Most people are familiar with that uncomfortable feeling when your foot “falls asleep” from a lack of blood flow, but neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis can also cause this kind of numbness and tingling. At Apex Neurology, Northern Medical Care PC in the Bronx and Forest Hills, New York, the doctors offer diagnosis and treatments for numbness and tingling. To learn more, call or schedule a consultation online today.
Numbness occurs when you lose sensation, either partially or entirely, in a part of your body. You may not be able to feel pain, temperature, or even touch. You may also experience a tingling or “pins-and-needles” sensation or have trouble with your coordination or balance, which could lead to problems walking or driving.
Tingling and numbness are often symptoms of a nervous system dysfunction, such as a compressed nerve in your spine or a neurological disorder.
Physical conditions that can cause numbness to include:
Neurological conditions that cause numbness include:
All these conditions and injuries disrupt the neural pathways between your body and brain. Disruptions can occur anywhere in your nervous system and are often due to inflammation that compresses a nerve. Over an extended period of time, compression can lead to permanent nerve damage.
The doctor offers extensive physical exams and diagnostic testing to identify the cause of your numbness and tingling sensations. During your consultation, he discusses your symptoms and reviews your medical history. Details like how quickly the numbness started, when it began, and its location in your body can help the doctor determine the underlying condition.
He also performs a thorough physical exam, where he checks your reflexes as well as the sensation in your feet, legs, hands, and arms. In some cases, he may order blood work and diagnostic imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to look for other clues or rule out certain conditions.
Your customized treatment plan depends on the condition responsible for your symptoms. The doctor focuses your treatment on relieving your symptoms and reducing your risk of falling and injuring yourself. If you have a neurological condition, he also focuses on managing the underlying disease.
If you frequently experience numbness and tingling in your feet, legs, or anywhere else in your body, call or schedule an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and care.