Causes of Numbness and Tingling

Topic at a Glance

Numbness and tingling can occur for simple reasons like sitting in the same position too long, or may be linked to nerve problems or more serious medical conditions.
Diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nerve conduction studies (EMG), and blood tests can help determine whether issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or enlarged blood vessels are affecting your nervous system.
Seeking timely evaluation is essential, especially if symptoms occur suddenly, affect one entire arm or leg, or appear with other symptoms, since these may require urgent medical care.
At NY Neurology Associates in New York, our experienced team uses advanced tools such as imaging tests, blood work, and detailed evaluations of your medical history to get to the root of the problem.

Numbness and Tingling

Feeling a sensation of numbness and/or tingling is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the neurologist. While these feelings are often temporary and not an indication of a larger health issue, they can be alarming. Visiting a neurologist can help to diagnose the root cause of numbness and/or tingling.

Causes of Numbness

Numbness may be caused by a number of factors, including:

Certain activities, like sitting for a long period of time or having weight on a limb, can cause a body part to “fall asleep,” resulting in numbness and tingling. This sensation is directly related to the decreased circulation while you were in that position and is not a cause for alarm. Once you resume normal activity, this feeling will go away.
Some cases of numbness are caused by nerve issues. For example, if you hit your funny bone, the odd, painful sensation felt is due to hurting the ulnar nerve. The location of your numbness gives your physician a starting point for locating an injured nerve. Therefore, it is important to provide your doctor with detailed information about your symptoms.
In rare cases, a feeling of numbness may be indicative of a major health issue, like a stroke. If your feeling of numbness began suddenly, is apparently without cause, and is localized to one side of the body, you should seek immediate medical assistance

Diagnosing Tingling and Numbness

Based on your symptoms, your physician will perform a number of tests in order to diagnose the root cause. Diagnostic tests may include:

CT scan
MRI
EMG – nerve conduction study
Blood work
Lumbar puncture

Based on the results of these tests, a treatment plan will be developed to address your specific medical concerns.

If you’ve been noticing numbness, tingling, or a persistent “pins and needles” sensation, it’s important to get answers. At NY Neurology Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of nerve problems and related conditions. Our team will create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Call NY Neurology Associates today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.

Below are some common questions about numbness and tingling.

What are some common causes of numbness?

Certain activities, like sitting for a long period of time or having weight on a limb, can cause a body part to ‘fall asleep,’ resulting in numbness and tingling. This sensation is directly related to the decreased circulation while you were in that position and is not a cause for alarm. Once you resume normal activity, this feeling will go away.

Can numbness ever indicate a serious health problem?

In rare cases, a feeling of numbness may be indicative of a major health issue, like a stroke. If your feeling of numbness began suddenly, is apparently without cause, and is localized to one side of the body, you should seek immediate medical assistance.

How do doctors diagnose the cause of numbness and tingling?

Based on your symptoms, your physician will perform a number of tests in order to diagnose the root cause. Diagnostic tests may include a CT scan, MRI, EMG – nerve conduction study, blood work, and a Lumbar puncture.