From the Guidelines
Yes, paresthesias and pins and needles are essentially the same thing. Paresthesia is the medical term for the temporary abnormal sensations like numbness, tingling, prickling, or burning that people commonly describe as "pins and needles." These sensations typically occur when pressure is applied to a nerve, temporarily reducing blood flow to the area, such as when sitting in one position for too long or sleeping on an arm. When the pressure is relieved, blood flow returns, causing the tingling sensation as nerve function normalizes.
Some key points to consider:
- Paresthesias can also be caused by certain medical conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as by some medications.
- While occasional, brief episodes of pins and needles are normal, persistent or recurring paresthesias without an obvious cause should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, as they could indicate an underlying neurological condition that requires treatment.
- The clinical history should determine the onset and course of ischemia and any background information pertaining to origin, differential diagnosis, and concurrent disease, as seen in the management of acute limb ischemia 1.
- Symptoms in acute limb ischemia relate primarily to pain and dysfunction, and the pattern of onset may have etiological implications, whereas the character and distribution of pain may aid the differential diagnosis 1.
In terms of management, it is crucial to determine whether the patient had previous claudication or arterial interventions, whether the patient had arterial or aortic aneurysm, and whether there is an established diagnosis of heart disease with particular reference to atrial fibrillation, patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect, or ventricular dysfunction 1.
Overall, the most important consideration is to evaluate persistent or recurring paresthesias without an obvious cause, as they could indicate an underlying neurological condition that requires treatment, and to manage them accordingly to prevent morbidity, mortality, and to improve quality of life.
From the Research
Definition and Explanation
- Paresthesias refer to abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or prickling feelings that can occur in any part of the body 2.
- These sensations are often described as "pins and needles" and can be temporary or persistent.
- Paresthesias can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, compression, or disease, as well as certain medical conditions or injuries 3.
Comparison with Pins and Needles
- Pins and needles are a common, temporary sensation that can occur when a nerve is compressed or pinched, causing numbness or tingling 2.
- Paresthesias and pins and needles are often used interchangeably to describe these abnormal sensations, but paresthesias can be a more general term that encompasses a range of sensations, including tingling, numbness, and burning 4.
- In medical contexts, paresthesias are often used to describe more persistent or severe sensations, while pins and needles are used to describe milder, temporary sensations 5.
Diagnostic Considerations
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are commonly used to diagnose and evaluate paresthesias and other neurological conditions [(3,4,5,6)].
- These tests can help identify underlying nerve damage or disease, and can be used to monitor the progression of conditions over time 6.
- However, not all patients with paresthesias or suspected neuropathy require EMG or NCS, and the decision to order these tests should be based on individual clinical circumstances 6.