Tingling is an abnormal tickling / prickling sensation that can happen in any part of the body; it is commonest in the legs, feet, hands, and arms; and is rarely seen the head and scalp.
The condition is medically known as head paresthesia; it is typified by a lack of sensation in the head or portions of the head and face along with tingling.
Tingling numbness or paresthesia is characterized by creeping or pins and needles sensation, tingling, prickling, tickling, pricking, numbing sensation or burning. The manifestation may be temporary, short lived or chronic.
Symptoms may commence as tingling and then change to numbness, or there could be numbness and reduced sensation with heightened sensations at certain times or with stimulation. Tingling is a manifestation that is related to a sensory nerve impairment, disease, or trauma.
What Causes Tingling Sensation In Head?
Causes for tingling in the head depend up on the precise location of the paresthesia sensation, but usually it is physical nerve injury like nerve impingement or pressure being applied to a nerve directly or to the spinal attachment of that nerve, or a disease condition affecting the nerves.
Tingling or numbness symptoms are more than just bothersome; they point towards a serious medical condition and call for prompt medical diagnosis and timely treatment. The following disorders and medical conditions are associated with tingling numbness in the scalp:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Peripheral nerve trauma
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Peripheral nerve compression
- Diabetes mellitus
- Compartment syndrome
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Trauma to the head
- Spinal cord trauma
- Injury to the face
- Stroke
- Herpes zoster
- Epilepsy
- Tick bite
- Cold
- Positional tingling numbness
- Muscle tension
How To Get Rid Of Tingling Sensation In Head?
It is very vital that you do not neglect tingling numbness of the scalp. Untreated and neglected paresthesia can lead to a whole host of complications. You need to consult your health care provider and carry out the tests and investigations that he orders you to do. Timely diagnosis of the precise cause of the condition and prompt treatment are very crucial.
The nerve conduction test will provide you with useful information for making the correct diagnosis. A CT scan helps rule out some causes from the central nervous system.
Your doctor will prescribe immunosuppressant – prednisolone, intravenous gamma globulin, anti viral drugs and anti convulsants, among others, depending up on the underlying cause. Vitamin B 12 supplements are also recommended. They help manage the tingling to some extent. Furthermore, step up your intake of green leafy vegetables, limes, walnuts and fish.
Once the exact cause for the condition has been established, your health care provider will embark up on the most appropriate treatment regimen to manage the case effectively.
In addition to treating the underlying disorder, palliative care includes topical numbing creams, such as lidocaine. However, you have to be extremely careful when you apply; and make sure that you apply only the required quantity, as an excess will worsen the condition. These products offer considerable benefit, but the effects are short-lasting.