What does it mean to get a tingle?

Tingling is a sensation of a slight prickling or stinging feeling on the skin. It is often caused by a temporary disruption of the blood supply to a nerve, or by irritation or damage to the nerve itself. Tingling can also be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a stroke or a pinched nerve.

Some common causes of tingling sensations include:

* Temporary disruption of blood supply to a nerve: This can happen when you sit or lie down in an awkward position, or when you put pressure on a nerve. The tingling sensation will usually go away once the pressure is relieved.

* Nerve irritation or damage: Tingling can be a sign of nerve damage caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury

* Compression, such as a pinched nerve

* Infections, such as shingles or Lyme disease

* Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes

* Vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency

* Stroke: Tingling on one side of the body can be a sign of a stroke. Other symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision problems.

* Other medical conditions: Tingling can also be a sign of other medical conditions, such as:

* Multiple sclerosis

* Parkinson's disease

* Guillain-Barré syndrome

* Fibromyalgia

* Lupus

If you are experiencing tingling sensations that are persistent or severe, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.