Numbness, medically known as paresthesias, is described as a loss of feeling in the body that most often occurs in the fingers, hands, arms, feet and legs, according to MedlinePlus. Numbness is usually a result of excess pressure that is placed on a peripheral nerve; however, it can sometimes be a symptom of a serious disease or condition. Occasionally, numbness can also indicate a medical emergency.
Multiple Sclerosis
The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds all of the nerve cells in the body. The function of the myelin sheath is to allow for quick and efficient transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body. Multiple sclerosis is a nervous system disease that causes damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. The damage to the myelin sheath causes nerve signals to be slowed down or interrupted completely, causing numbness and tingling throughout the entire body. In addition to numbness and tingling, other symptoms of multiple sclerosis include blurry vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, balance and coordination difficulties and problems with memory and thinking. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. There is no treatment for multiple sclerosis, but a combination of medications, physical therapy and occupational therapy can reduce symptoms and delay progression.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease is a condition in which numbness occurs in various areas of the body. The numbness is caused by abnormal constriction of blood vessels which limits blood supply to the extremities, and most often affects the toes, fingers, nose and ears, according to MayoClinic.com. The cause of Raynaud's disease is unknown, but it is believed to occur as a result of the body's overreaction to extremely cold temperatures or stressful situations. In addition to numbness, someone with Raynaud's disease also experiences cold fingers and toes and color changes in the skin. Raynaud's disease is usually treatable with a combination of medications that dilate blood vessels and counteract hormones that cause blood vessel constriction. If medications are unsuccessful, nerve surgery to remove the overreacting nerves may be needed.
Transient Ischemic Attack
A transient ischemic attack is often referred to as a mini-stroke because it causes symptoms of a stroke, but does not cause any permanent effects or damage. The occurrence of a transient ischemic attack increases the risk of having a stroke later in life. A transient ischemic attack occurs when a blood clot causes a blockage in an artery and blood cannot reach the brain. Symptoms of a transient ischemic attack usually last from one to five minutes, and include sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, dizziness, balance and coordination difficulties and a sudden, severe headache, according to the American Heart Association. Treatment of a transient ischemic attack is not needed, but lifestyle modifications, such as following a heart-healthy diet and the cessation of smoking, should be made.
