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What is the meaning of the word numbness?

Published in Medical Terminology 1 min read

Numbness is a loss of feeling in a part of the body.

Understanding Numbness

Based on the provided reference, numbness fundamentally refers to a loss of feeling in a part of the body.

Beyond Loss of Feeling

While the primary meaning is a loss of sensation, the term "numbness" is also frequently used to describe other alterations in sensation. These can include feelings such as:

  • Burning
  • A pins-and-needles sensation

These associated sensations often occur alongside or are referred to interchangeably with the direct loss of feeling.

Where Numbness Can Occur

Numbness is not limited to a specific area or pattern. It can manifest in different ways:

  • It might occur specifically along the path of a single nerve on one side of the body.
  • Alternatively, numbness may be present on both sides of the body.

This variation in location and distribution indicates that numbness can stem from various underlying issues affecting the sensory nerves.