Serious Symptoms Of Muscle Atrophy

Numbness And Tingling

Muscle atrophy can occur in conjunction with neuropathy, and patients with both of these conditions could experience numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and feet. These symptoms are often the result of nerve damage, and patients should be evaluated by a neurologist. During the exam, the neurologist will check the patient's sensation. This is typically done by touching a cotton swab or a blunt pin to specific areas of the hands, arms, legs, and feet. The patient will be asked what they can feel. To determine the cause of numbness and tingling, doctors may recommend nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or an autonomic reflex test. Mild numbness and tingling may be treated with topical treatments, including capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches. Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants might be beneficial in symptom management for more severe cases, and doctors might also suggest physical therapy or the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Patients should always let their doctor know if they notice an increase in numbness and tingling or if it spreads to new areas of the body.