When should you see a neurologist for numbness?

Numbness or tingling
Numbness or tingling can happen for many different reasons, some as simple as sitting in a way that cuts off your blood circulation or having not eaten. 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.


When should I be concerned about numbness?

Schedule an office visit if your numbness:

Begins or worsens gradually. Affects both sides of the body. Comes and goes. Seems related to certain tasks or activities, particularly repetitive motions.

What are signs that you need to see a neurologist?

Common reasons to visit a neurologist
  • Chronic or severe headaches. ...
  • Chronic pain. ...
  • Dizziness. ...
  • Numbness or tingling. ...
  • Movement problems. ...
  • Memory problems or confusion.


Can a neurologist help with numbness?

If you have ongoing problems with numbness and/or tingling, you'll need to have the condition checked by a neurologist. Paresthesia or neuropathy is determined and diagnosed through a patient's medical history and a physical exam.

Can neurological problems cause numbness?

Numbness refers to the partial or complete loss of sensation. It can be a symptom of nervous system malfunction. Neurologic symptoms—symptoms caused by a disorder that affects part or all of the nervous system—can... read more .


Common Neurological symptoms and when to consult a neurologist



What type of Dr treats numbness?

Numbness or tingling can happen for many different reasons, some as simple as sitting in a way that cuts off your blood circulation or having not eaten. 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.

What is the difference between numbness and neuropathy?

Numbness is literally a reduced or absent perception of sensation in a part of the body. With peripheral neuropathy, a person may suddenly experience numbness in their hands or feet without warning. This can lead to problems when walking or keeping balance.

How do you treat constant numbness?

Some common treatments for numbness include:
  1. Nerve pain medications.
  2. Controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes.
  3. Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the spine or help ease movement.
  4. Surgery to remove a tumor or repair a problem in the spine.


What is the best treatment for numbness?

Home remedies that may help to relieve uncomfortable numbness in the legs and feet include:
  • Rest. Many of the conditions that cause leg and foot numbness, such as nerve pressure, improve with rest.
  • Ice. ...
  • Heat. ...
  • Massage. ...
  • Exercise. ...
  • Supportive devices. ...
  • Epsom salt baths. ...
  • Mental techniques and stress reduction.


Is numbness a serious problem?

Numbness is most commonly associated with some type of nerve damage, irritation, or compression. When numbness occurs without other symptoms, it doesn't 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 are early signs of neurological problems?

Symptoms may include:
  • Persistent or sudden onset of a headache.
  • A headache that changes or is different.
  • Loss of feeling or tingling.
  • Weakness or loss of muscle strength.
  • Loss of sight or double vision.
  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired mental ability.
  • Lack of coordination.


How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?

Electromyography, or EMG, is used to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders, spinal nerve root compression, and motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMG records the electrical activity in the muscles. Muscles develop abnormal electrical signals when there is nerve or muscle damage.

What are 4 conditions that neurologist work with?

Neurological disabilities include a wide range of disorders, such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, ADD, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy, just to name a few.

What happens if numbness doesn't go away?

Don't dismiss tingling or numbness in your extremities — especially if it doesn't go away. The issue has most likely been occurring for much longer than you have been experiencing the symptoms. If left untreated, it can be dangerous, as tingling or numbness could be indicative of stroke, diabetes or multiple sclerosis.


Why do I have constant numbness?

Numbness is caused by damage, irritation or compression of nerves. A single nerve branch or several nerves may be affected, as with a slipped disk in the back or carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist.

What diseases can cause numbness?

Shingles or herpes zoster infection. Other infections such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, syphilis, or tuberculosis. Lack of blood supply to an area, such as from hardening of the arteries, frostbite, or vessel inflammation. Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body.

Does gabapentin help with numbness?

Gabapentin is a drug used in the treatment of nerve pain (neuropathic pain) in multiple sclerosis. It's often used to treat altered sensations (dysaesthesia) like numbness, burning or pins and needles.


Is nerve damage numbness permanent?

But sometimes, nerve damage can be permanent, even if the cause is treated. Long-term (chronic) pain can be a major problem for some people. Numbness in the feet can lead to skin sores that do not heal. In rare cases, numbness in the feet may lead to amputation.

Can you have permanent numbness?

Sure, numbness could be temporary due to an acute flair and accompany inflammation. The longer we experience lack of sensation, however, can be sign of axonal damage (“permanent” nerve damage).

Does neuropathy numbness go away?

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may lessen or go away over time, but in some cases they never go away. These are some ways to learn to live with it: Use pain medicines as your doctor prescribes them. Most pain medicines work best if they are taken before the pain gets bad.


What are the beginning stages of neuropathy?

Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.

What happens if neuropathy goes untreated?

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.

Can blood test show nerve damage?

A variety of blood tests may be performed to determine the cause of nerve damage. These tests may look for high blood glucose levels, diabetes onset, vitamin deficiencies, etc.


Does an MRI show nerve damage?

Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.

How do you get tested for neuropathy?

Confirming if you have a neuropathy

a nerve conduction test (NCS), where small metal wires called electrodes are placed on your skin that release tiny electric shocks to stimulate your nerves; the speed and strength of the nerve signal is measured.