Numbness

Alternate Names : Loss of Sensation

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. For instance, avoiding alcohol can prevent cases due to alcohol abuse. Safer sex practices can prevent many cases due to HIV. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects are related to the cause. For instance, anxiety-related numbness is always short-term and causes no long-term physical effects on the nerves. Cancer can result in death. Strokes may cause permanent paralysis and make a person unable to talk in some cases. Continued alcohol abuse can result in liver, brain, and other organ damage.

What are the risks to others?

Numbness itself is not contagious and poses no risks to others. Certain infections that can cause numbness, such as HIV, are contagious.