What Causes Pins And Needle Sensation In Limbs?

Posted on Sat, 14 Mar 2015

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

Sat, 14 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 6 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 39 5ft.3ins and weigh17stone. For weeks I have suffered with pins and needles in my limbs and aching joints along with dizziness and as if the world has turned on its side. The three types of medication prescribed separately have not alleviated the symptoms and I do not have an inner ear infection.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pins and needles in limbs

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Pins and needles/parasthsiae in your limbs may be due to peripheral neuropathy,poor circulation in the limbs (such as in peripheral vascular disease).
Joint conditions (aching joints) such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are common sources of paresthesia.

Demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis may also cause cross-talk between adjacent axons and lead to paresthesia.

Autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus can cause parasthsiae ,aching joints (arthralgia) and dizziness.

A diagnostic evaluation by doctor is necessary to rule these out.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (16 hours later)

The main thing that I omitted to write was that the doctor is treating me for vertigo and that the medication is for that. I feel as if I am going to black out but never do. I have had vertigo for 3 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow-up query

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Combination of vertigo & parasthsiae will go more in favor of Multiple sclerosis MS) as the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Fundoscopy to rule out Optic neuritis(ON) and MRI brain is recommended.

What about your drinking status? Alcoholism is more common than MS.

Chronic high doses of alcohol cause peripheral neuropathy in 10% of alcoholics.Approximately 1% of alcoholics develop cerebellar degeneration or atrophy causing ataxia,unsteady stance -may be interpreted as vertigo.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj