| Paresthesia is a symptom that refers to abnormal sensations occurring without any apparent cause (spontaneously), although it may also occur in response to a stimuli, e.g., hitting the "funny bone." Paresthesias are often described as tingling, "pins and needles," prickling, electric, burning, vibrating, buzzing, or crawling. Paresthesias have also been described as "the limb falling asleep" (due to brief compression of the sciatic, common peroneal, or ulnar nerves). They often occur due to compression of peripheral nerves or an abnormality along the peripheral or central nervous systems.
Paresthesias can occur with many different diseases including carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical and lumbosacral radiculopathy, restless leg syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney disease, toxicologic conditions, and alcoholic polyneuropathy. Less common causes of paresthesias include cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hypocalcemia, malabsorption, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and use of certain medications (isoniazid, vincristine, diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]).
Nonspecific numbness and tingling of the hands, feet, and face are commonly seen in hyperventilation syndrome and panic attacks.Risk: Because paresthesia is a symptom of other conditions, there are no specific risk factors. These vary according to the causative condition. Incidence and Prevalence: Because paresthesia is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, there are no incidence statistics available for paresthesia itself. Incidence statistics vary according to the causative condition. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor