Numbness and tingling is an abnormal sensation that may occur anywhere in the body, with the most common areas being the extremities. There are several possible causes for this condition, including the possibility that it is a symptom of a serious medical disorder. Less severe causes of numbness and tingling include being in the same position for too long and acute nerve injury. If numbness persists, a medical consultation may be called for.
Nerve Pressure
Carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy are two medical conditions that cause nerve pressure leading to numbness and tingling. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure is placed on the main nerve to the hand, causing numbness and tingling. The numbness and tingling are gradual, and as the disorder progresses the feeling may remain constant. Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness to the outermost parts of the body, such as the hands and feet. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerve signals do not work properly in carrying information from the brain and spinal cord. Both disorders of nerve pressure may be treated through surgery and other means.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome is an immune system disorder that attacks the nerves. This disorder is uncommon but can become very serious and require medical intervention to ease symptoms. The Mayo Clinic indicates that numbness and tingling are common symptoms associated with this disorder. The sensations tend to start in the feet and spread to the upper body. Weakness and prickling sensations in the hands are also associated with this disorder. After onset of initial symptoms, symptoms such as weakness, loss of bladder control and difficulty breathing progress rapidly and may lead to paralysis.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an immune system disorder that prevents the protective sheaths covering the nerves from regenerating. According to the Mayo Clinic, MS eventually prevents nerves from communicating from the brain to the body, and progression of the disorder is irreversible. Numbness on one side of the body at a time is a common symptom of MS. Tingling in parts or all of the body is another symptom associated with the disorder. There is no cure for this disorder, but medical intervention may assist with alleviating symptoms such as numbness and tingling.
