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Numbness and tingling

By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com

Created: December 4, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: Transient episodes of numbness and tingling in a single limb are often due to falling asleep in a position in which an artery is compressed. Once the affected limb is stretched and massaged for a few moments, feeling returns. While technically this is a "vascular problem," it is generally not associated with any actual vascular disease. It is purely a positional phenomenon.  Some causes related to other disorders: Persistent numbness and tingling in a limb is almost always related to a neurological problem.

Significance: Transient episodes occurring while asleep usually have little or no medical significance. Persistent episodes need a full medical evaluation.

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