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What is Parasthesia?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Parasathesia, which is actually correctly spelled paresthesia, is a temporary change in sensation which is not accompanied with long term damage or changes. However, chronic episodes can indicate that someone is experiencing a neurological problem which should be addressed, with the changes in sensation being the symptom of a serious underlying problem. Many people experience some degree of parasthesia at some point in their lives.

In some cases, parasthesia involves a prickling or tingling sensation. People can also experience a brief wave of heat or coolness, or numbness, in which they feel nothing in the affected area. Skin crawling or itching sensations can also characterize parasthesia in some cases. Usually, the sensation disappears after a few moments, leaving behind no noticeable change.

People may experience parasthesia in their legs.
People may experience parasthesia in their legs.

Transient parasthesia occurs briefly and in response to an environmental cause. For example, someone who unzips a tight pair of pants might experience a pins and needles sensation around the waist for a moment. Limbs which “fall asleep” are another example of transient parasthesia. Pinching nerves in the neck or along a limb can cause a case of transient parasthesia.

Chronic paresthesia of the hands may inhibit the ability to grip a toothbrush.
Chronic paresthesia of the hands may inhibit the ability to grip a toothbrush.

Chronic parasthesia is a neurological problem, caused by an error in the neurons which transmit signals throughout the nervous system. It is usually a symptom of a problem like poor circulation, inflammation, or a medical condition which can range from a tumor in the brain to a pinched nerve in the spinal cord. This type of sensation change will appear for sustained periods, and it will continue to appear over and over again in the same place, unlike a transient change in sensation, which will rarely strike the same place twice.

Facial paresthesia might be a sign of serious dental issues.
Facial paresthesia might be a sign of serious dental issues.

In addition to being caused by certain medical conditions, chronic parasthesia can also be caused by accident during medical procedures, and in some cases it is a common side effect. Dentists in particular notice temporary changes in sensation among their patients after procedures such as root canals. Patients should always report changes in sensation to a doctor, even if they are expected, so that the doctor can stay up to date on the patient's condition.

Some cases of parasthesia may be characterized by itching sensations.
Some cases of parasthesia may be characterized by itching sensations.

People who experience persistent and recurrent changes in sensation should consult a neurologist. The neurologist can determine the underlying cause and work with the patient to develop a treatment plan for the condition which is causing the issue. Over the course of treatment, the parasthesia should naturally resolve. In some cases, it may not be possible to treat the underlying condition, in which case various techniques can be used to help the patient cope with the parasthesia.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon255730

@Post 1: Stretching, medium level of regular exercise, hot baths, massages and acupuncture.

anon134577

i have numbness in my left foot, left thigh, and left hand and two fingers. the pain and numbness never goes away! any ideas?

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    • People may experience parasthesia in their legs.
      By: blanche
      People may experience parasthesia in their legs.
    • Chronic paresthesia of the hands may inhibit the ability to grip a toothbrush.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Chronic paresthesia of the hands may inhibit the ability to grip a toothbrush.
    • Facial paresthesia might be a sign of serious dental issues.
      By: sergmar
      Facial paresthesia might be a sign of serious dental issues.
    • Some cases of parasthesia may be characterized by itching sensations.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Some cases of parasthesia may be characterized by itching sensations.
    • Facial numbness and tingling are symptoms of facial paresthesia.
      By: sframe
      Facial numbness and tingling are symptoms of facial paresthesia.
    • Parasthesia may involve a prickling or tingling sensation, and can be felt in the legs.
      By: gawriloff
      Parasthesia may involve a prickling or tingling sensation, and can be felt in the legs.
    • Chronic paresthesia is a neurological problem that's caused by an error in the neurons transmitting signals throughout the nervous system.
      By: designua
      Chronic paresthesia is a neurological problem that's caused by an error in the neurons transmitting signals throughout the nervous system.
    • Neurologists once used devices such as the metal Wartenberg wheel to test nerve reactions, but now used various other tools.
      By: stockpackshot
      Neurologists once used devices such as the metal Wartenberg wheel to test nerve reactions, but now used various other tools.
    • Chronic paresthesia may indicate the presence of a neurological problem.
      By: Monkey Business
      Chronic paresthesia may indicate the presence of a neurological problem.