites.
- Various types of injuries.
- Use or withdrawal of certain medications – drugs from anticonvulsant, sedative, anti-anxiety groups,
- Tumors
- Stroke, e.g., stroke.
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Bacterial and viral diseases such as rubella, hemiplegia, neuralgia, chickenpox and herpes.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Blood circulation disorders, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to paresthesia.
Paresthesias can also result from many other conditions that are not listed above, so it is important to diagnose these complaints accurately and meticulously. It should be remembered that in some cases, such as pregnancy, for example, or sitting in one position for too long – paresthesias can occur naturally. Therefore, they do not always have to indicate that something very bad is going on in the body. One must be able to distinguish between situations in which they occur naturally and situations in which they are pathological symptoms. If they do not occur naturally, they are usually a signal that one should take an interest in whether something dangerous is going on in the body.
Sensory disturbances. Diagnosis of paresthesias
The most important thing to do in the case of paresthesia, is to see a doctor and first do some basic tests – especially from the blood. A blood count will be important, as well as levels of certain vitamins and electrolytes. The doctor should take a thorough history of the location of the discomfort, when it started, how long it has been going on, how often it occurs and, importantly, whether the discomfort is accompanied by additional symptoms. It is important that he also perform an assessment of the patient’s sensory disturbances. This involves having the examinee close his eyes and answer questions. During this time, the doctor uses various objects, such as, for example, a cotton swab, an ice cube or a tube of warm water, to touch the patient symmetrically on both sides of the body and assess his reactions.
In the case of neurosis, complaints from the gastrointestinal tract, and a feeling of tightness in the throat may manifest themselves. Depending on the results, the doctor will take appropriate measures. Subsequently, the doctor will decide whether a visit to a neurology clinic will be necessary. The neurologist may refer for imaging tests of the head and spinal cord, such as MRIs and CT scans. He or she may also perform electromyographs and electroneurographs if he or she wants to assess the type and area of nerve damage. If inflammatory disease is suspected, he will order a lumbar puncture and a cerebrospinal fluid study. Genetic testing may also be helpful if a genetic disease is suspected, especially if it has appeared in the immediate family. If the doctor rules out a somatic origin of the paresthesia, it is recommended to see a psychiatrist, and to work with a psychotherapist.
Paresthesias – treatment
In the treatment of paresthesias, the most important thing is to eliminate the condition that contributed to their formation. Consequently, if paresthesias were caused by diabetes – blood sugar levels should be equalized. And if vitamin deficiency should be supplemented. If the diagnosis is made correctly, paresthesias should subside during treatment of the underlying disease. If the condition is advanced and involves the spine, surgery may be the only option, and pharmacotherapy alone may not be sufficient. If treatment is prolonged, creams that provide local anesthesia can be used to relieve symptoms. If the paresthesias are caused by a disorder involving the psyche, such as an anxiety disorder or neurosis, for example – psychotherapy will be best.
Paresthesias – diagnosis in case of psychogenic basis. Tingling and numbness of the limbs vs. neurosis
If it turns out that paresthesias are caused by psychological disorders such as neurosis, anxiety disorders, or even depression – the help of a psychiatrist and psychotherapist will become inevitable. With paresthesias on the background of the psyche, I usually work by minimizing the symptoms, a specific disorder.
The sick person himself, can try to start leading a slightly healthier lifestyle and, if possible, reduce stress, increase exercise, use yoga, or various herbs indicated in this case. This will be extremely helpful in the healing process.
Psychotherapy, especially therapy in the cognitive-behavioral stream, is proving to be particularly effective in the treatment of mental disorders, and thus coping with paresthesias.
Psychotherapy in the treatment of paresthesias caused by mental disorders
Most often, paresthesias on psychological grounds, are caused by anxiety disorders. In this case, drug treatment can only mute the symptoms of neurosis. However, to really work effectively and treat anxiety symptoms, it is necessary to turn to a psychotherapist.
The therapist should help determine the internal source of this problem and show how to minimize it. A person should learn how to overcome anxiety, learn the mechanisms by which it occurs and what situations trigger it. The therapist will gradually teach the person struggling with anxiety to overcome difficulties, and to join in activities that the sufferer has so far avoided.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of paresthesia
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is widely used to treat a variety of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain. Although CBT does not directly target the treatment of paresthesias, it can be effective in managing these symptoms, especially when they are related to psychological factors.
Here’s how CBT can be helpful in treating paresthesia:
Reducing stress and anxiety.
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate paresthesia symptoms. CBT teaches techniques for coping with stress and anxiety, which can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms.
Changing negative thoughts.
Patients often have negative thoughts and beliefs about their symptoms, which can lead to increased discomfort. CBT helps identify and change these thoughts to more realistic and positive ones.
Pain management.
CBT is effective in managing chronic pain. Techniques used in CBT, such as relaxation, meditation and mindfulness, can help reduce the pain experienced from paresthesia.
Improving quality of life.
Paresthesias can affect daily functioning and quality of life. CBT can help you develop strategies to manage your symptoms, which can improve your overall quality of life.
Emotional support.
CBT provides patients with emotional support and helps them understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and physical symptoms.
Relaxation techniques.
As part of CBT, patients learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation, which can help reduce muscle tension and relieve symptoms of paresthesia.
Summary
Paresthesias – sensations although not painful, are often very bothersome and reduce quality of life. Numbness and tingling of various parts of the body, which may turn out to be symptoms of a disease process going on in the body. They do not always indicate something bad, but when they appear frequently, it is necessary to check what can cause them. To get rid of them, it is necessary to stop the disease that caused them. They are not always caused by a disease of the body, they often result from mental disorders. Therefore, it is important to undergo a detailed diagnosis. If they are the result of a mental disorder, such as anxiety neurosis, for example – it will be most effective to introduce psychotherapy. Although CBT does not directly treat the physiological causes of paresthesias, it can be very helpful in managing symptoms, especially when they are related to stress, anxiety or other psychological problems.
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