Word parts
What it means
A strange skin sensation that comes from irritated or damaged nerves. It can be brief, such as a foot "falling asleep," or long-lasting, as with diabetic nerve damage. It can also come from pressure on a nerve, a tight cast, low calcium, multiple sclerosisMUL-tih-pul skluh-ROH-sisA long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.scler/o hard-osis conditionFull entry or poor blood flow.
For the nurse
In a limb with a cast or injury, new tingling or numbness can be a sign that nerves are being squeezed: check color, warmth, pulses and movement, and report. Ask where it is, when it started and if it is getting worse.
In a chart
"Client reports tingling in fingers of casted arm; capillary refill 2 seconds; provider notified."
At a glance
| Everyday words | pins and needles |
|---|---|
| Spanish | parestesia |
| Also written | paresthesias |
Related terms
numbness
Loss or reduction of feeling in a part of the body.
para-
A word beginning that means beside, near, beyond or abnormal.
hypocalcemia
A blood calcium level below normal.
nerve
A cord-like bundle of fibers that carries signals between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.