Paresthesia in Multiple Sclerosis – How and Why?

Persistent or chronic paresthesia can point to a wide range of health problems, such as MS (multiple sclerosis), type-2 diabetes, mini stroke, arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis), etc. The chance to treat and cure the condition is closely dependent on the cause of the problem. If the cause is treatable, the prognosis of the problem is quite awesome.

Many patients with MS experience numbness and tingling in the early stage of the disease. The symptom may get get worse as their MS progresses. Good stress management, getting plenty of sleep, and sticking to healthy lifestyles are often recommended to deal with.

It is a group of several discomfort symptoms that occur due to the blockage of blood supply to the nerves of the affected site or part of the body.

It is often marked by sensations of numbness, tingling, prickling, burning, or itchiness. Sometimes it is also described as skin-crawling (typically occurs on the face) or pins-&-needles sensation. Toes, fingers, arms, feet, and hands are common areas of where it occurs.

Most people can experience temporary paresthesia – and it’s very common. For instances – sitting for long hours (especially when you’re sitting on your crossed legs) or sleeping in bent position on your arms would cause numbness or tingling. But in such case, this is usually temporary and will go away on its own (there is nothing to worry about).

If your paresthesia is long lasting or chronic, don’t ignore it! In such case, it may signal certain health conditions.

Long lasting paresthesia may occur due to the nerves damage that can be caused by inflammation, infection, or other abnormal /unusual process. It may also occur with the existence of tumor. Or it could be an early sign of stroke.

MS is categorized into autoimmune disease, why? In patients with MS, their body immune system with unknown reason destroys myelin (a protective sheath that protects and covers the nerves).

It could be potentially debilitating condition since the myelin damage is fatal for the communication between the brain and spinal cords.

The damage of myelin may also cause a nuisance in the communication between other parts of the body and the brain. As a result, you’re likely to have a deterioration for the performance of your nerves. And this is probably irreversible.

MS are about 2-3 times more likely to occur in women than in men – according to statistics from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Its occurrence is commonly found in early adulthood (teen years) and before the age of 50.

Some common early symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:

1. Blurred vision or even double vision.
2. Difficulty thinking.
3. Lack of balance, causing loss of balance and coordination (clumsiness).
4. Weakness – typically occurs in the legs and arms.
5. And numbness & tingling.

The next question, is there a link between MS and paresthesia?