What you may feel
- Burning, tingling or electric-shock-like pain in the limbs.
- Numb patches or pain from a light touch may occur.
- Altered sensation sometimes starts in the feet and gradually spreads.
- Heat, cold or minor injuries may be less noticeable.
- Some people also develop weakness or balance difficulties.
How it is assessed
Assessment identifies the distribution and possible causes, including metabolic problems, injury or compression.
Identify the precise areas of pain and numbness and describe the effect of touch. Bring details of other conditions, medicines and previous procedures.
Approaches to care
Care combines management of the cause with pain control, injury prevention when sensation is reduced, and rehabilitation.
Discuss how pain affects sleep, work and movement. At follow-up, report changes in sensation and strength as well as pain intensity.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or rapidly increasing weakness, abrupt loss of sensation or new bladder or bowel problems need immediate assessment.
Further reading: NINDS / NIH
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.