Numbness and Tingling: Causes and When It Is Urgent

Numbness and tingling are common symptoms. They may feel like pins and needles, prickling, burning, crawling, buzzing, electric shocks, reduced feeling, or a part of the body “going dead”. Sometimes it happens after sitting awkwardly or sleeping on your arm. Other times it can be a sign of a nerve problem, poor circulation, diabetes, vitamin deficiency, migraine, anxiety, spinal problems or, rarely, a medical emergency such as a stroke.

Most short episodes of pins and needles are harmless and settle once you change position. But numbness or tingling that is sudden, one-sided, spreading, persistent, linked with weakness, affecting speech or vision, or associated with bladder or bowel problems needs urgent medical advice.

This guide explains common causes of numbness and tingling, what symptoms to watch for, when to contact a GP or NHS 111, and when to call 999.

What does numbness and tingling mean?

Numbness means reduced or absent feeling in part of the body. Tingling usually means a prickling or pins-and-needles sensation. The medical word often used for abnormal sensations such as tingling, prickling or burning is paraesthesia.

The NHS describes pins and needles as a pricking, tingling or numbness sensation. It often happens when pressure temporarily affects the blood supply to nerves, such as when you sit or sleep on part of your body, and usually only lasts a few minutes. See NHS guidance on pins and needles.

Temporary pins and needles are common. The concern is when symptoms are new, severe, persistent, spreading, unexplained or linked with other neurological symptoms.

Common causes of numbness and tingling

Numbness and tingling can happen for many reasons. The pattern matters: one hand, both feet, one side of the body, around the mouth, after exercise, after alcohol, after injury, or with back pain can all point in different directions.

Common causes include:

• sitting or sleeping awkwardly
• pressure on a nerve
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• sciatica or trapped nerve in the back
• neck problems causing nerve irritation
• diabetes-related nerve damage
• vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
• thyroid problems
• migraine aura
• anxiety or panic attacks
• poor circulation
• alcohol-related nerve damage
• medicine side effects
• shingles or nerve irritation after shingles
• multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions
• stroke or TIA

When numbness and tingling is an emergency

Some patterns of numbness or tingling need urgent help because they may suggest a stroke, spinal cord problem, severe nerve inflammation, heart problem or serious neurological condition.

Call 999 if numbness or tingling:

• comes on suddenly on one side of the body
• comes with weakness in the face, arm or leg
• comes with slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
• comes with sudden vision loss or double vision
• comes with sudden confusion
• comes with a severe sudden headache
• comes with collapse or fainting
• comes with chest pain or severe shortness of breath
• comes with new difficulty walking, loss of balance or severe dizziness
• follows a serious head, neck or back injury
• comes with loss of bladder or bowel control
• affects the area around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs
• comes with rapidly worsening weakness or breathing difficulty

Do not wait to see if sudden stroke-like symptoms improve. Even if symptoms settle, it could be a transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, which still needs urgent assessment.

Stroke and TIA: sudden numbness on one side

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke because symptoms can be temporary, but it is still a warning sign and needs urgent medical assessment.

The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with FAST:

• Face: the face may droop on one side, or the person may not be able to smile.
• Arms: they may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness.
• Speech: speech may be slurred, garbled or absent.
• Time: call 999 immediately.

Other stroke symptoms can include sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, sudden confusion, sudden vision problems, sudden severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking.

Read more in Stroke Symptoms and TIA: What to Look For and When to Call 999.

Temporary pins and needles from pressure

The most common cause of pins and needles is temporary pressure on a nerve or blood supply. This can happen after sitting cross-legged, leaning on your elbow, sleeping on your arm, or staying in one position for too long.

This type usually:

• has an obvious position-related trigger
• affects the compressed area
• improves when you move
• settles within minutes
• does not cause weakness, speech problems or vision changes

If symptoms do not settle, keep coming back without a clear reason, or are linked with weakness or pain, arrange medical advice.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: tingling in the hand

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. It commonly causes tingling, numbness, pain or weakness in the hand.

Symptoms may include:

• pins and needles in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger
• numbness in the hand
• symptoms worse at night
• hand pain or aching
• weak grip
• dropping objects
• symptoms triggered by typing, driving, gripping or repetitive hand use

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be linked with repetitive wrist use, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid disease, arthritis or wrist injury. Mild cases may improve with wrist splints, activity changes or treating underlying causes. Some people need steroid injection or surgery.

For more detail, see Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in the UK.

Sciatica and trapped nerves in the back

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, often from a disc problem or spinal changes. It can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg or foot.

Sciatica symptoms may include:

• pain down one leg
• tingling or pins and needles in the leg or foot
• numbness in part of the leg
• burning or electric-shock pain
• symptoms worse when sitting, bending or coughing
• weakness in the foot or leg

Many cases improve with time, movement and self-care, but medical advice is needed if symptoms are severe, worsening or linked with weakness.

Read Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments in the UK and Lower Back Pain: The Complete Guide.

Cauda equina warning signs: urgent back-related numbness

Rarely, numbness and tingling with back pain can suggest a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency because nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are being compressed.

Seek emergency help if back pain or sciatica comes with:

• numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs
• loss of bladder control
• difficulty starting or stopping urination
• loss of bowel control
• new sexual dysfunction
• weakness in both legs
• numbness or tingling in both legs that is worsening

Do not wait for a routine GP appointment if these symptoms appear.

Neck problems and tingling in the arm

A trapped or irritated nerve in the neck can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that travels into the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers. This may be caused by a disc problem, arthritis, posture, injury or inflammation.

Symptoms may include:

• neck pain
• pain travelling into the arm
• tingling or numbness in the hand or fingers
• weakness in the arm or hand
• symptoms worse with certain neck positions

Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, follow an injury, or come with weakness, balance problems or bladder/bowel symptoms.

Peripheral neuropathy: tingling in the feet or hands

Peripheral neuropathy means damage or dysfunction of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It often affects the feet first, but it can also affect the hands.

Symptoms may include:

• tingling or pins and needles
• burning pain
• numbness
• reduced ability to feel temperature or pain
• sharp or shooting pains
• feet feeling unusually sensitive to touch
• loss of balance or coordination
• foot ulcers or injuries that are not noticed

NHS Inform lists sensory neuropathy symptoms including prickling, tingling, pins and needles, burning or sharp pain, numbness, reduced ability to feel pain or temperature, increased sensitivity to light touch and loss of balance or coordination. See NHS Inform guidance on peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetes and numb feet

Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. High blood sugar over time can damage nerves, especially in the feet. Numbness can be dangerous because cuts, blisters or pressure sores may go unnoticed.

Diabetic neuropathy may cause:

• tingling in the feet
• burning or shooting pain
• numbness
• loss of feeling
• balance problems
• foot wounds that are slow to heal

If you have diabetes and develop new numbness, tingling, foot pain or a foot wound, seek medical advice. People with diabetes should have regular foot checks and should not ignore changes in sensation.

For related reading, see HbA1c and Blood Sugar Results Explained.

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

Vitamin B12 and folate are important for healthy nerves and blood cells. Low B12 can cause nerve symptoms, sometimes even before severe anaemia is obvious.

Possible symptoms include:

• tingling in the hands or feet
• numbness
• balance problems
• fatigue
• mouth ulcers
• memory or concentration problems
• low mood
• palpitations or breathlessness if anaemia is present

Low B12 may be more likely in people with vegan diets, pernicious anaemia, gut conditions, previous stomach surgery, some medicines, or problems absorbing nutrients.

See B12 and Folate Blood Test Results Explained and Full Blood Count Results Explained.

Thyroid problems

Thyroid problems can sometimes contribute to tingling or nerve symptoms. An underactive thyroid may be linked with carpal tunnel syndrome, fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation and low mood.

Symptoms that may suggest thyroid involvement include:

• tingling with fatigue
• weight change
• cold intolerance or heat intolerance
• palpitations
• hair thinning
• dry skin
• changes in bowel habit
• menstrual changes

If symptoms suggest thyroid disease, a GP may arrange thyroid blood tests. See Thyroid Blood Test Results Explained.

Migraine aura and tingling

Migraine can sometimes cause temporary tingling, numbness or sensory changes before or during a headache. This is called aura. It may affect the face, lips, hand or arm and can sometimes be frightening because it may mimic stroke.

Migraine aura may include:

• zig-zag lights or visual disturbance
• tingling that spreads gradually
• numbness around the mouth or hand
• speech disturbance in some people
• headache, nausea or light sensitivity

However, do not assume new neurological symptoms are migraine, especially if they are sudden, one-sided, different from usual, or include weakness, speech problems or vision loss. Call 999 if stroke is possible.

For more detail, see Migraine: Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment Options in the UK.

Anxiety, panic and hyperventilation

Anxiety and panic attacks can cause tingling, especially around the mouth, fingers or hands. This can happen when breathing becomes faster or shallower than usual, changing carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Anxiety-related tingling may come with:

• racing heart
• chest tightness
• feeling unable to breathe deeply
• dizziness
• sweating
• trembling
• feeling detached or panicky
• tingling around the mouth or fingers

Even if anxiety is possible, new chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, one-sided numbness, weakness or speech problems should be treated as urgent until serious causes are ruled out.

For related support, see Mental Health Support Options in the UK and How to Access Mental Health Services in the UK.

Poor circulation and cold hands or feet

Poor circulation can cause coldness, colour change, numbness or tingling. Some people have Raynaud’s phenomenon, where fingers or toes change colour in response to cold or stress.

Circulation-related symptoms may include:

• cold fingers or toes
• white, blue, purple or red colour changes
• numbness in cold conditions
• tingling as the area warms up
• pain or throbbing

Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, new, one-sided, linked with ulcers, black skin, severe pain, or if you have diabetes, vascular disease or smoking-related risk.

Alcohol and nerve symptoms

Long-term heavy alcohol use can contribute to nerve damage and vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins. This can cause tingling, burning pain or numbness in the feet and hands.

Alcohol-related nerve symptoms may develop gradually and can be linked with:

• burning feet
• numb toes
• balance problems
• muscle weakness
• fatigue
• poor nutrition

If alcohol may be contributing, speak to a GP. Stopping suddenly can be unsafe for people who are dependent on alcohol, so medical support may be needed.

Medicine side effects

Some medicines can cause tingling, numbness or nerve symptoms. This does not mean you should stop prescribed medicine suddenly, but it is worth asking a clinician if symptoms started after a new medicine or dose change.

Medicines that can sometimes be linked with nerve symptoms include certain chemotherapy medicines, some antibiotics, some anti-seizure medicines, some HIV medicines, some heart medicines and other treatments.

Contact a GP, pharmacist or prescribing clinician if:

• symptoms started after a new medicine
• symptoms are worsening
• you have weakness or balance problems
• you are worried about side effects

Shingles and nerve pain

Shingles can cause burning, tingling, pain or sensitivity before a rash appears. The rash usually affects one side of the body or face and may form clusters of blisters.

Seek medical advice if you think you have shingles, especially if the rash is near the eye, you are pregnant, you are immunosuppressed, or symptoms are severe. Antiviral treatment works best when started early.

Numbness after injury

Numbness or tingling after an injury should be taken seriously, especially if it follows a head, neck, back, wrist, elbow or leg injury.

Seek urgent advice if numbness follows:

• head injury
• neck injury
• back injury
• fall from height
• road accident
• sports injury with weakness
• wrist or elbow injury with hand numbness
• leg injury with foot numbness

Call 999 if there is severe pain, weakness, paralysis, confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing problems or bladder/bowel symptoms.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: rare but important

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition where the immune system affects the nerves. It can start with tingling, numbness or pins and needles in the feet and hands, followed by weakness. Symptoms may worsen over days or weeks.

The NHS says symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome usually get worse over the first 2 to 4 weeks and may begin with tingling, numbness or pins and needles in the feet and hands, followed by muscle weakness and difficulty moving joints. See NHS information on Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Seek urgent medical advice if tingling or numbness is spreading and you develop weakness, difficulty walking, facial weakness, swallowing problems or breathing difficulty.

Numbness with vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration

Vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration can sometimes make people feel weak, dizzy, shaky or tingly. Changes in breathing during anxiety, low blood sugar from not eating, or electrolyte changes can also contribute.

However, numbness or tingling with food poisoning should not be ignored if it is severe, one-sided, linked with weakness, confusion, fainting, chest pain or breathing difficulty.

If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, read Food Poisoning: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts and When to Get Help, Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Adults and Dehydration Symptoms in Adults and Children.

Skin tingling, prickling or burning in hot weather

Sometimes people describe skin irritation as tingling or prickling, especially during hot weather. Prickly heat rash can cause a prickling or stinging feeling on the skin, usually in sweaty areas such as the neck, chest, back, armpits, groin or under the breasts.

This is different from deeper nerve numbness. Prickly heat usually affects the skin surface and is linked with heat, sweat and blocked sweat ducts.

For more detail, see Prickly Heat Rash: Symptoms, Causes and What Helps.

What tests might a GP arrange?

If numbness or tingling is persistent, recurring or unexplained, a GP may ask about the pattern, examine sensation, strength and reflexes, and arrange tests depending on the likely cause.

Possible tests include:

• full blood count
• HbA1c or blood sugar tests
• vitamin B12 and folate
• thyroid function tests
• kidney function tests
• liver function tests
• inflammation markers
• nerve conduction studies
• MRI scan if spinal or neurological causes are suspected
• referral to neurology, physiotherapy or another specialist

Useful related guides include How to Understand Blood Test Results, How to Understand Medical Test Results and MRI Scan: What It Shows, How to Prepare and When It’s Needed.

What can you do at home?

If tingling is mild, clearly related to posture, and settles quickly after moving, simple self-care is usually enough. If symptoms are new, persistent or unexplained, arrange medical advice.

General steps that may help include:

• changing position if pressure on a limb caused symptoms
• gently moving or stretching the affected area
• avoiding leaning on elbows or wrists for long periods
• taking breaks from repetitive typing or gripping
• keeping warm if cold triggers symptoms
• checking footwear if feet are affected
• limiting alcohol if intake is high
• managing diabetes carefully if relevant
• seeking advice before taking vitamin supplements for symptoms

Do not ignore numbness in the feet if you have diabetes, reduced circulation or a wound. Foot injuries can become serious when sensation is reduced.

When to contact a GP or NHS 111

Contact a GP, out-of-hours service or NHS 111 if numbness or tingling:

• does not go away
• keeps coming back
• is getting worse
• affects both feet or both hands
• is linked with pain, weakness or balance problems
• affects walking or grip
• starts after a new medicine
• comes with unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats
• comes with back or neck pain that is worsening
• happens if you have diabetes
• is linked with a wound, ulcer or injury you cannot feel properly
• is worrying or unexplained

You can use NHS 111 online in England if you need urgent advice and it is not a 999 emergency.

If you need help arranging care, see How to Get a GP Appointment Quickly in the UK.

When to call 999

Call 999 if numbness or tingling may be part of a medical emergency.

Call 999 if numbness or tingling comes with:

• face drooping
• arm or leg weakness
• speech problems
• sudden confusion
• sudden vision loss or double vision
• sudden severe headache
• collapse or fainting
• chest pain
• severe shortness of breath
• difficulty walking or loss of balance that starts suddenly
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs
• rapidly worsening weakness
• breathing or swallowing difficulty
• serious head, neck or back injury

Trust your judgement. If someone looks seriously unwell or symptoms start suddenly, seek emergency help.

How to describe numbness and tingling clearly

If you speak to a pharmacist, GP, NHS 111 or a specialist, clear details can help them decide what is most likely and how urgent it is.

Useful details include:

• when symptoms started
• whether they came on suddenly or gradually
• where the numbness or tingling is
• whether it affects one side or both sides
• whether there is weakness
• whether speech, vision or balance is affected
• whether symptoms are constant or come and go
• whether posture, exercise, cold, stress or food triggers it
• whether you have pain in the neck, back, wrist or leg
• whether you have diabetes, thyroid disease or B12 deficiency
• whether you recently started a new medicine
• whether you had recent infection, vomiting, diarrhoea or injury

Frequently asked questions about numbness and tingling

When should I worry about numbness and tingling?

Worry if numbness or tingling is sudden, one-sided, persistent, spreading, linked with weakness, speech problems, vision changes, severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, bladder or bowel problems, or numbness around the genitals or inner thighs. These symptoms need urgent medical advice.

When should I call 999 for numbness?

Call 999 if numbness comes on suddenly with face drooping, arm or leg weakness, speech problems, confusion, sudden vision loss, severe sudden headache, collapse, chest pain or severe breathlessness. These can be signs of stroke or another emergency.

Can anxiety cause tingling?

Yes. Anxiety and panic attacks can cause tingling around the mouth, fingers or hands, often with fast breathing, palpitations, dizziness, sweating and trembling. However, new or one-sided symptoms should not automatically be blamed on anxiety.

Why do I get pins and needles in my hands at night?

Night-time hand tingling can happen if you sleep with pressure on your arm or wrist. It can also happen with carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers are affected. See a GP if it keeps happening or you have weakness.

Why are my feet tingling?

Tingling feet can be caused by pressure, footwear, diabetes, B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, alcohol-related nerve damage, back problems, peripheral neuropathy or circulation issues. Persistent or recurring symptoms should be assessed.

Can diabetes cause numbness and tingling?

Yes. Diabetes can damage nerves, especially in the feet. Tingling, burning pain, numbness or reduced feeling should be discussed with a GP or diabetes team. Foot wounds in people with diabetes need prompt attention.

Can low B12 cause tingling?

Yes. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause tingling, numbness, balance problems, fatigue, memory problems and other symptoms. A GP may arrange blood tests if B12 deficiency is suspected.

Can migraine cause tingling?

Yes. Migraine aura can cause temporary tingling or numbness, often spreading gradually and sometimes linked with visual symptoms. But new, sudden or unusual neurological symptoms should be treated as urgent until stroke is ruled out.

Can dehydration cause tingling?

Dehydration can contribute to weakness, dizziness, shakiness and feeling unwell. Tingling may also happen with anxiety, fast breathing, low food intake or electrolyte disturbance. Severe or one-sided symptoms need urgent advice.

Can a trapped nerve cause numbness?

Yes. A trapped or irritated nerve in the neck, back, wrist or elbow can cause tingling, numbness, pain or weakness in the area supplied by that nerve. Seek advice if symptoms are persistent, worsening or linked with weakness.

Is numbness always nerve damage?

No. Numbness can be temporary from pressure on a nerve, but persistent or recurring numbness may suggest nerve irritation, neuropathy, circulation problems, vitamin deficiency, diabetes or neurological disease.

What tests are done for numbness and tingling?

A GP may arrange blood tests such as full blood count, HbA1c, B12, folate, thyroid, kidney and liver function. Depending on symptoms, they may also consider nerve conduction studies, MRI scan or referral to a specialist.

Final thoughts

Numbness and tingling are often caused by temporary pressure on a nerve and may settle quickly after changing position. But symptoms can also be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, migraine, anxiety, poor circulation, medicines or neurological conditions.

The most important question is whether the symptoms are sudden, one-sided, associated with weakness, or linked with speech, vision, balance, bladder or bowel changes. Call 999 for possible stroke symptoms, sudden neurological changes, chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, saddle numbness or rapidly worsening weakness.

For official guidance, see NHS advice on pins and needles, NHS guidance on stroke symptoms, and NHS information on Guillain-Barré syndrome.

This article is for general information only and should not replace medical advice. If you are worried about numbness, tingling or sudden neurological symptoms, contact NHS 111, your GP, or call 999 in an emergency.