The technical term for the sensation of muscles falling asleep is called paresthesia. More specifically, this refers to one of two types and describes the tingly, numb, or burning sensation people feel and is most often derived from sustained nerve signal blockage stemming from a physical impingement of the area, resulting in decreased blood flow. Transient paresthesia is more common, much less serious, and shorter in duration, often lasting. It can also be caused by other medical issues resulting from diabetes, and carpal tunnel syndrome, and can last from minutes to days, even resulting in permanent sensations. Persistent paresthesia is the more worrisome and harmful type due to its characteristic prolonged duration and occurrence alongside other serious infectious, inflammatory, endocrine, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Transient paresthesia, although more common, is much less serious and shorter in duration. Studies show increased movement time and less accurate movement due to a lack of visual feedback during movement under paresthesia, leading to difficulties.
Emerson created a demonstrative drawing that illustrates one specific way transient (temporary) paresthesia is commonly caused; by falling asleep with your head under your hand. Further, this sensation is due to compression of the median nerve in the arm, which leads to the thumb, index, and middle finger. Compression of any nerve in the body would cause a similar sensation, ceasing with the cessation of pressure and the subsequent return of blood flow.
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The technical term for the sensation of muscles falling asleep is called paresthesia. More specifically, this refers to one of two types and describes the tingly, numb, or burning sensation people feel and is most often derived from sustained nerve signal blockage stemming from a physical impingement of the area, resulting in decreased blood flow. Transient paresthesia is more common, much less serious, and shorter in duration, often lasting. It can also be caused by other medical issues resulting from diabetes, and carpal tunnel syndrome, and can last from minutes to days, even resulting in permanent sensations. Persistent paresthesia is the more worrisome and harmful type due to its characteristic prolonged duration and occurrence alongside other serious infectious, inflammatory, endocrine, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Transient paresthesia, although more common, is much less serious and shorter in duration. Studies show increased movement time and less accurate movement due to a lack of visual feedback during movement under paresthesia, leading to difficulties.
Emerson created a demonstrative drawing that illustrates one specific way transient (temporary) paresthesia is commonly caused; by falling asleep with your head under your hand. Further, this sensation is due to compression of the median nerve in the arm, which leads to the thumb, index, and middle finger. Compression of any nerve in the body would cause a similar sensation, ceasing with the cessation of pressure and the subsequent return of blood flow.