numbness that comes and goes

Overview

Numbness is a loss of feeling in a part of the body. It may also feel like tingling, 'pins and needles,' or a burning sensation. When numbness comes and goes, it means it appears for a while, then goes away, then may return. This can happen in the fingers, hands, feet, legs, or other areas. Many things can cause it, from sitting in one position too long to more serious conditions that affect the brain or nerves.

Yes. Most people have felt a limb 'fall asleep' at least once. When it happens often or without an obvious reason, it is still common, but it is worth checking with a doctor.

Numbness that comes and goes can affect people of all ages. It may be more common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or jobs that involve repeated motions. Older adults are more likely to experience it because of changes in the spine and circulation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pins and needles feeling
• Burning sensation
• Weakness in the affected body part
• A feeling of heaviness or stiffness
• Difficulty feeling touch, heat, or cold

Symptoms in children

• A child may say their hand or foot 'fell asleep' or feels 'funny'.
• They may shake or rub the limb to try to wake it up.
• In children, it often happens after sitting on a foot or leaning on an arm, but it can also occur with viral infections.

Symptoms in older adults

• It is more important to notice if the numbness happens on only one side of the body.
• Older adults may also feel numbness with dizziness, blurred vision, or trouble walking.
• Numbness in the feet can make falls more likely, so it should not be ignored.

Causes

Main causes

• Pressure on a nerve from sitting, leaning, or repetitive movements
• Migraine with aura, a type of headache that can cause temporary numbness
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a 'mini-stroke'
• Multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord
• An underactive thyroid or low vitamin B12 levels
• Diabetes, which can damage nerves over time
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the hand and fingers
• Anxiety or hyperventilation, which can cause tingling in the hands and face

Risk factors

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Repeated hand or wrist motions
• Prolonged sitting or poor posture

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden numbness on one side of your body.
• The numbness is accompanied by weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking.
• The numbness follows a recent head or neck injury.
• You also have chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat.

Book a routine appointment if:

• The numbness keeps coming back or does not go away.
• You also have pain, tingling, or weakness in the same area.
• You have diabetes, or the numbness affects your feet.
• You are worried about the numbness or it is affecting your daily activities.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will first ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and anything that makes them better or worse. They will then examine your body to check your strength, reflexes, and ability to feel touch, vibration, and temperature. This helps decide which tests, if any, are needed.

Tests that may be done

• Nerve conduction studies to check how well your nerves send signals
• Electromyography (EMG) to test the health of muscles and the nerves that control them
• Blood tests to look for conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiency
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain or spine to look for structural causes
• A CT scan if your doctor suspects a stroke or bleeding in the brain

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will explain what they find and what it means. Many people with temporary numbness receive a diagnosis based on the examination alone. If the cause is not clear, the doctor may refer you to a neurologist, a specialist in brain and nerve conditions. You do not need to panic, but you should be ready to describe your symptoms clearly.

Treatment

Treatment for numbness that comes and goes depends on the cause. If your doctor finds a specific condition, treating that condition often relieves the numbness. If no serious cause is found, the treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes.

Self-care at home

• Change positions frequently and avoid sitting or standing in one pose for long periods.
• Take short breaks during repetitive work, such as typing or using tools.
• Use an ergonomic keyboard or rest your wrists if you spend long hours at a computer.
• Practice gentle stretches for your neck, shoulders, arms, and legs.
• Apply a warm compress to relax tight muscles that may be pressing on nerves.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest treatments based on the cause. These can include medicines to control blood sugar, blood pressure, or inflammation. They may also recommend physical therapy, occupational therapy, or nerve-pain treatments. Some people benefit from vitamin supplements if a blood test shows a deficiency. The doctor will always choose a treatment plan that is safe for you, so never take new medicines without a prescription.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for temporary numbness. It may be considered if a nerve is clearly trapped, for example in the wrist or spine, and other treatments have not worked. The decision is made together with specialists after careful testing.

Living with this condition

If you experience numbness from time to time, try to keep a simple diary. Write down when it happens, how long it lasts, what you were doing, and any other symptoms. This can help your doctor find a pattern. Meanwhile, avoid driving or using heavy machinery while the numbness is present, and take extra care when carrying hot items or using knives.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep physically active with gentle activities like walking or swimming.
• Do not smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Manage stress through breathing exercises, meditation, or hobbies.
• Use good posture and adjust your workspace if needed.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports nerve health. If your doctor recommends it, add foods with vitamin B12, such as eggs and low-fat dairy. Regular exercise improves blood flow and helps keep nerves healthy. Start slowly and consult your doctor before starting a new routine, especially if you have other health conditions.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recurrent numbness can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated while you look for an answer. If you notice that anxiety or stress makes the numbness worse, tell your doctor. They can suggest support. Talking to a counsellor or a trusted friend may also help you cope with uncertainty.

Prevention

Not all cases of temporary numbness can be prevented, because some causes are out of your control. However, you can reduce your risk by managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, staying active, avoiding smoking, and using proper posture and ergonomics. Regular health checks can also help.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents numbness specifically, but keeping your routine vaccinations up to date helps protect your overall health, including your nervous system.

Screening programmes

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, regular check-ups and blood tests can help catch or monitor problems that might lead to nerve damage. Older adults may benefit from an annual review of medications and nerve symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• In some cases, the underlying cause may worsen and lead to permanent nerve damage.
• Numbness can increase the risk of falls or injuries, especially in older adults.
• It may hide other problems, because you might not feel pain, heat, or cold in the affected area.

Long-term outlook

The good news is that most causes of temporary numbness are not serious, especially when the numbness goes away quickly and you have no other symptoms. With the help of your doctor, most people can manage the symptom and treat the underlying cause. If you see a doctor promptly and follow their advice, there is excellent hope for improvement.

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