What causes numbness?

Numbness in the body occurs as a result of excessive stimulation or damage to nerve cells. The sensation of numbness is commonly experienced in the hands, feet, legs, arms, and other areas of the body. The intensity of numbness is more important than the area affected. In the numb region, there may be a sensation of it being absent. It can be felt as tingling, or as burning or stabbing pains that cause discomfort. When numbness occurs in the brain, it affects either the right or left side of the body. Numbness in the hands and feet is often associated with pain and a burning sensation. This type of numbness, considered neuropathic pain, is commonly caused by diabetes.

Causes of numbness:

Spinal Canal Stenosis
Herniated Disc
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Brain Hemorrhages and Vascular Blockages
Brain Infections
Diabetes
Cancer Metastases
Restless Leg Syndrome
Leg Fractures
Vitamin Deficiency
Psychological Causes
Circulatory Disorders
Diseases like Migraine and Rheumatism
Pain due to staying in the same position for extended periods

Types of Numbness

Arm Numbness
The causes of numbness in the right and left arms can be different. Numbness in the left arm is usually caused by heart-related issues or problems in the blood vessels leading to the heart. Arm numbness can occur as a result of restricted blood flow, often due to lifting heavy weights. Numbness in the arm can also be observed in cases of falls, accidents, and sudden movements. If arm numbness occurs without any physical cause, it may be due to a neurological issue or stress.

Foot Numbness
Foot numbness can occur in one foot or both feet, and is typically caused by nerve damage or circulation problems. Blows to the foot, nerve damage, infections, trauma, inflammation, and tumors are some of the causes of foot numbness.

Leg Numbness
Leg numbness can be caused by factors such as nutritional deficiencies, weak blood flow, and smoking. Exposure to extreme cold, peripheral artery disease, arterial and venous blockages, and deep vein thrombosis are also other causes of leg numbness. Osteoporosis, herniated discs, poor sitting posture that affects blood flow, degenerative disc disease, and hip injuries can also lead to leg numbness. Additionally, conditions like diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis (MS), heavy metal poisoning, thyroid disorders, and strokes are common causes of leg numbness.

Hand Numbness
Hand numbness is usually caused by damage to the nerves in the arm and wrist. This type of numbness is often linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve compression in a small canal in the wrist area can be caused by conditions like infections, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, or even occupational diseases related to handwork, desk jobs, or music.

Brain Numbness
Brain numbness can be either physically or psychologically caused. It typically occurs during extreme stress, nerve tension, anxiety, or neurological problems. Causes of brain numbness include head trauma, blockages in blood vessels, brain hemorrhage, or insufficient oxygen supply to the brain.

Facial Numbness
The most common cause of facial numbness is sleeping on one side of the face, which temporarily restricts blood circulation and causes numbness. However, it usually resolves shortly after. In cases of nerve compression in the neck area or facial paralysis, facial numbness typically occurs on one side of the face. In children, the most common cause of facial numbness is vitamin deficiency. Stress, panic attacks, depression, and migraines are also frequent causes of facial numbness.

Numbness Treatment
Numbness treatment is based on the underlying cause, regardless of the affected area. Even with the slightest numbness sensation, it is important to consult a specialist and begin treatment promptly without delay.

Last Updated Date: 02 December 2020

Publication Date: 05 June 2018