Sensory disturbances all over the body – causes, treatment and prevention

Sensory disturbances all over the body

Sensory disturbances all over the body can be due to physical and psychological causes. In particular, the possibility of neurological damage should be considered. This applies even more when there is numbness and tingling in the limbs. How the sensory disturbances in the body are treated depends on the identified cause. However, a wide range of therapies is available, ranging from conservative means to surgical measures.

What are sensory disturbances all over the body?

Sensory disturbances all over the body are usually expressed by individual sensory disturbances in the limbs and other parts of the body. The body as a whole is rarely affected. Those affected primarily perceive the sensory disturbances as unpleasant tingling sensations . In some cases, this can also be painful. Since sensory disturbances are subjective, the intensity of the sensations is not always the same. Sensory disturbances can also manifest themselves as a complete loss of the ability to feel.

Such numbness occurs mainly on the outer extremities (limbs such as [[ fingers , feet, etc.). Then the suspicion of neurologically caused malfunctions is particularly strong. Regardless of where in the body the disorders occur, they can be due to external circumstances (e.g. an injury to the body) or psychological catalysts. In the majority of cases, however, the sensory disturbances turn out to be paresthesia . Paresthesia is present when a particular sensation is felt (e.g., warmth, cold, tingling) that cannot be traced back to an adequate cause. Paresthesias are another indication of neurological sensory disturbances.

Causes

Sensory disturbances in the body can have numerous causes. A cause can be psychological or physical. In general, diseases of the nerve tracts, disorders of the peripheral nervous system, hormonal changes, circulatory disorders or mental illnesses come into consideration. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish between the respective parts of the body where the disorders are perceived. Because the body parts can provide important information on the possible underlying diseases.Sensory disturbances in fingers and hands can be caused by ulnar tunnel syndrome, for example. This is a kinking of the nerve in the wrist or finger area. It is often due to bad posture when cycling, which is why it is also called cyclist’s paralysis. The consequences include numbness and tingling fingers. Occasionally there are also sensory disturbances in the elbow.

Carpal tunnel syndrome should also be considered. There is damage to the median nerve. This is located in the Kapalkanal and is therefore also called the median nerve. The damage can cause numbness, pain, and tingling. Polyneuropathies are often the cause of the abnormal sensations. Polyneuropathies are disorders of the peripheral nervous system caused by diabetes, which also occur with chronic alcohol abuse.

Symptoms include numbness and particularly strong, uncomfortable tingling in the extremities. In particular after accidents, however, the cause is a whiplash injury to the cervical spine . Because injuries to the cervical spine can impair both blood circulation and nerve function, which can cause sensory disturbances throughout the body. For the same reasons, muscle tension can also be a cause. In addition, hormonal changes and vitamin B12 deficiency are also potential causes.

Sensory disturbances in the arms and shoulders are mainly caused by shoulder strains , tension or injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and deep bruises. The latter in particular can put pressure on vessels or nerves, which primarily affects the arms and shoulders. In these parts of the body, sensory disturbances often occur, which are caused by the onset of a migraine attack. Sensory disturbances in the head, neck, face and mouth often occur in connection with circulatory disorders in the brain, burns and frostbite, allergies and migraines.

Sensory disorders in the legs, feet and toes, on the other hand, are often associated with circulatory disorders and vascular occlusions in the medical literature. The disturbed blood flow leads to an undersupply of the nerves, which can manifest itself in numbness, tingling or a complete loss of sensitivity. Diabetes and nicotine addiction are often the reasons for circulatory disorders. But the so-called Restless Legs Syndrome can also lead to sensory disturbances. These often cannot be located exactly. In addition, chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia syndrome cause discomfort in the legs as a side effect.

Substance abuse is also a possible cause. In particular, long-term alcohol consumption leads to permanent damage to the nerves and vessels, which leads to sensory disturbances throughout the body. But diseases of the central nervous system can also cause abnormal sensations. These diseases include multiple sclerosis and epilepsies. Regardless of the specific part of the body, burns and medication can also lead to sensory disturbances. If the entire half of the body is paralyzed on one side, a stroke is suspected . Mental illnesses can also cause sensory disturbances all over the body, which do not only typically occur in one place.

Diseases

  • CNS disorders

When to the doctor?

Sensory disturbances that occur suddenly and without any apparent reason all over the body must be presented to a doctor immediately. If other symptoms such as speech problems , clouded consciousness or cardiac arrhythmias occur, there is a risk of a stroke. Since this is a life-threatening condition, an ambulance must be called.

The sensory disturbances can occur due to low blood pressure . Without medical attention, the affected person can independently consume caffeine-containing substances or increase their blood pressure through exercise. If these measures are not sufficient, a doctor should be consulted. If other symptoms such as pain or restricted movement occur, these must be clarified by a doctor. In most cases, this hides other diseases that need to be examined.

Sensory disturbances all over the body occur in people in phases of strong emotional stress. Stress, strokes of fate, grief or life changes are the triggers. As soon as the person concerned has the feeling that they cannot cope with the situation on their own, a doctor should be asked for advice and help. In most cases, the discomfort disappears after overcoming the situation. If the sensory disturbances persist, a doctor should be consulted. In any case, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication. Side effects and further causes must be clarified.

Diagnosis and course

Emotional disorders in the body are usually diagnosed by a family doctor. Through a targeted survey, he tries to find out whether the sensory disturbances can be traced back to adequate causes or whether they present themselves as paresthesia. If nerve damage is suspected, a neurologist will be referred. If there is damage to the joints or tissue (e.g. bruises, strains), an orthopaedist is referred to. In individual cases, the dermatologist can also be contacted. The exact diagnosis is usually made using technical aids such as CT , MRI or X-ray images . Mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated by psychiatrists, psychologists or psychotherapists.

Complications

Sensory disturbances all over the body can result in nerve damage. These often spread through the nerve fibers and can lead to the death of individual nerve tracts. The sensory disturbances cause numbness on the skin or hypersensitivity. Both lead to complications in interpersonal relationships. Within partnerships or the experience of tender touches, differences and insecurities arise between the person concerned and his or her partner.

Injuries and burns are only recognized late in the case of sensory disturbances all over the body. The sensation of pain and temperature ensures survival. However, it has been disrupted by the complaints and no longer serves as a vital alarm system. There is therefore a risk of irreparable damage to the skin, bones and joints. Other vessels such as nerves, muscles or blood vessels can also be affected. In addition, unnoticed cracks in the skin lead to infection and inflammation.

Hypersensitivity of the skin causes pain and discomfort. Tingling, itching or a burning sensation on the skin are common. The irritations cause problems in everyday life. Lying down or sitting can become an unbearable condition for those affected. The sensory disturbances all over the body prevent the perception of tactile stimuli. Stretching, pressure or vibration cannot be felt.

Treatment and therapy

The form of treatment for sensory disturbances depends on the identified cause. Above all, such disorders that are psychologically conditioned can disappear again on their own. Neurological causes are difficult to treat. Pinched nerves can be surgically freed. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, torn nerves never regain full functionality.

An early start of therapy is therefore very advisable for neurological causes. In the case of traumatic causes (e.g. contusions, strains, tension) massages , physiotherapy and acupuncture can be healing. Medications can also be prescribed.

outlook and prognosis

Sensory disturbances all over the body, which are triggered by excitement or emotions such as being in love, disappear again within a short time. After coping with the event or by adapting to the situation, habituation sets in and the emotional disturbances automatically subside. Similar events occur in the course of life, so that the disorders are triggered again and disappear just as quickly.

If there are circulatory disorders, the discomfort will slowly increase. Without a medical examination with subsequent treatment, there is a progressive course of the disease. The emotional disturbances spread and become more intense. If no medical care is initiated, there is a life-threatening condition. With medical treatment, the cause can be found and eliminated. The person concerned is then considered to be cured.

In the case of inflammatory processes, there is also an initial increase in symptoms. With treatment, the sensory disturbances usually subside within a few days, and full recovery occurs within a few weeks. Temperature differences can be quickly equalized in everyday life. Here, slight hypothermia can lead to spontaneous healing if sufficient heat has been supplied to the body. You will be free of complaints within a very short time. Severe hypothermia requires medical attention. The prognosis depends on the severity of the hypothermia and is evaluated individually.

prevention

Emotional disorders can be partially prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding harmful substances (e.g. alcohol or nicotine) as far as possible.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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