Tingling in the head, also known as head paresthesia, can be caused by diabetes, migraines, colds, brain trauma, overuse of certain medications, and more. Persistent tingling may indicate conditions that require immediate medical attention. Healthcare providers should be informed during regular checkups and if the sensation lasts for more than a few days.
A number of different things can make a person feel a tingling sensation in the head, but the most common ones tend to be diabetes, migraines and colds. In the case of diabetes the tingling can be more or less constant, and often comes and goes without warning as a result of the nerve damage that is commonly part of the disease. With both migraines and respiratory infections, however, the sensation is usually very temporary. Other potential causes could include brain trauma or injury and overuse of certain medications, and in both of these cases the symptom is usually more severe because it often indicates a permanent or persistent problem with the brain tissue. Most experts advise people to mention any tingling to their healthcare providers during regular checkups and get help when the sensation lasts for more than a few days at a time.
Understand the tingling sensation
Tingling in the head is often known medically as head paresthesia. Paresthesia is usually described as a pins and needles sensation that could also involve crawling, burning, or partial numbness sensations. Nerve damage is most often the cause of this type of sensation as nerve entrapment or pressure can confuse or delay signals to and from the brain. Feelings that recur or are difficult to deal with may indicate conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of persistent paresthesia in the head, although it occurs more often in patients who have lived with diabetes for many years and haven’t controlled their blood sugar levels very well during that time. Some autoimmune factors can also contribute to the development of nervous disorders. The damaged nerves caused by these disorders can cause tingling, pain, or a burning sensation in certain areas of the body, including the head.
Migraines and brain pressure problems
Migraine sufferers may also experience this type of tingling sensation for longer periods of time. In most cases this is due to changes in blood flow that occur during a migraine attack. Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes migraines, but most agree that the problem is rooted in brain chemistry and that the pain patients experience is due to problems with brain signals. The result is often an intense throbbing or painful sensation that concentrates in one part of the head and can last for several days. Tingling isn’t always a symptom, but it can be.
Fluid buildup in the brain may also be to blame. In these cases, bags of blood or brain fluid can become trapped, usually temporarily, in the internal channels of the brain and nerve signals to the face, scalp and neck can be caught or pinched in the process. This can lead to numbness or tingling sensations, although it should go by itself; if not, experts usually select for problematic pressure issues or growths that could cause things to malfunction permanently.
Colds and sinus infections
Tingling is also pretty common when people have severe colds and sinus infections. In both of these situations, the airways in the upper face can become inflamed or blocked, and the nerves that serve that region can be understood and confused. Congestion often puts pressure on the cranial nerves as well. In most cases the sensation goes away on its own as a person recovers.
Trauma or injury
Any type of trauma or injury can also result in damage to a person’s nerves and in some cases this can even lead to numb sensations, particularly if the nerves are close to the head, such as in the neck. People who suffer from whiplash or injuries involving muscle strain to the face and neck are often at risk, as are anyone who has suffered a severe concussion. Nerves can also be damaged due to an infection in the body, however, which can be more difficult to identify right away.
Certain drug use
Head tingling can also occur as a side effect of some prescribed medications. If a patient experiences this side effect and it is bothersome, they should seek medical help immediately, as tingling could be a sign of a dangerous reaction. Healthcare providers often decide to switch the medication or reduce the amount that is taken to see if that will lessen the sensation.
A number of narcotics, especially those in the opiate family, can also be a cause. In these cases the tingling is usually the result of long-term nerve damage or numbing of the nerve endings. This isn’t always dangerous in the short term, but it can lead to pretty substantial problems if left untreated. Eliminating these drugs will generally stop the problem, but depending on how long a person has been using the substances it could take months if not years to fully reverse the results.
How to get help
Pins and needles that comes and goes or seems to be directly related to another problem like a head cold isn’t usually something people should worry about, but most experts recommend at least making note of the problems and paying attention to them. how long do the tingling feelings last. Healthcare professionals often find it important to know a patient’s entire medical history, even details that don’t seem all that relevant, in order to provide the most comprehensive care. Also, anyone who is concerned about tingling or finds that the problem has been going on for more than a few days should usually be evaluated to rule out any serious conditions.
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