Common Misdiagnoses of Paresthesias

An individual suffering from paresthesias will feel a sensation of burning, tingling, prickling or numbness, usually in the extremities. Paresthesias generally results from an infection, trauma, inflammation or malignancy and is often a symptom of another underlying disorder. Depending on the underlying cause, the paresthesias can be short-term and eventually disappear, especially if related to a temporary condition such as anxiety or a panic attack. However, the condition can be chronic when attributable to diabetes, multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy. In severe cases, paresthesias may indicate a serious condition that can cause injury to the nerves including stroke, brain tumor, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or pernicious anemia.

Proper Diagnosis of Paresthesias

Diagnosis of paresthesias is usually performed by getting a medical history and performing a physical examination. This is usually followed with a diagnostic workup. A workup will depend on where the paresthesias is experienced. If the condition affects the upper extremities, the doctor may request a CBC, urinalysis, a chemistry panel and an arthritis panel. If the condition affects the lower extremities, the diagnostic workup may include the same tests in addition to a VDRL test and an X-ray of the lumbosacral spine. Sometimes a nerve conduction study is done and a CT scan may be ordered to rule out certain conditions.

Treatment for paresthesias varies depending on the underlying cause of the condition. The doctor will also prescribe treatment to minimize the symptoms. Some treatments are simple; for example, if the condition is due to anxiety, the symptoms will resolve themselves after the attack has passed. If the condition is due to diabetes, the treatment will be more intensive and may include prescription of medications to deal with the diabetes, physical therapy, orthopedic devices as well as prescribed lifestyle changes. Certain manipulation exercises may also be helpful. For example manipulation of the neck may aid facial paresthesias.

Common Misdiagnoses of Paresthesias

Occasionally paresthesias may be mistaken for some other condition such as hypoparathyroidism. A misdiagnosis can lead to delayed diagnosis of the actual cause. This can be catastrophic in cases where the underlying condition is a stroke, diabetes or nerve damage and the appropriate treatment is not performed.

Talk with a Lawyer

If you have suffered injury due to a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of paresthesias that masked another virulent condition, you may have a cause of action for medical malpractice. If so, you can recover damages to compensate the additional medical costs, the wages you lost for the extra time from work and in some cases, the unnecessary pain and suffering. Talk with a lawyer who is experienced with handling medical malpractice cases in your state.