Hypesthesia (sensitivity disorder) results in decreased perception of stimuli because the transmission of stimuli to the central nervous system is disturbed. To what extent this symptomatology can be treated depends on the causative diseases. These must be treated as successfully as possible to eliminate the cause of hypesthesia.
What is hypesthesia?
A reduced sensation of touch or pain, as well as a disturbance of sensation and sensitivity to stimuli, especially in the area of the skin, is neurologically referred to as hypesthesia (numbness). Hypesthesia thus belongs to the group of sensitivity disorders. These disturbances lead to the fact that the nerve endings distributed over the body as well as receptors and sensors but also the eyes, ears as well as the nose and the mouth as our sense organs do not perceive the feeling stimuli any more correctly. It automatically follows that there is also no correct transmission to the central nervous system (CNS). From this point on, those affected can no longer distinguish between mechanical sensations such as pressure, temperature differences and vibrations, but also pain. A distinction is made between four (five) forms of hypesthesia:
- The tactile hypesthesia with reduced touch and pressure sensation.
- In thermal hypesthesia there is a diminished sensation of heat and cold
- In hypalgesia, there is a reduced sensation of pain
- Pallhypesthesia is manifested by a reduced sensation of vibration
- Anesthesia refers to the complete loss of sensation.
It is quite possible that other symptoms occur simultaneously.
Causes
Hypesthesia can be caused by various factors. The following causes may be considered as triggers such as skin damage from burns, for example, polyneuropathy (systemic damage to peripheral nerves), peripheral nerve lesions, or cerebral infarction (somatosensory cortex). Intoxications, i.e. the effects of harmful substances of a biological, chemical or physical nature on the organism, or ischemia (a reduced or eliminated blood supply to tissues due to insufficient arterial blood flow) can also trigger hypesthesia. It is equally possible for a herniated disc to cause sensory disturbances. Permanent or recurrent pressure on the nerve root initially causes pain and then numbness in the area of supply. Inadequate supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain during a stroke may also be considered. Nervous deficits can cause numbness in the arms and/or legs. Shingles and Lyme disease, as infections, can also cause numbness in the body. A vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the central nervous system and lead to a numb feeling in the hands and feet in addition to fatigue and poor concentration. If the numbness occurs in the head or face, it may be the onset of a migraine attack but also a brain tumor. Therefore, it is of great importance to consult the doctor in case of a permanent or recurring numbness, so that an appropriate therapy can be initiated as early as possible. At first suspicions, further examinations become necessary.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Numbness usually occurs in the limbs, less commonly in the head or abdomen. It may be felt in both legs or both arms, or it may occur unilaterally. Hemiplegic extensions in the body have also been reported. The numbness may occur along with various accompanying symptoms such as visual disturbances, pain, speech disorders and balance problems. If the numbness subsides, there is almost always a tingling sensation in the affected area.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
Diagnosis is based on taking as accurate a history as possible. Crucial questions for the physician are on which areas of the body the numbness occurs, since when the numbness has existed, in which situations it occurs. Also crucial is whether the numbness is unilateral or bilateral, whether it persists constantly or diminishes, and whether it recurs. Furthermore, the doctor checks whether there are any known underlying diseases.The affected person’s sense of balance, hearing, vision and consciousness are tested. Further examinations such as blood tests, computer tomography, electroneurography and X-ray examinations must be performed depending on the suspected diagnosis. The course of the disease is manifested by unilateral or bilateral deafness in certain local areas of the body. In extreme cases, total loss of sensation, anesthesia, may occur. Pain in the affected areas is also frequently described in advance. It is not uncommon for concomitant diseases to occur.
Complications
Hypesthesia causes disturbances in sensitivity and stimulus perception. The affected person is thus considerably restricted in his or her daily life, since ordinary and everyday stimuli are no longer perceived correctly or completely. This results in numbness in various regions of the body, and the legs can also be affected. In this case, there are considerable restrictions in movement. The arms and fingers can also be affected by the paralysis, so that ordinary activities can no longer be performed. It is not uncommon for the patient to be dependent on the help of other people to cope with everyday life due to the hypesthesia. Furthermore, complaints can also occur in the eyes or ears, so that the patient suffers from visual disturbances, for example. Speech disorders also occur. In severe cases, mental confusion may also occur. Treatment of hypesthesia is always causal. Complications usually occur when hypesthesia is left untreated for a long period of time, in which case irreversible sequelae may occur. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics to limit the underlying inflammation. Furthermore, the patient is often dependent on therapies, although further complications do not occur.
When should you see a doctor?
Hypesthesia should always be treated by a physician. There is usually no self-healing and usually a worsening of symptoms if treatment is not initiated. A doctor should be consulted if numbness or various sensory disturbances occur on the body. These usually occur in the limbs, but may also affect the head. It is not uncommon for hypesthesia to also cause sudden visual disturbances or pain, and speech difficulties may also be indicative of the condition. Therefore, if these symptoms occur without a reason and do not disappear on their own, a doctor should definitely be consulted. Affected individuals may also exhibit balance complaints and suffer from a permanent tingling sensation in the affected regions. First and foremost, the general practitioner should be consulted in the case of hypesthesia. He or she can diagnose the condition and initiate treatment; this may also require the assistance of other specialists.
Treatment and therapy
After the detailed anamnesis with diagnostic findings, a differentiated treatment can take place, which must be specifically tailored to the problem at hand. The focus is always on eliminating the cause. An infection-based deafness is usually treated with antibiotics according to the cause. If diabetes is the trigger, the blood sugar level is adjusted. In the case of a causative polyneuropathy, the symptoms are treated as best as possible, since the cause is not yet treatable. However, good approaches are achieved in the context of TCM treatment with acupuncture. If a herniated disc is the trigger, orthopedic or surgical treatment is performed to correct the cause. Physiotherapy is also possible. In the case of migraine, the ENT physician and/or the neurologist are consulted. If shingles or Lyme disease or vitamin B12 deficiency is present, internal medicine treatment is indicated to correct the cause. Stroke belongs to neurological or neurosurgical treatment. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar tunnel syndrome, conservative treatment by the orthopedist and physiotherapist or chiropractor is possible. If this treatment is not successful, the surgeon should be consulted.
Prevention
The best prevention is to avoid the diseases that can cause hypesthesia. This includes a balanced diet to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.Sport, so that the bony body framework is given sufficient support by strengthened muscles, and plenty of exercise, so that circulatory disorders do not occur in the first place. If triggering factors are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. A complete check-up, at least 1 time per year, is helpful to detect pathological changes at an early stage.
Follow-up care
The follow-up care for hypesthesia depends on the condition causing it. Doctors often recommend a healthy diet to prevent vitamin deficiencies. Especially if there is a connection with diabetes, an adjustment of the previous diet is useful. In the course of follow-up treatment, any changes in the organism must be monitored. Those affected should therefore have a check-up at least once a year. Following the therapy itself, it is also important to adjust the medication if necessary. This reduces the risk of the typical numbness occurring. If the condition was triggered by a herniated disc, the doctor usually recommends physiotherapy. The aim here is to get enough exercise to strengthen the muscles and thus prevent the circulatory problems caused by the disease. Depending on the degree of the disease and the course of further development, gentle exercises often already help. In the course of aftercare, massage or acupuncture may also be useful. Here, other approaches are available than those offered by conventional orthodox medicine. Among other things, some methods of Chinese medicine have led to noticeable success. The exact observance of the medical recommendations should be self-evident for the patients.
This is what you can do yourself
In the case of hypesthesia, the most important self-help measure is to determine the causative disease and to treat it specifically. If diabetes underlies the symptoms, the diet may need to be changed. A change in medication may also reduce numbness. If the complaints occur as a result of a herniated disc, physiotherapeutic treatment is indicated, which can be supported by those affected through gentle sport and suitable exercises. Symptomatically, hypoesthesia can be treated in some cases by massage or acupuncture. Methods from Chinese medicine also bring relief. The use of alternative treatment methods should always be done in consultation with the doctor. In this way, complications can be avoided and the hypesthesia can be treated in an optimal and targeted manner. If the numbness is due to a serious cause such as a stroke, the affected person must be cared for as an outpatient or in a nursing home. In the course of therapy, the traumatic experience can be worked through. Often, the physician can also establish contact with other affected persons if the patient so desires. If the cause is serious, hypesthesia is usually treated with medication. Regular visits to the doctor and the preparation of an illness diary are the most important measures in this case.
