What serious cause numbness and tingling predict

Numbness or tingling sensations can be alarming, especially if the onset is sudden. To make sure you get the best care you can, use this guide to figure out serious it might be and what you can do to remedy it.

When your body speaks, you should listen. Sometimes it's hard to notice, especially if you're preoccupied with something important. Sometimes it's just tempting to ignore a problem that could signal something bad and hope it might go away.

• Even if you do pay attention to your symptoms, it's not easy to know what they mean.
• That's why diagnosis is a job for a doctor.
• But you can use the information here to help you decide how urgently you need to see one.

• Possible Causes: An injury to a nerve in the neck or back
• Response: See your doctor.

• may include numbness in the leg or foot
• Possible Causes: Sciatica caused by pressure on the spinal nerve from a herniated disk in the back
• Response: Avoid activity that hurts, but do exercise, or the muscles around the disk will weaken. Over-the-counter painkillers and physical therapy can also help.

•  develops over time, usually due to overuse of the hands for repetitive motion; may be accompanied by loss of feeling in the fingers
• Possible Causes: Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Response: See your doctor. Treatment options include wrist splinting, stretching exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and, in some cases, surgery.

• may be accompanied by a reduced ability to feel pain, heat or cold; loss of balance; or sharp pains that worsen at night
• Possible Causes: Diabetic neuropathy
• Response: See your doctor. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with medication. To prevent progression, keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control and take your diabetes medication as prescribed.

• may be accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, headache or confusion
• Possible Causes: Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Response: Go to the hospital immediately. Prompt treatment can save your life and reduce your risk of permanent disability.

• may be accompanied by fatigue or muscle weakness anywhere in the body
• Possible Causes: Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, sodium or vitamin B12
• Response: See your doctor, who may suggest a supplement; be sure to discuss any other supplements you take.

• occurs weeks, months or even years after a bite from an infected deer tick
• Possible Causes: Lyme disease
• Response: See your doctor, who will order a diagnostic test. Depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms, treatment can include either oral or intravenous antibiotics.