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Sensory symptoms including tingling and numbness in children - NICE guidance - suspected neurological conditions - recognition and referral

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Sensory symptoms such as tingling or numbness in children

Summary points from NICE guidance relating to sensory symptoms such as tingling or numbness in children are:

Tingling together with other symptoms

  • refer urgently children who have tingling accompanied by other peripheral nervous system symptoms such as weakness, bladder dysfunction or bowel dysfunction for neurological assessment

  • be aware that tingling in children may be the first symptom of an acute polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barre syndrome) or other neuro-inflammatory conditions. If the child has features suggesting motor impairment, refer urgently for neurological assessment

Isolated tingling, altered sensation or paraesthesia

  • refer children with isolated tingling, altered sensation or paraesthesia for neurological assessment if the symptoms are episodic and are not associated with compression of a nerve

Temporary tingling caused by nerve compression or hyperventilation

  • do not routinely refer children for neurological assessment of temporary tingling or numbness if there is a clear history of the symptom being triggered by activities known to cause nerve compression, such as carrying a heavy backpack or sitting with crossed legs

  • be aware that in children, hyperventilation is a common cause of transient tingling in the limbs

Reference:


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