What is paresthesia?

Paresthesia is a type of sensitivity disorder that includes subjective tingling and burning sensations. All these unpleasant sensations bothered every person more than once; they could appear during prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, squeezing of arms or legs, in case of strong fear. However, this condition quickly passes and does not constitute any particular inconvenience.

Suppose these sensations appear for no apparent reason and do not disappear for a long time. In that case, you should consult a doctor to establish the cause and get the necessary treatment for paresthesia.

Paresthesia occurs when the nerve root, nerve endings, spinal cord, or brain are damaged or irritated. The localization of symptoms depends on the location of the nerve lesion.

The causes of paresthesia are different and varied, depending on the place of manifestation of symptoms.

Paresthesia symptoms

The appearance of paresthesia occurs when several electrical impulses of different potentials appear in the sensitive nerve fiber at once. The impulses are layered on top of each other, and, as a result, information from ​​the skin or mucous membrane enters the brain in a distorted form.

The localization of the manifestation of symptoms depends on the location of the nerve damage. So, for example, with a stroke, paresthesia develops on the opposite side of the body (from the part of the brain where the circulatory disorder has occurred). Precursors can accompany migraine attacks in the form of oral paresthesia. Polyneuropathy is characterized by localization in the area of ​​the feet and hands.

The symptoms of paresthesia are:

• Tingling or burning sensation
• Skin-crawling feeling.
• The pallor of the skin in the affected area.
• Feeling numb.

This condition can occur unexpectedly, or it can develop gradually with increasing symptoms. Usually, outbreaks of paresthesia pass over time, then attack again. But there is also a continuous course, for example, with multiple sclerosis with a long history of the disease, when paresthesia constantly appears. In any case, you need to see your doctor prescribe the correct treatment for paresthesia.

Diagnosis of paresthesia

A therapist or neurologist detects paresthesia. The same doctors prescribe the treatment of paresthesia.

Diagnostics are aimed at establishing the immediate cause that contributed to the development of paresthesia. During the appointment, the doctor finds out the root of symptoms, their duration, the presence of provoking factors. Establishing a workplace to avoid exposure to chemicals is an essential factor.

After this, a neurological examination is performed, during which a violation of sensitivity is determined.

The next stage is the search for the disease against the background of which paresthesia has developed. 

For this, the following examinations are carried out:

• Determination of blood sugar levels.
• A blood test for the content of toxins.
• Blood chemistry.
• Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities and brachiocephalic vessels.
• X-ray of the spine.
• CT, MRI of the brain and/or spinal cord.

A vital research method is electroneuromyography, which shows the speed of propagation of excitation and the nerve fiber, which makes it possible to detect a violation of nerve conduction.

When paresthesia is caused by filling the tooth canal with filling material, the dentist is engaged in diagnostics. Numbness develops in the chin, tongue, cheeks, lips; symptoms disappear after a few days or 2-3 months. In this case, there are no problems with diagnosis; the person independently associates the development of symptoms with a recent visit to the dentist.

Paresthesia is not a separate disease; it is always connected with concomitant pathology. Therefore, it is essential to carry out a complete examination to prescribe the necessary paresthesia treatment in time and prevent the development of complications.

Treatment of paresthesia

Treatment of paresthesia is aimed at eliminating the cause of paresthesia and relieving symptoms. You should constantly monitor blood sugar levels in the presence of diabetes mellitus. Careful monitoring will help prevent complications such as diabetic polyneuropathy, which, in turn, is accompanied by paresthesia. It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol, as long-term intake of alcoholic beverages provokes the development of paresthesia.

In case of poisoning with chemicals, detoxification therapy is performed to remove toxins from the body. Surgical treatment is used in cases where there is a tumor process that compresses the nerve.

Symptomatic treatment is aimed at reducing the manifestation of discomfort.

Physiotherapeutic treatment of paresthesia has a good effect. It is aimed at eliminating the subjective sensations of paresthesia. Of this method of treatment are used:

• Diadynamic currents.
• Electrophoresis.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Mud therapy.
• Massage.
• Acupuncture.

Medicines are also prescribed to help relieve symptoms and treat paresthesia.

When the mechanism of paresthesia formation is associated with impaired conduction of excitation along with the nerve fiber, the appointment of B vitamins in the treatment will have a good effect. Besides, drugs that improve blood circulation are prescribed to eliminate the feeling of numbness. Antiplatelet agents are used to achieving this effect. Also such groups of drugs as antioxidants and anti hypoxants are used. They help to improve metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.

You should consult a doctor who, individually, considers the cause of paresthesia development and the presence of concomitant pathology. A doctor will prescribe the necessary drugs and the treatment of the paresthesia. You should not wait for the spontaneous elimination of symptoms but immediately make an appointment with a doctor to prevent the development of complications.