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Numbness and Tingling — Causes and When It Is Urgent
Also described as pins and needles, loss of sensation, paraesthesia.
Numbness that comes on suddenly down one side of the body, or with weakness or speech difficulty, may be a stroke and needs emergency care. Gradual numbness in both feet is most often diabetic nerve damage, and numbness in one hand is often a trapped nerve — both are treatable.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Sudden numbness on one side of the body, with weakness or slurred speech — call emergency services
- •Numbness around the groin with bladder or bowel changes
- •Rapidly progressive numbness spreading up from the feet
- •Numbness with severe neck or back pain after injury
- •Numbness with a non-healing foot wound in diabetes
What causes numbness and tingling?
Diabetic neuropathy
Symmetrical burning or numbness starting in the toes. The reason diabetic feet need regular checks.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Numbness in the thumb and first three fingers, worse at night, eased by shaking the hand.
Cervical or lumbar disc disease
Numbness following one nerve's territory in an arm or leg, often with neck or back pain.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Numbness with unsteadiness and tiredness, easily confirmed and corrected.
Stroke
Sudden one-sided numbness, often with weakness or speech difficulty. Time-critical.
How it is investigated
- ✓Nerve conduction study and EMG
- ✓Blood sugar, HbA1c, vitamin B12 and thyroid function
- ✓MRI of the spine or brain, depending on the pattern
- ✓Diabetic foot examination where relevant
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my feet numb at night?▼
Symmetrical numbness or burning in both feet, worse at night, is the classic pattern of peripheral neuropathy — most often from diabetes, and sometimes from B12 deficiency, thyroid disease or alcohol. It is worth testing for, because treating the cause slows progression and protects the feet.
When is numbness an emergency?▼
When it appears suddenly on one side of the body, especially with weakness, facial droop or difficulty speaking — that combination is a stroke until proven otherwise. Numbness around the groin with bladder or bowel changes is also an emergency.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.