The term ‘pinched nerve‘ actually refers to any condition where compression of the nerve causes a range of sensory (’feeling’) and motor (’movement’) related symptoms in the affected area. While a pinched nerve if often believed to affect the spinal nerves only, due to compression between parts of the spine, it can actually affect any nerve in the body. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the site that is affected, the extent of the nerve compression, movement or other aggravating factors as well as duration of the compression.

continue reading What is a Pinched Nerve?

NUMBNESS AND TINGLING IN ARMS AND LEGS

This article describes disorders causing numbness and tingling in BOTH arms (hands) and legs (feet). Typical symptoms are mentioned beside each disorder to help distinguishing among them.

You can also check causes of:

• Numbness ONLY IN ARMS
• Numbness ONLY IN LEGS
• HEAD/FACE numbness
• Numbness ANYWHERE IN THE BODY

continue reading Numbness and Tingling in Both Arms and Legs

Head Sensitivity Map – Head Dermatomes

Picture 1. Sensitivity map of the head – head dermatomes
(Click to enlarge image)
(source: Wikipedia)

continue reading Tingling and Numbness in the Face and Back of the Head

What Does Tingling, Numbness and Paresthesia Mean?

Paresthesia (Greek para- = abnormal, esthesia = feeling) is abnormal sensation on the skin that has no apparent physical cause (1). It can be temporary or permanent. Paresthesia includes numbness and tingling.

Numbness is a decreased or lost sensation in the skin. 

Tingling is an unusual sensation in the skin. Affected person may also describe it as feeling of pins and needles, tickling, pricking, creeping, skin crawling, ant crawling, etc.

In certain disorders, like restless leg syndrome, tingling, numbness, burning, itchiness and pain may appear at the same time.

Paresthesia can appear in any part of the body: in the trunk, limbs, fingers, toes, face or entire head.

continue reading Causes of Tingling and Numbness – Paresthesia