Numbness

Numbness is a reduced ability to feel and may involve partial or complete loss of sensation in a part of the body. It is sometimes described as a tingling, “pins and needles” sensation, but numbness refers to diminished tactile perception alone or with accompanying sensory changes. It can be temporary or persistent.

Causes are varied and include nerve compression (for example, from prolonged sitting or carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve injury, and conditions that affect the nervous system such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord disease. Peripheral neuropathies from diabetes, alcohol use, vitamin deficiencies (notably B12), infections, medications, or toxins are common. Less often, numbness arises from systemic illnesses or autoimmune diseases.

Numbness most often occurs in the hands and feet, but it can involve any area of skin, including the face or lips. Acute numbness with weakness, speech or vision changes, or severe headache is a medical emergency, as it may signal a stroke or other serious disorder.

Diagnosis begins with history and examination. Tests may include blood work, imaging (MRI or CT), nerve conduction studies and electromyography, or lumbar puncture depending on the suspected cause. Treatment targets the underlying condition; temporary numbness due to posture often resolves with movement, while persistent numbness may require medications for neuropathic pain, vitamin supplementation, physical therapy, or surgical intervention for compression.

Prognosis varies by cause. Some numbness improves, others remains chronic. Prevention focuses on managing risk factors such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, infection control, and avoiding nerve injury. Regular medical evaluation is advised for numbness lasting longer than a few days, numbness with weakness, or new neurological symptoms.