Numbness is most commonly associated with some type of nerve damage, irritation, or compression. When numbness occurs without other symptoms, it doesnt typically represent a medical emergency. However, numbness can be a symptom of a serious condition if it occurs alongside symptoms such as: numbness on one side.

What is numbness a symptom of?

Numbness usually arises from a lack of blood supply to an area, nerve compression, or nerve damage. Numbness can also result from infection, inflammation, trauma, and other abnormal processes. Most cases of numbness are not due to life-threatening disorders, but it does occur with stroke and tumors.

When should I worry about leg numbness?

If you experience leg numbness with loss of bladder or bowel control, paralysis, confusion, weakness in the leg, or slurred speech, seek immediate medical attention in an emergency facility. If your leg numbness is persistent, recurrent, or causes you concern, contact a medical professional.

When should you see a neurologist for numbness?

Numbness or tingling However, if this numbness continues, comes on suddenly, or only happens on one side of the body, it may be time to see a neurologist. Numbness or tingling symptoms like those described can also be signs of a stroke, in which case you need to get help very quickly.

Does stress cause numbness?

During moments of panic, the blood vessels constrict, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This reduces blood flow to different body parts — the hands and feet in particular — potentially causing tingling, numbness, or a cold feeling. Feeling anxious also changes behavior.

Does numbness cause paralysis?

Many people mistakenly use the term numbness when they have abnormal sensations such as tingling, prickling, or a pins-and-needles sensation or when a limb feels weak or is paralyzed—perhaps partly because people with numbness often also have such abnormal sensations and symptoms.

Should I go to the hospital for numbness?

Go to a hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if: You have weakness or are unable to move, along with numbness or tingling. Numbness or tingling occur just after a head, neck, or back injury. You cannot control the movement of an arm or a leg, or you have lost bladder or bowel control.

What kind of doctor do you see for numbness?

When this pain is not something your primary care physician can help you manage, you may choose to see a neurologist, especially if you have other symptoms along with the pain like weakness, numbness, or problems with bladder or bowel control.

What are the symptoms of nerve damage?

The signs of nerve damageNumbness or tingling in the hands and feet.Feeling like youre wearing a tight glove or sock.Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.Regularly dropping objects that youre holding.Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.

Should I go to the doctor for numbness?

If you feel numbness or tingling soon after a head, neck, or back injury, get medical help right away. Its also an emergency if you lose consciousness even for a little while. Someone should call 911 for you if: You lose muscle control.

How can you tell if you have nerve damage?

The signs of nerve damage Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Feeling like youre wearing a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs. Regularly dropping objects that youre holding.

How do you test for nerve damage?

A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.