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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffNumbness can have a variety of causes. Most are harmless, but some can be life-threatening.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your numbness:
- Begins suddenly
- Follows a recent head injury
- Involves an entire arm or leg
Also seek emergency medical care if your numbness is accompanied by:
- Weakness or paralysis
- Confusion
- Difficulty talking
- Dizziness
- Sudden, severe headache
You are likely to have a CT scan or MRI if:
- You've had a head injury
- Your doctor suspects or needs to rule out a brain tumor or stroke
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
- Affects only a part of a limb, such as your toes or fingers
References
- Briemberg HR, et al. Approach to the patient with sensory loss. http://www.uptodate.com/ome/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
- Paresthesias. In: Ferri FF. Practical Guide to the Care of the Medical Patient. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/website/view/preview?printing=true&URL=http%3A//www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/215581151-4/1041808883/1417/265.html%3Fprinting%3Dtrue%234-u1.0-B978-0-323-04836-1..50005-8--cesec298_322. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
- Stroke: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/detail_stroke.htm. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
- Rosenfeld J, et al. Numbness: A practical guide for family physicians. American Academy of Neurology. http://www.aan.com/familypractice/pdf/FINAL%20NUMBNESS%203.pdf. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
- Raynaud's disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/raynaud/ray_all.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
- Numbness. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/symptoms/numbness/index.aspx. Accessed Aug. 20, 2010.
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