A feeling of pricking or stinging in a body part.
An abnormal, prickling feeling in the skin. Tingling may be a sign of damage or irritation to nerves in the affected area. It can also be a sign of poor circulation. It is a different problem than numbness, which suggests instead that the nerve is indeed damaged. A brief tingling sensation, as when a person’s hand or foot “falls asleep,” is not a cause for concern. However, a persistent tingling or pins and needles sensation may be caused by medical problems such as nerve injury; lack of blood supply; diabetes mellitus, type 1 and type 2; thyroid problems; vitamin (cyanocobalamin) deficiency; carpal tunnel syndrome; transient ischemic attack; stroke; or multiple sclerosis.