Numbness is defined as a lack of feeling or sensation in a certain part of the body. It might be full or partial. Although it is a frequent symptom of many different medical disorders, it is typically an indication of a problem with the nerves in the body. Your doctor will select the best treatment for your numbness based on the underlying disease and the nerves involved. Consult an emergency room Spring for more. 

Understanding numbness 

The vast majority of cases of numbness are insignificant. In more extreme situations, it leads to difficulties connected to not experiencing pain (for example, developing burns if unable to feel high heat) or being ignorant of what is going on with portions of the body. It may also indicate a significant underlying illness such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

Potential causes of numbness 

There are several reasons for numbness. A problem with a nerve or nerve generally causes the symptom. When a nerve is wounded or crushed, the body’s ability to detect normal sensations is compromised.

Numbness in some situations is caused by inappropriate pressure on the nerves in and around the spine. The following conditions can induce numbness:

• Compressed spinal cord
• Osteoporosis-related backbone collapse
• Pinched nerve due to arthritis, bone spurs
• Ruptured or herniated disc

The following medical conditions can also cause numbness:

• Kidney disease
• Infections such as HIV or Lyme disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Medications or drug use
• Spread of cancer to the spine
• Tumor
• Arthritis
• Exposure to poisons/toxins
• Animal and insect bites

Diagnosis of numbness 

Your symptoms, past medical history, and a physical exam (which involves measuring touch, temperature, reflexes, and muscle function) are used to diagnose numbness. Your doctor will ask you to explain the numbness and the afflicted body part(s). Other queries may be – when the numbness started, the speed at which it occurred, what events or activities you were performing at the time it started, and whether you have any other symptoms. The answers to these questions will assist your doctor in determining the source of the numbness.

The following tests can be used to determine the disease-producing numbness:

• Blood tests 

A doctor takes a blood sample to examine for indicators of illnesses such as renal abnormalities, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies.

• Imaging tests 

X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs enable doctors to search for abnormalities affecting the spinal cord and nerves, such as a herniated disc or a tumor, and examine the brain for symptoms of stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, and other brain illnesses.

The therapy for numbness varies according to the cause. The objective of treatment is to treat the underlying disease causing the numbness. Consult your doctor for the best treatment based on the underlying disease and the nerves involved.