Paresthesia

Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation in the skin, commonly described as tingling, burning, numbness, or pins and needles, that appears without a physical stimulus to explain it. It can be brief, like when an arm "falls asleep," or persistent when it reflects a nerve disorder.

Common causes: compression of a nerve, sustained poor posture, circulation problems, nutritional deficiencies, or certain metabolic disorders may also be involved.

When to see a doctor? It is advisable to seek care if the paresthesia is frequent, lasts a long time, is accompanied by weakness, or affects several parts of the body.

Which specialist evaluates it? The neurologist studies paresthesia of nervous origin, while the internist helps investigate general or metabolic causes. In the presence of persistent sensations or ones that spread, it is advisable to discuss it with a professional who can guide the evaluation.