What Causes Paraesthesia?

Posted on Tue, 21 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 7 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Why are my hands suddenly very sensitive? feels like there is some sort of electricity everytime i touch something. This has been going on for 2/3 weeks now.
They dont seem dry from the outside.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly provide more details; test for fasting glucose;add B complex vitamin

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have taken note of your query and I hope to help you regarding that.

The altered sensation that you experience is known as paraesthesia.

You may add a B complex vitamin supplement once daily for a month.

-I would like to know whether this sensation is present all the time Or only at certain times?

-I would like to rule out diabetes? I suggest you to take a blood test for fasting glucose.

-Do you have any other medical issues like thyroid? anxiety? etc

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor.

sensation present all the time, and increases in afternoon and evenings

Can anxiety cause this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Orgainic causes need to be ruled out first by test

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, acute anxiety can cause paresthesia but if anxiety is the cause, it is usually obvious from patients history.

However, organic causes of paresthesia like diabetes, thyroid , Vitamin B 12 deficiency etc are more common and should be ruled out with appropriate investigations, firstly.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar