Pins and needles sensation
Overview
Pins and needles sensation is a tingling, prickling feeling that commonly occurs when nerves are compressed or blood flow is restricted to a body part. This temporary numbness and tingling typically affects the hands, feet, arms, or legs and often resolves when normal circulation or nerve function is restored.
Common Causes
This tingling sensation commonly occurs when pressure is applied to nerves, such as sitting in one position too long or sleeping on your arm. It can also result from poor circulation, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), or temporary nerve compression from tight clothing or repetitive motions. Stress, anxiety, and hyperventilation can also trigger these sensations throughout the body.
Severity Levels
Mild: Occasional brief episodes that resolve quickly when you change position or move the affected area. Usually occurs after sitting or lying in one position too long.
Moderate: More frequent episodes that last longer and may interfere with daily activities. The sensation takes more time to resolve even after changing position or moving.
Severe: Persistent or very frequent episodes that significantly impact your ability to perform normal tasks. The sensation may not fully resolve with movement and could indicate an underlying medical condition requiring evaluation.
Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if the pins and needles sensation persists for several hours without improvement, occurs frequently without an obvious cause like sitting or sleeping in an awkward position, or is accompanied by weakness, severe pain, or difficulty moving the affected area. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience sudden onset with chest pain, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or severe headache, as these could indicate a serious medical emergency.
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