Paresthesia

Paresthesia (pron. ; paraesthesia in British English, pron. ) is a feeling of tingling, prickling, or numbness with no permanent effects. It is commonly called "pins and needles". This feeling may last a short while, or may be more long-lasting. A long-term effect means there is something wrong with neurons in the body.

An example of this can be felt when sitting cross-legged for a long time and your foot "falls asleep". The tingling feeling you get when you move is paresthesia.

Causes

Paresthesia has many known causes, including the following:

Alcoholism
Anticonvulsant drugs such as topiramate, sultiame, and acetazolamide
Anxiety and/or Panic Disorder
Decompression sickness
Dehydration
Fabry disease
Fibromyalgia
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Heavy metals
Hyperventilation
Hyperkalemia
Hypothyroidism
Immune deficiency, such as Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Ingestion of Beta-alanine
Lidocaine poisoning
Lomotil
Low blood-sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
Menopause
Migraines
Multiple sclerosis
Nitrous Oxide, long term exposure 
Obdormition
Radiation poisoning
Vitamin B5 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Withdrawal from certain SSRIs, such as paroxetine

References

Other websites
 Paresthesia in detail 
 What makes your arms, legs and feet fall asleep?

Category:Neurology