numbness after diagnosis

Overview

Numbness means losing feeling or having tingling, 'pins and needles,' or a changed sensation in part of your body. When you have a brain or nerve condition, numbness can happen because the nerves that carry messages between your body and brain are not working normally. This article explains why numbness can happen after a diagnosis, what to watch for, and how to manage it.

Yes. Numbness and tingling are common in many brain and nerve conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a condition that affects the brain or nerves, numbness can be a frequent or repeat symptom.

It can affect anyone with a brain or nerve condition, at any age. But the pattern and cause of numbness may differ in children, adults, and older people.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Loss of feeling in a hand, foot, arm, leg, or one side of the body
• Tingling, 'pins and needles,' or a burning feeling
• Feeling like a body part has 'fallen asleep'
• Clumsiness or weakness because you cannot feel the area well
• Trouble telling hot, cold, or touch apart

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of an 'owie' or say a body part 'feels weird'
• They may not be able to explain the feeling clearly
• Watch for limping, dropping objects, or favoring one side

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice numbness more when walking or dressing
• They may have a higher risk of falls because balance can be affected
• They may be less able to notice small cuts or sores on numb skin

Causes

Main causes

• The brain or nerve condition itself, such as damage to the protective covering of nerves
• Pressure on a nerve from swelling, a disc, or a bone spur
• Poor blood flow to a nerve or part of the brain
• Treatment side effects, such as from surgery, radiation, or certain therapies
• Other health issues like vitamin deficiency, diabetes, or an infection

Risk factors

• Having a diagnosis of a brain or nerve condition
• A recent surgery, procedure, or injury affecting the head, neck, or spine
• Long periods of pressure on a body part, like sitting or lying in one position
• Older age
• Smoking or poor circulation

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Numbness that has been present for a while and is not getting worse
• Numbness that comes and goes but does not affect your safety
• Concerns about how numbness affects your daily life

Book a routine appointment if:

• Numbness that has been present for a while and is staying the same
• Numbness that comes and goes but is not causing falls or injuries
• Any numbness that you want explained in more detail

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history, what the numbness feels like, where it is, and when it started. They will check your strength, reflexes, and ability to feel touch, vibration, and temperature. They may also review any previous scans or tests related to your diagnosis.

Tests that may be done

• A neurological exam, which tests how your brain and nerves are working
• Blood tests to check for vitamin levels, blood sugar, or signs of inflammation
• Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), which check how nerves send signals
• MRI or CT scan, which look at the brain and spinal cord
• A referral to a specialist, such as a neurologist, if needed

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are usually not painful. Some, like nerve conduction studies, may feel brief and strange, like a small electric zap. Your provider will explain each test and what they are looking for. You may not get all the tests; it depends on your situation.

Treatment

Treatment for numbness depends on the cause and how much it affects you. The main goal is to manage the underlying brain or nerve condition, reduce symptoms, and keep you safe. Work with your healthcare team to make a plan that fits your life.

Self-care at home

• Protect numb areas from burns, cuts, and pressure. Check your skin daily.
• Avoid extreme hot or cold unless a provider says it is safe.
• Keep your hands and feet warm with gloves and socks.
• Take breaks if you sit or lie in one position for a long time.
• Use handrails and keep floors clear to prevent falls.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment may include physical therapy to improve strength and balance, occupational therapy to help with daily tasks, and medicines that target the underlying nerve or brain condition. Your healthcare provider may also recommend treatments to specifically manage nerve-related symptoms. Never change or stop any prescribed treatment without talking to your provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a common treatment for numbness itself. In some cases, if a nerve is being squeezed by a structure like a bone or disc, surgery to release the pressure might be considered. Your healthcare team will explain if this applies to you.

Living with this condition

Having numbness can make daily tasks feel harder, but small changes help. Use visual checks instead of relying only on feeling. Label hot and cold taps. Choose shoes that fit well and have good grip. Let your family and friends know what you need.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active within the limits your healthcare team suggests.
• Quit smoking, because smoking can reduce blood flow to nerves.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Limit alcohol, as it can affect nerve function.
• Keep regular appointments with your healthcare team.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet supports nerve health. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you have a vitamin deficiency, your provider may suggest a supplement. Try gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or swimming to keep blood flowing and maintain balance. Ask your provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with numbness can be frustrating, scary, or isolating. You may worry about falling, not being able to do certain activities, or what the symptom might mean. These feelings are normal. Talk to your healthcare team about how you are feeling. They can connect you with mental health support.

Prevention

Numbness itself cannot always be prevented, especially after a brain or nerve diagnosis. But you can reduce the risk of injuries and help manage the condition by following your treatment plan, protecting your skin, staying active safely, and attending regular check-ups.

Vaccines

Some infections can affect the brain and nerves, so staying up to date with recommended vaccines, like the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, may help protect your overall health. Talk to your healthcare provider about what vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Regular check-ups with your healthcare team can catch changes early. Tell them about new numbness early, even if it does not feel urgent.

Complications

If left untreated

• Injuries from not feeling pain, like cuts, burns, or pressure sores
• Falls and fractures from weakness or loss of feeling in the feet
• Difficulty doing daily tasks, which can affect independence
• The underlying condition may progress if not managed well

Long-term outlook

The outlook for numbness depends on the cause. Many people find that numbness improves with treatment and time. Even when numbness persists, most people can learn ways to stay safe and keep doing the things that matter. Your healthcare team is there to help you manage it.

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