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If you have goosebumps all over your body. Goose bumps (goose bumps)

Every cell of the human body has a connection with the nervous system - the ancient part of it, which we do not control, and the young cortex, which issues commands from consciousness. The message is carried out using nerve fibers, and they can exist normally if they are not under pressure from the outside and are not damaged from the inside. When such a situation does arise, it manifests itself as a sensation as if goosebumps are running down the skin. Then this symptom is not associated with the experience of any emotions and does not go away after switching to another thought.

Let us examine in more detail what this or that localization of these unpleasant sensations may mean, and what the duration of the “goosebumps” indicates.

Types and mechanism of “goosebumps”

The sensation of tingling and crawling is medically called “paresthesia.” They appear in response to irritation of nerve endings, the brain or spinal cord. The nature of this phenomenon is as follows: the sensitive nerve ending receives several different unrelated signals at once, layering on top of each other. As a result, the nerve does not know how to react correctly to this variety, and “turns on” numbness, burning, “pins and needles” or tingling.

Paresthesia is usually felt below the irritated area of ​​the nerve. They may be accompanied by “goose bumps” - “pimples” in the area of ​​hair growth, which is an analogue of the puffiness of fur or quills in animals.

Paresthesias can be:

  1. temporary, occurring when sitting in an uncomfortable position, freezing, sexual arousal, a feeling of euphoria from listening to music or when negative emotions appear. They are usually described as “pins and needles on your legs” and go away when the irritating factor stops. Not accompanied by cramps, pain or sensory disturbances;
  2. chronic, recurring. They are signs of the disease, and can be accompanied by two types of symptoms:
    • indicating damage to the nerve fiber. These are: numbness in the limbs or only in the fingers, tingling sensation, goosebumps. Sometimes local twitching (convulsions) develops here;
    • indicating damage to those nerves that are connected to the vessels of this area. This is evidenced by: pale skin, worsening temperature and pain sensitivity, its cool temperature, .

Transient (temporary) paresthesia is a variant of the norm and does not require medical intervention. If “goosebumps” run without any visible effect on the skin, you definitely need to look for their cause and eliminate it.

What diseases provoke paresthesia?

The causes of goosebumps are varied. Let's list them first:

  • damage to nerve fibers of various localizations - neuropathy;
  • high ;
  • disruption of the nutrition of nerve fibers due to poisoning, including chronic alcohol intoxication– polyneuropathy;
  • low blood levels of calcium or magnesium;
  • nerve fiber injury;
  • damage to nerve fibers by antibodies;
  • varicose veins;
  • atherosclerosis of arterial vessels;
  • insufficient intake of vitamins B1, 6, C;
  • arthritis;
  • restless legs syndrome;
  • tumors of nerve fibers;
  • tumor in the parietal lobe of the brain;
  • insufficiency of parathyroid gland function – hypoparathyroidism;
  • obliterating endarteritis;
  • taking certain medications;
  • follicular hyperkeratosis;
  • entry of the filling mass into the canal of a tooth with a living nerve;
  • damage to the nerve ending.

If they call it “goosebumps” external manifestation- “goose bumps”, without any other symptoms, this pathology is called follicular hyperkeratosis.

Here, due to poor nutrition of the skin or constant irritation, the upper layer of the skin thickens excessively, and the mouths of the hair follicles become inflamed. Dermatocosmetologists treat pathology with various local and systemic means.

Goosebumps on the body, arms and legs

This symptom is accompanied by many diseases. Let's consider the main ones in more detail.

Hypovitaminosis B1

Vitamin B1 is needed for normal operation nervous system. It is involved in the production of acetylcholine, a substance that allows nerve impulses to reach the muscle, intestines, sweat gland, heart - and give him your command. Its insufficient intake from food or acceleration of its breakdown leads to:

  • feeling of pins and needles on the legs and arms;
  • irritability;
  • headache;
  • memory impairment;
  • increased heart rate;
  • pain in the heart;
  • swelling;
  • shortness of breath;
  • sometimes even paralysis and cardiovascular failure.

Such symptoms require prompt diagnosis and treatment: administration of synthetic vitamin thiamine and diet correction.

Hypoparathyroidism

This is a reduced function of the parathyroid glands, in which the level of calcium in the blood decreases. It manifests itself not only as goose bumps in the limbs, but also:

  • painful contractions of the muscles of the limbs, body and face: the hand is brought to the body, it “bends” at the wrist and elbow joints, the corners of the mouth drop, the eyelids drop halfway, the body arches back;
  • swallowing is paroxysmally impaired;
  • there is a stabbing pain in the abdomen;
  • there may be vomiting, diarrhea;
  • fainting occurs;
  • twilight vision is impaired;
  • "pawns ears;
  • there are pains and interruptions in the heart;
  • hair becomes thinner, the number of hair shafts falling out increases;
  • the skin is peeling;
  • a large number of teeth are affected by caries;
  • nails become dull;
  • at long absence therapy is developing.

Decreased calcium levels

Here the same symptoms develop as with hypoparathyroidism, but they are not as pronounced and occur more easily. Often, the pathology is manifested only by painful spasms of the muscles of the limbs and face, which immediately follow goosebumps, increased heart rate, trembling and recurrent vomiting. With an extremely low level of this electrolyte in the blood, difficulty breathing may develop until it stops, and painful arching of the entire body.

Low blood magnesium levels

This condition manifests itself:

  • weakness;
  • lack of appetite;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • trembling of the body or individual muscles;
  • Convulsions may occur in which the entire body contracts or arches. This is most common in children.

Taking medications

The appearance of goose bumps can be caused by taking drugs such as: Ofloxacin, Protionamide, Isonazid, Cycloserine, drugs against epilepsy and blood pressure lowering drugs.

Arrhythmias

In the case of the development of attack-like (paroxysmal) rhythm disturbances, a person may notice:

This state lasts from ten minutes or more; most often develops at night.

Brain stroke

Paralysis or partial immobility of the limbs on one side may be preceded by a feeling of numbness and crawling, sometimes on the opposite side. It is also noted here headache, there may be short- or long-term loss of consciousness, observed focal symptoms: facial asymmetry, different widths of palpebral fissures, inability to speak or understand speech.

Damage to the parietal lobe of the brain

A tumor or encephalitis that develops in the lobe responsible for sensitivity is accompanied by other symptoms: the inability to perform complex actions, failure to recognize objects if you close your eyes and feel them with your hands, loss of the ability to write. There may also be loss of half of the visual field and loss of awareness of one's own body diagram.

Guillain-Barre syndrome

This condition occurs after undergoing viral infection(mainly colds and herpes), or intestinal, caused by the Campylobacter bacterium or enteroviruses.

Here, in the period from 5 to 21 days after the illness, antibodies are formed to certain areas of the spinal nerve roots. This is manifested by the appearance of pins and needles on the legs, the range of movements gradually decreases, and sensitivity is impaired. The process may appear immediately on your hands. It may involve a certain volume, but may spread towards the chest. The last symptom is very dangerous and requires urgent hospitalization in the intensive care unit, as it can progress to respiratory arrest.

Head injury

A brain contusion can lead to the appearance of pins and needles on both one and two sides. After this, loss of sensation may develop.

Shingles

The disease is caused by the same virus as chicken pox; occurs in those who have already had it. It manifests itself as the appearance of goosebumps in the projection of any nerve, but more often - one of the intercostal nerves. Goosebumps precede the appearance of redness here, on which bubbles with transparent contents soon appear. The affected area burns and hurts.

Multiple sclerosis

This is an autoimmune pathology when one’s own antibodies begin to attack the membrane of most nerve fibers, as a result of which the latter become “naked” and begin to destroy themselves. There is no clear sequence or algorithm for damage to fibers, so it is difficult to recognize the disease.

Most often it begins in one eye, sensations in it foreign body, the appearance of blurred contours of the objects in question. This condition lasts about a week, then goes away on its own, but not completely. Subsequently, the symptom will recur. Gradually, it leads to disruption of coordinated eye movements and a change in the normal reaction of the pupils to light. Usually after this, goosebumps and pain appear on the face, which is the basis for making a diagnosis of “” or “Trigeminal neuralgia”. Later, loss of coordination, changes in handwriting, and transient trembling of objects develop.

Also, the initial manifestations of the disease include goosebumps, burning, numbness or tightening of the skin that occurs on any part of the body. It goes away on its own and often does not serve as a reason to contact a neurologist or therapist.

Polyneuropathy

This disease is characterized by damage to the peripheral nervous system due to poisoning (including alcohol surrogates), metabolic disorders(mostly when diabetes mellitus). It is dangerous because the disconnection of nerves, starting from distant parts of the body (fingers and toes), spreads closer and closer to the respiratory muscles, and can also involve the nerves that command the contraction of the muscles responsible for breathing.

Polyneuropathy manifests itself as a deterioration in the motor activity of the legs and arms, starting with the fingers, the appearance of goosebumps and numbness in these areas, and the gradual “turning off” of sensitivity in the areas of socks and gloves.

Goosebumps on the face and hands

If goosebumps crawl on the skin of your face and hands, this may be one of the following pathologies.

Migraine

At first, goosebumps appear on the face (especially around the mouth) and hands, then a headache develops mainly in one half of the head. In this case, paresthesia should be regarded as a migraine aura - a condition that precedes an attack of pain.

Tumor or inflammation of the frontal lobe of the brain

A change in personality (a person becomes “not the same as usual”) along with goosebumps in the lips and fingers may indicate damage to the frontal lobe. Only a neurologist can refute such a diagnosis, sometimes only on the basis of an MRI of the brain.

Goosebumps on the scalp

If you have goosebumps on the back of your head, it could be:

  • Neuropathy of the large occipital nerve . At the same time, goosebumps, numbness and tingling are felt in the area of ​​​​the back of the head to the crown; here there is increased or decreased sensitivity. You can find pain points in the back of the head.
  • Neuropathy cervical plexus with compression of his sensitive nerves. Here in the area of ​​the back of the head, neck, shoulder girdle and behind the ear, pain and goosebumps are felt.
  • . In this case, the tingling sensation is felt for 1-2 hours, then disappears, leaving no focal changes.
  • Bell's palsy. At first, goosebumps are felt on one side of the face, after which weakness of the muscles on this side appears, and then they completely cease to provide movement to one side of the mouth and facial muscles.

Goosebumps on your hands

If you notice goosebumps crawling on your arm, please note: this may be due to the following reasons.

Anterior scalene syndrome

When this muscle is overstrained, which is caused by compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery, there are pains and pins and needles in the arm - from the shoulder to the little finger and ring finger. When turning the head, the pain radiates to the back of the head and chest. There may be numbness and chilliness in the hand, and the skin becomes pale or more bluish.

Brachial plexus syndrome

It is characterized by deterioration of movement in the hand, goosebumps and decreased sensitivity in the part of the hand that is located on the little finger side.

Raynaud's disease

Manifested by coldness and paleness of the fingers. Goosebumps crawl over them, the fingers first turn blue and begin to hurt, then their skin turns red, and the pain subsides. Often not only the fingers, but also the toes are affected.

Osteochondrosis, trauma, spondylolisthesis or tumor of the cervical spinal cord

These diseases are characterized not only by the appearance of goose bumps in the hands, but also by pain in the muscles of the hands, a gradual decrease in strength in their muscles, and a deterioration in temperature and pain sensitivity in the hands. If a pathological process (tumor, edema or vertebrae) compresses the vessels leading to the brain, hearing or vision impairment will be noted.

Myositis of the cervical muscles

Goosebumps in the arms are accompanied by pain in the neck. These symptoms are worse in certain positions of the neck. .

Costoclavicular syndrome

This is the name for compression of the vessels and nerves of the brachial plexus, which occurs in a vertical position if the shoulder girdle is pulled back and down (for example, when carrying a heavy backpack). In this case, pain when standing at attention, accompanied by goosebumps, develops according to inside hands and forearms.

Musculocutaneous nerve neuropathy

This nerve gives commands to many muscles of the shoulder, including the biceps, reaching the forearm, it is divided into anterior and posterior branches. If the nerve is pinched at the level of the elbow fold, pain occurs in this place, which radiates to the side of the forearm and is accompanied by a burning sensation and goosebumps. The pain intensifies with flexion and extension of the elbow, and rotation of the forearm in and out.

Compression of the median nerve in the axillary fossa

The pathology occurs mainly when carrying heavy objects resting on the armpit, as well as when spouses sleep together, when the head of one of them is under the arm of the other.

Here goosebumps run across the palm; at first this is not accompanied by pain or dysfunction. If a similar situation with compression is repeated, the work of the flexor muscles of the palm and those muscles that are responsible for flexing the large and index finger. The palm loses its sensitivity; muscles that form the eminence thumb, are hypotrophied.

Intermetacarpal tunnel syndrome

This is the name of the condition when the nerve is pinched by the heads metacarpal bones. Symptoms: numbness and pins and needles in the area of ​​the surfaces of the fingers facing each other, which intensify with flexion and extension of the fingers.

Pinched nerve between the heads of the triceps muscle

The causes of the condition are injury to the back of the arm, fracture of the humerus.

Symptoms: deterioration or inability to straighten the hand if pressure is applied to back surface forearm, pain and pins and needles appear near the thumb.

Compression of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve

This occurs due to the habit of resting your elbow on the edge of the table. Pain occurs on the inside of the hand. If you press on the inside of the wrist, the pain intensifies and a pins and needles sensation appears.

Goosebumps on my feet

The symptom of goosebumps “running” down the leg is caused by various conditions. Let's look at the main ones.

Lumbar plexus neuropathy

It appears due to compression of the plexus by altered upper lumbar vertebrae, hematomas, abscesses, phlegmons, and tumors in this area.

Symptoms: pain and pins and needles - in the lower abdomen, in the pelvic area, on the thigh. They intensify when the extended leg is raised upward.

Varicose veins

The legs, especially when standing for a long time and at the end of the working day, itch, swell, and feel heaviness. Dilated veins and purple vascular networks are visually determined.

Restless legs syndrome

This is the name of a condition caused by various reasons, when a burning, tingling, feeling of fullness or squeezing is felt in the legs, due to which lower limbs perform a frequent reflexive “throwing off” movement.

To clarify and eliminate the cause of such sensations, contact a therapist and neurologist.

Bernhardt-Roth disease

It manifests itself:

  • goosebumps, burning, numbness, tingling of the area from hip joint along the anterolateral surface of the thigh to the knee;
  • pain and pins and needles intensify when walking, disappear if you sit or lie with your legs bent;
  • if you touch the skin in this area, it will hurt, you will feel a feeling of heat, a prick;
  • sensitivity here is increased;
  • There may be both dry skin and increased sweating in this area.

After lumbar puncture

Injury to the nerve roots during lumbar puncture can lead to pain, loss of sensation in the legs, and weakness in their muscles.

Operations on the spinal cord, spinal nerves, spine

If you were injured during the intervention more nervous homies, arise:

  • goosebumps in the legs;
  • weakness of the leg muscles;
  • decreased sensitivity in the legs.

Raynaud's disease

It manifests itself as pain and coldness of the fingers, then the fingers turn blue, which is accompanied by increased pain. Then the vascular spasm goes away, the fingers turn red, and the pain and goosebumps go away.

Femoral nerve neuropathy

It can be caused by a fracture of the pelvic bones with bleeding into the muscles surrounding this nerve. It may occur if the nerve was injured during puncture of the femoral artery, or if it was compressed by lymph nodes or a hematoma localized in the area of ​​the inguinal fold.

Symptoms:

  • pain – in the groin area;
  • spreads to the lumbar region, to the thigh and lower leg along their anterior internal surface;
  • Here goosebumps are detected and sensitivity is reduced;
  • flexion-extension of the hip and knee may be performed in too small a volume;
  • climbing stairs is especially difficult.

Clamping of the saphenous nerve

Pins and needles, pain and loss of sensitivity are determined along the inside of the leg from the knee to the big toe.

Rabies

The disease occurs as a result of the bite of an infected animal, which introduces the rabies virus into the wound. Pathology manifests itself as the appearance of goosebumps in the bitten leg. Subsequently, fear of light, water and sound develops.

Goosebumps on the tongue

This is typical for:

  • rubbing with dentures;
  • changes in bite resulting from the removal of one or several teeth;
  • galvanization, when an electric current occurs due to the fact that the crowns are made of different metals;
  • getting filling material into the canal;
  • hypovitaminosis B12;
  • damage to the sensory fiber of the glossopharyngeal nerve;
  • inflammation of the arachnoid membrane of the brain;
  • peptic ulcer of the upper digestive system;
  • diseases of the ENT organs: sinusitis, rhinitis.

Goosebumps in the back area

Goosebumps “run” down the back when there is a pathology of the spine, such as spondylosis. If the vertebrae in the cervical region are deformed, then goosebumps and pain will be felt in the neck, crown and upper back; they intensify with certain movements. If such symptoms develop in chest area, we are most likely talking about spondylosis or osteochondrosis thoracic. Finally, in pathologies when the nerves coming from the lumbosacral region are pinched, goosebumps will be felt in the lumbar region.

Algorithm for analyzing the state when “goosebumps” appear

Before you panic, remember what caused the paresthesia. It is also important to assess your condition as objectively as possible and notice additional symptoms:

Then the goosebumps appeared Where are they felt? Additional symptoms What could it be Which doctor should I contact?
How to confirm
After a spinal injury In the limb area Numbness, impaired sensitivity and movement in the limbs. With a cervical injury, there may be dizziness and loss of coordination. No goosebumps Fracture, fracture-dislocation of vertebrae

Neuropathologist

X-ray or computed tomography of the spine in the injured area

For no reason, but more often - if a person suffers from thrombosis, arrhythmias, hypertension In the area of ​​one half of the body Sudden onset of poor sensitivity and inability to move the arm and leg on one side Stroke

Neuropathologist

Examination by an ambulance doctor, a neurologist, computed tomography of the brain performed under the supervision of a resuscitator

For no apparent reason In the area of ​​the limbs, but not on one side of the arm or leg, but grabbing either the foot (hand), or the foot and lower leg (hand and forearm), or the entire limb Numbness, pallor of the skin, decreased local temperature, hair loss or decreased growth in the area where the “pins and needles” sensation is felt

Poor arterial patency: obliterating atherosclerosis or obliterating endarteritis.

There may also be nerve compression

Vascular surgeon, neurologist

Ultrasound with Dopplerography of the arteries of the extremities (both).

Examination by a neurologist, check tendon reflexes, electroneurography

With frequent alcohol consumption In the area of ​​the extremities (lower, upper or all) The same Examination by a neurologist, checking tendon reflexes
After an arm/leg injury In the area of ​​injury, above and below the point of impact Feeling of “pins and needles”, decreased or increased sensitivity to cold/heat, muscle weakness of only this limb Nerve fiber injury Examination by a neurologist
After working with paints or heavy metals Legs, arms “Goosebumps” on the extremities (usually the legs), while sensitivity in the toe area decreases, and the muscles there become weak. Weakness and decreased sensation may also be observed in the hands, in the glove area, and spread along the arms/legs towards the torso Toxic polyneuropathy
If you have diabetes In the area of ​​both or four limbs “Goosebumps” on the legs/arms, decreased sensitivity, muscle weakness Diabetic polyneuropathy

Endocrinologist together with a neurologist

Blood test for sugar (glucose) level, glycated hemoglobin level, electromyo- and electroneurography

For no apparent reason In the area of ​​the lower/upper or all 4 limbs Changes in temperature and pain sensitivity, cold skin, muscle weakness Vitamin deficiency (most likely B1)

Therapist – for adults, pediatrician – for children

Examination by a neurologist, determination of the level of vitamins in the blood

During pregnancy In the leg area There are signs of pregnancy. There may be night cramps Lack of magnesium or calcium

Therapist

Determination of calcium and magnesium in blood

For no apparent reason Both on the body and on the limbs A persistent low fever that does not decrease with antibiotic treatment, but goes away on its own. Often - spots on the skin, there may be a “mesh pattern”. Losing weight. Pain in muscles, joints Vasculitis

Therapist, rheumatologist

Rheumatology tests, LE cells and other tests prescribed by a rheumatologist

Against the background of the same type of work In a separate area of ​​the limb (less commonly, the body) Pain in this area, loss of sensitivity, “pins and needles”. Pass through time Pinching or inflammation of a single nerve fiber

Neuropathologist

Examination by a neurologist, determination of sensitivity and tendon reflexes

After a cold, intestinal infection, vaccination, surgery It starts from the feet, can end there, and can rise, capturing the legs, thighs, hands, and forearms. Breathing, swallowing, and regulation of vascular tone may be impaired Numbness, loss of sensitivity, muscle weakness, impaired movement of the limbs or their parts, up to paralysis, which can be treated if started in a timely manner. When immobilization of the limbs occurs, the “goosebumps” disappear Infectious-allergic polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré or Guillain-Barré-Landry syndrome)

Neuropathologist, sometimes together with infectious disease specialists

Examination by a neurologist, determination of sensitivity and tendon reflexes

Either for no reason, or after suffering from acute respiratory viral infection In any area, but more often - between the ribs Chickenpox-type blisters are observed in the affected area. This is also accompanied by a burning sensation and pain when breathing Infectious disease specialist together with a neurologist
For no apparent reason Hands, face, mouth area After goosebumps there is a headache, usually in one half of the head Migraine with aura Examination by a neurologist
After hypothermia Separate area of ​​the face Pain in this area, lacrimation, increased sweating on this side Trigeminal neuralgia Examination by a neurologist
After an animal bite At the site of the bite Increased sensitivity of this area, sensation of a “twitching” muscle, photophobia, hydrophobia Rabies The diagnosis is made based on examination by an infectious disease specialist/radiologist
For no apparent reason In any area Accompanied by a completely different set neurological symptoms: headache, loss of coordination, decreased vision, loss of sensitivity in any areas of the skin of the face, limbs, torso Multiple sclerosis, some mitochondrial diseases MRI of the brain and cervical spinal cord with contrast, electroneurography, laboratory tests that will be prescribed by a neurologist after examination
For no apparent reason “Goosebumps” appear in paroxysms on any part of the body, the location of which may vary. Most often they are felt in the back of the head Distorted perception of one’s own body parts, failure to recognize objects, inability to perform complex movements, loss of the ability to count and solve problems arithmetic examples. There may be loss of visual field Damage (usually by tumor) to the parietal lobe of the brain

Neuropathologist

MRI of the brain

After hypothermia of the head, overload of the neck muscles. Maybe for no apparent reason In the back of the head type “drilling”, “shooting”, occurs in attacks. During the interictal period it may remain Blunt pain in the back of the head. You can find points on the back of the head, pressure on which increases pain and goosebumps Occipital neuralgia Examination by a neurologist

If you have goosebumps:

  • run around the local area, especially in the limbs,
  • this is not accompanied by disturbances of consciousness, vision, breathing, swallowing,
  • To respiratory tract doesn't rise

it can be any of the neuropathies of numerous nerves. This diagnosis is made by a neurologist based on a routine examination of the patient. We will not list all the diagnoses in the table, especially since their treatment is the same.

It should also be noted that important information regarding paresthesia:

  1. the lower (closer to the toes) the area where the goose bumps are located, the closer to the tailbone the pathology is located;
  2. a large area of ​​goosebumps running from a large (hip or shoulder) joint to the fingers indicates a pathology of the spine, while the reverse movement (from the fingers upward) indicates nerve damage;
  3. if sensitivity is impaired, pain appears and goosebumps appear in a small area between the hand (foot) and shoulder (thigh), most likely a small nerve fiber is damaged (compressed);
  4. pain that occurs along with goosebumps
  5. Goosebumps and sensory disturbances are especially dangerous in patients with diabetes, as well as after an intestinal or cold illness;
  6. anxiety and an urgent visit to a neurologist should be caused by conditions when, along with goosebumps, it is discovered that the affected area does not distinguish what kind of - sharp or blunt - object has touched it, and also does not distinguish between hot and cold water;
  7. You need to visit a neurologist or vascular surgeon if the skin where the goosebumps run has turned pale, cold, and has little pale hair growing on it.

What can cause goosebumps in children

Goosebumps in children can be caused by:

  • Guillain-Barre syndrome;
  • intoxication (due to or poisoning) polyneuropathy;
  • encephalitis affecting the parietal region;
  • scalene muscle syndrome due to an accessory rib;
  • neuropathies due to muscle spasms;
  • vasculitis;
  • arthritis;
  • taking certain medications;
  • spondylosis;
  • lack of B vitamins;
  • hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia.

Goosebumps run across the skin - a specific sensation familiar to many, sometimes called “goose bumps”. It appears in different situations, accompanies pleasant moments, a feeling of coldness, emotional states, excitement. Normally, this is a momentary phenomenon that soon passes, leaving no traces behind.

Doctors call these goosebumps benign paresthesia. There is also malignant, when modification of the epidermis is associated with the occurrence of dangerous pathological processes in the body.

A specific tingling and pins and needles sensation appears on different parts of the body: head, limbs, face. Their appearance is associated with irritation of nerve endings when inconsistent signals arrive from the brain. They overlap each other, the nerve does not know how to react to this, as a result of which goosebumps, a slight feeling of burning and numbness, and sometimes pain occur.

Temporary or benign paresthesia is normal for the body, so no intervention is required. If this phenomenon becomes chronic, you should consult a specialist.

Absolutely healthy person Goosebumps can run through the body from touch, emotions, experiences. This happens due to the rudimentary pilomotor reflex. It is also inherent in a significant part of mammals and even has important practical significance.

In animals, for example, their fur stands on end, which indicates sexual arousal or aggression. The hair on human skin is not so expressive, so we only notice numbness of the epidermis, pimples, and slight tingling. The following factors can provoke such symptoms:

  • sudden change in temperature;
  • severe fear;
  • sexual arousal;
  • reaction to pleasant music;
  • words that give you goosebumps;
  • moral and physical satisfaction;
  • irritation;
  • circulatory disorders in the lower extremities due to long stay in an awkward position.

Benign paresthesia can be recognized by the manifestations characteristic of this condition. Goosebumps on the face, limbs and other parts of the body pass quickly, while the person is not bothered by dizziness, headache and other alarming symptoms.

Causes of malignant paresthesia

If a feeling of goosebumps appears on the scalp, it does not go away for a long time, symptoms such as pain appear skin, headache, dizziness, redness of the skin, it makes sense to talk about malignant paresthesia.

There are many reasons for its development, so to establish the factors that provoke the occurrence of the pathological process, a comprehensive examination and consultation with specialists from various branches of medicine will be required.

  • Hypovitaminosis. Vitamin B1 is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. If it does not enter the body in sufficient quantities, goosebumps often appear on the skin, which is accompanied by irritability and heart pain.
  • Lack of magnesium. With a deficiency of this microelement, a person feels severe weakness and fatigue, he gets goosebumps on his head, back, legs, cramps and indigestion may appear.
  • Arrhythmia is a disease in which the rhythm of the heart is disrupted. In addition to goosebumps, in this case there is a chill without a change in body temperature.
  • Stroke. The primary symptom of this dangerous disease These are precisely the goosebumps that signal the death of parts of the brain.
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome. The pathological process develops after undergoing viral disease(herpes, flu). In this case, the goosebumps spread only to the lower limbs, after which the legs go numb and lose mobility.
  • Multiple sclerosis - dangerous pathology, in which immune cells attack their own nerve cells. Most often, goosebumps run across the face and aching pain appears.

Similar symptoms may occur after taking medicines from certain pharmacokinetic groups. Thus, patients who take medications for epilepsy, Cycloserine, Ofloxacin and others often get goosebumps.

Paresthesia in hypoparathyroidism

To determine why goosebumps are running on your skin, you should conduct a comprehensive examination. Malignant paresthesia is dangerous for the health and life of the patient, as it can signal the progression of complex pathological changes.

Patients diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism almost always experience goosebumps on the scalp, body and face. This is a disease in which the concentration of calcium is greatly reduced due to impaired functioning of the parathyroid glands.

In addition to paresthesia, the following symptoms may also occur:

  • severe carious damage to dental tissue;
  • nails become dull, peel and grow poorly;
  • hair begins to fall out profusely;
  • the skin is peeling;
  • the muscles of the limbs contract involuntarily;
  • abdominal pain appears, digestion is disturbed;
  • hearing and vision deteriorate.

Hypocalcemia, and even with hypoparathyroidism, is very dangerous condition requiring immediate medical attention. In the absence of an adequate response, the consequences can be the most unpredictable, including disruption of muscle function respiratory system and respiratory arrest. That's why you can't ignore goosebumps.

How to get rid of goosebumps

If goosebumps can rarely run due to overexcitation or anxiety, the condition is not accompanied by pain or other unpleasant symptoms, you don't need to do anything. Frequent and prolonged numbness, modification of the epidermis indicates the occurrence of pathological processes in the body.

It is almost impossible to determine the cause on your own; you cannot do without consulting a specialist. You should consult a doctor if you are concerned about the following symptoms: headache, increased blood pressure, functional disorders sensory organs, redness of the skin.

There is only one way to get rid of malignant paresthesia - to cure the underlying disease. If it is hypovitaminosis, you should take Vitamin B1, if there is a lack of magnesium - mineral complexes, in case of hypocalcemia, it is advisable to use a special diet and start taking calcium supplements. To normalize the functioning of the nervous system, patients are often prescribed medications with a sedative effect.

Treatment of paresthesia is aimed at stopping the pathological process and relieving symptoms. You can get rid of goosebumps and improve the condition and appearance of the skin with the help of therapeutic mud, massage, algae, and special scrubs. Before using one or another product, you should consult your doctor.

Medicine calls one of the symptoms of paresthesia. People describe these sensations as “goosebumps running through the body.” Every person has experienced this feeling when listening to their favorite music, emotional outbursts, and the onset of fear. It’s worse if goosebumps begin as a symptom of a pathological process in the body. And today we will tell you why you get goosebumps.

What are "goosebumps"

So, goosebumps run through your body: what is this? The connection between the human nervous system and each anatomical structure(cell, tissue, organ or organ system) is carried out through two anatomical and physiological layers of the cerebral cortex.

  • The ancient cortex (subconscious) controls the body outside the will of a person, the young cortex consciously controls the functioning of many mental and physiological processes body.
  • The body's connection with nerve centers young and old cortex is produced through the neural processes that make up the nerves.

In the absence of pressure on the nerves and physical traumatic factors, the nerve fibers work without serious disruptions. If the effect of nerve compression is obvious, symptoms of goose bumps are detected, and there are no psycho-emotional outbursts or other factors causing an unusual symptom.

The symptom of paresthesia appears after irritation of the endings of nerve fibers - receptors. The etiogenesis of paresthesia is explained by the influence of several factors on the receptors, as a result of which the simultaneous mixing of several generated electrical impulses spreads along the “winding” of the nerves – the myelin layer, which is accompanied by a burning sensation, “goosebumps”, loss of sensitivity and increased sensitivity – tingling.

Paresthesia is localized at the level of the lower border of the nerve injury. Often paresthesia manifests itself as a morphological sign - “goose bumps”, when the muscles around the hair follicle contract and form small bulges around the hair. The process is similar to bristling in animals.

This video will tell you why we get goosebumps:

Classification

By number of manifestations

Based on the number of manifestations, paresthesia can be divided into:

  1. Temporary. Long sitting in one position with legs tucked, highest degree disgust when talking about rats (or other objects that cause horror), favorite music playing loud enough, a feeling of cold, strong sexual arousal are accompanied by the appearance of temporary paresthesia. There are no painful sensations, loss of sensitivity, or the appearance of convulsions during paresthesia, before or after its detection. Interventions medical specialists is not required to eliminate paresthesia.
  2. Chronic. They accompany a certain pathology, so they are prone to repetition. If the symptom appears repeatedly, you will need to consult a doctor. The doctor’s choice of specialty for seeking treatment depends on the location of the “pins and needles” and the accompanying symptoms. If the nerve fiber is damaged, tingling or numbness appears in the affected areas, accompanying paresthesia. When the fiber innervating is damaged blood vessel the skin at the site of the lesion loses its pink color, the temperature regime is disturbed (coldness of the skin), hair falls out, and the pain of touch increases.

Goosebumps (photo)

At the place of discovery

At the location of detection, paresthesia is found on:

  • arms, legs and torso;
  • face and hands;
  • hands;
  • different areas of the scalp;
  • legs;
  • surface of the tongue;
  • back.

Classification of paresthesia depending on location serves as the basis for distinguishing and limiting diseases.

How to identify yourself

To make a diagnosis and facilitate choice diagnostic procedure examination, a patient experiencing “goosebumps” must remember after what event the symptom appears.

  • After a spinal injury, paresthesia usually appears in the arms and legs.
  • If “goosebumps” are detected for no apparent reason, you should remember the exact location of the recurring signs of the disease.
  • Paresthesia on one side of the body (except for the limbs and head) indicates vascular disorders or type.
  • Patients may feel goosebumps if they suffer from diabetes mellitus, with incipient diabetes, vitamin deficiency and minerals in the form of metal cations, after vaccinations, surgical interventions etc.

Read below about the reasons why goosebumps (paresthesia) occur occasionally or constantly all over the body or part of the body and head in women and men.

A specialist will tell you more about paresthesia in the video below:

What problems might the symptom indicate?

The most variable list is obtained when paresthesia is detected in the body and limbs. It is best to seek advice from a therapist. If other symptoms are detected and laboratory tests The therapist can refer you for treatment or additional examination to a neurologist, traumatologist, endocrinologist or cardiologist.

Decreased calcium concentration

A decrease in the concentration of calcium in the blood can occur due to disorders of general metabolism or pathology of the functioning of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism). The patient's research qualities are reduced and physical activity, observed depressive state. With severe hypoparathyroidism, paresthesia is accompanied by:

  • massive dental caries;
  • peeling and dullness of nails;
  • hair loss and skin peeling;
  • involuntary contractions of the muscles of the limbs, accompanied by pain. The limbs are twisted at the joints;
  • problems with swallowing food;
  • frequent;
  • the appearance of " night blindness"and a sensation of stuffy ears;
  • digestive disorders;
  • appearance stabbing pains in the abdominal area.

In the absence of hypoparathyroidism, but severe hypocalcemia, the symptoms are less intense. Spasms of the facial muscles and muscles of the limbs may occur, up to a painful arching of the entire body. Extreme case hypocalcemia accompanied by paresthesia - respiratory muscle spasms and respiratory arrest.

Read below about other reasons for the feeling of goosebumps.

Diseases

  • The reason for frequent “goosebumps” is sometimes trivial: a deficiency of thiamine, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Paresthesia in this case is accompanied by problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Irritability also appears. Persistent vitamin B1 deficiency can result in...
  • A lack of magnesium ions causes, in addition to paresthesia, similar symptoms that the body experiences during developing hypocalcemia. Signs indicating a lack of magnesium, accompanied by paresthesia, are problems in the functioning of the digestive system: lack of appetite, malaise, diarrhea.
  • Taking certain medicines(Cycloserine, Isonazid, etc.).
  • In addition to paresthesia, with atrial fibrillation chills are detected, though. The usual time for symptoms to appear is at night.
  • The main symptoms (inability to understand speech, muscle paralysis on one side of the body, different palpebral fissures, facial distortion) are preceded by paresthesia and numbness.
  • A person’s condition becomes life-threatening when goosebumps begin to spread with fast speed from arms to legs and chest area. In these places, the patient loses sensitivity and motor abilities. In medicine, a pathology is called, which develops in response to enterovirus and. The pathological process develops with the formation of antibodies to the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
  • With traumatic brain injuries, paresthesia may develop on both sides of the body.
  • “Goosebumps” begin to appear on the fingertips with diabetes. Symptomatic complex Damage to the peripheral parts of the nervous system, which includes paresthesia, is called polyneuropathy.
  • At autoimmune pathology the myelin sheath of the nerves is exposed to endogenous factors, resulting in goosebumps appearing on the facial part of the human head. Later, symptoms, changes in handwriting, and deterioration of vision appear. The symptomatic complex allows one to suspect.
  • It happens that there are goosebumps in the lumbar area and abdominal cavity precede hyperemic areas. After laboratory tests, shingles is often discovered.
  • If paresthesia affects the arms and facial section head, one of two diseases is diagnosed: or inflammatory process(neoplasm) in the frontal part of the brain. The final diagnosis is established after testing.
  • When goosebumps are localized on the scalp, different types of neuropathy or (goosebumps followed by paresis of the facial muscles of one side of the face) are diagnosed.
  • Goosebumps on the surface of the tongue mean as a manifestation of different dental problems, and suspicion of an inflammatory process in the arachnoid membrane of the brain.

Let’s finally talk about the treatment of paresthesia.

How to deal with it

Paresthesias that occur once and are not accompanied by other symptoms do not need to be treated; they characterize a person’s state in a heightened emotional state.

If goosebumps are associated with pathologies in the body, an adult patient should seek help from a therapist; a child should be shown to a pediatrician. Doctor general practice after diagnostic techniques will refer you for treatment to a specialist in the area where functional system will give himself away additional symptoms.

Even more useful information about goosebumps contains the video below:

Symptoms are especially common in people in love who touch their significant other.

But for some, changes are observed for no reason. In this case, they may indicate pathological processes in the body. It is important to see a doctor if goose bumps become a persistent condition. The doctor will determine why the pimples appear and how to deal with them.

Types of goosebumps

Goosebumps on the face and body are colloquially called goosebumps. Doctors characterize this condition as paresthesia. Depending on why the disorders appear, a peculiar rash can be benign or pathological.

Goose bumps that go away on their own within a short time are not dangerous. Usually such changes are provoked by severe fear, squeezing of limbs or an unpleasant sound.

Sometimes it is worth paying special attention to the pimples that appear. This is necessary if they occur suddenly for no apparent reason, and also do not go away for a long time. Such changes may indicate atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins and other pathologies.

If goosebumps appear and disappear quickly, they are considered normal

Transient goosebumps

Gooseflesh is considered a pilomotor reflex. It occurs if there is stimulation of special nerve endings in the spinal cord. After stimulation of the peripheral nerves, the muscles in the area of ​​the hair follicles contract. This causes hair to rise. At the same time, it seems to the person that goosebumps suddenly ran across the surface.

Transient paresthesia is not dangerous. After all, it is associated with various factors that affect the surface of the integument and the body as a whole. Among them are:

  • elevated temperatures;
  • cold exposure;
  • fright;
  • emotional overstrain (flared feelings, memories);
  • sexual arousal, intimate touching;
  • listening to soul-touching music;
  • feeling of satisfaction;
  • annoying sounds;
  • poor circulation due to prolonged stay in the same uncomfortable position.

The peculiarity of such goosebumps is their rapid appearance and disappearance. There are no painful or uncomfortable sensations at the moment when they “run”. Such pimples are not dangerous.

Changes caused by irritating factors are considered normal.

Chronic goosebumps

If changes in the skin become permanent, they will become pathological in nature. The reasons for their appearance are associated with damage to the peripheral nerve. This occurs as a result of certain disorders in the body.

This condition is especially common in people suffering from a lack of vitamins and microelements. Goosebumps appear when there is insufficient intake of vitamin B1, C, D, as well as magnesium and calcium.

In case of magnesium deficiency, in addition to paresthesia, organ dysfunction is noted gastrointestinal tract as:

Goosebumps on the scalp, face and body are not uncommon when taking certain medications. Similar symptoms are observed during treatment with Cycloserine, Isonazid, Ofloxacin.

The doctor must carry out full examination patient to identify pathologies

Doctors call paresthesia, accompanied by numbness, one of the first signs of a stroke. Additionally, it can be identified by speech retardation, muscle paralysis on one side, and facial distortion.

When the body is infected with herpes viruses and enterovirus, Guillain-Barré syndrome can develop. It is characterized by the formation of antibodies to the nerve roots of the spinal cord. The pathology is accompanied by the rapid spread of goosebumps under the skin along the arms, legs and chest, loss of sensitivity and motor ability.\

Paresthesia can be caused by traumatic brain injury. Changes are observed on both sides of the body.

People with diabetes and autoimmune diseases suffer from pathological changes. In the latter case, goosebumps cover the person’s face and head. With the development of pathologies, tremors of the limbs and decreased vision develop.

If problems suddenly occur in the abdomen and lower back, you may need to consult a dermatologist. Many people experience redness in these areas. After testing, shingles is detected, which causes goose bumps.

Constant goosebumps may indicate serious problems

In the case of the development of pathological processes in the area of ​​the hands and face, the presence of a migraine aura or inflammation in the frontal part of the brain can be assumed. Magnetic resonance imaging will be required to make a diagnosis.

If goosebumps occur all over the skin, the doctor may diagnose neuropathy or Bell's palsy. If changes appear in the tongue, dental problems or inflammation in the brain are diagnosed.

All of these conditions are pathological. In this case, goosebumps are accompanied by pain, discomfort and other unpleasant changes.

If you notice such goosebumps, you should definitely visit a doctor. First of all, you need to go to a therapist. After collecting anamnesis, he will refer the patient to a neurologist, phlebologist or endocrinologist.

Treatment for goosebumps

Transient paresthesia does not require treatment. After all, goosebumps provoked by an uncomfortable posture, a special psycho-emotional state or other factors will go away on their own. If you are too nervous, you can take light sedatives based on medicinal plants:

If goose bumps are the result of an uncomfortable posture when sitting or sleeping, you need to take care of it. It is important to buy special pillows, mattresses or chairs to normalize the condition.

With pathological paresthesia the situation is more complicated. To eliminate it, you will need to identify the cause of goosebumps.

This can be done using diagnostic procedures:

  • X-ray of the spine;
  • Doppler examination of the head and neck;
  • EchoCG;
  • blood and urine tests;
  • rheovasography.

To identify the causes of violations, various examinations will be required.

After the examination results are received, the doctor needs to choose the most appropriate treatment tactics. If the causes of this condition have not been identified, then the patient may be prescribed:

Additionally, physical therapy is provided. The patient can undergo magnetic therapy, dynamic current, mud treatment and electric shock. Massage also has a beneficial effect.

If a person feels that his body is crawling for no reason, then he definitely needs to visit a neurologist. Additionally, consultation with a vascular surgeon, endocrinologist, psychotherapist, phlebologist and other specialized specialists may be required. They will allow you to identify disorders in the early stages and restore health.

Goosebumps - the norm and the pathological process of nerve conduction disorders

Medicine calls one of the symptoms of paresthesia. People describe these sensations as “goosebumps running through the body.” Every person has experienced this feeling when listening to their favorite music, emotional outbursts, and the onset of fear. It’s worse if goosebumps begin as a symptom of a pathological process in the body. And today we will tell you why you get goosebumps.

What are "goosebumps"

So, goosebumps run through your body: what is this? The connection of the human nervous system with each anatomical structure (cell, tissue, organ or organ system) is carried out through two anatomical and physiological layers of the cerebral cortex.

  • The ancient cortex (subconscious) controls the body outside the will of a person, the young cortex consciously controls the functioning of many mental and physiological processes of the body.
  • The body communicates with the nerve centers of the young and old cortex through the nerve processes that make up the nerves.

In the absence of pressure on the nerves and physical traumatic factors, the nerve fibers work without serious disruptions. If the effect of nerve compression is obvious, symptoms of goose bumps are detected, and there are no psycho-emotional outbursts or other factors causing an unusual symptom.

The symptom of paresthesia appears after irritation of the endings of nerve fibers - receptors. The etiogenesis of paresthesia is explained by the influence of several factors on the receptors, as a result of which the simultaneous mixing of several generated electrical impulses spreads along the “winding” of the nerves – the myelin layer, which is accompanied by a burning sensation, “goosebumps”, loss of sensitivity and increased sensitivity - tingling.

Paresthesia is localized at the level of the lower border of the nerve injury. Often paresthesia manifests itself as a morphological sign - “goose bumps”, when the muscles around the hair follicle contract and form small bulges around the hair. The process is similar to bristling in animals.

This video will tell you why we get goosebumps:

Classification

By number of manifestations

Based on the number of manifestations, paresthesia can be divided into:

  1. Temporary. Sitting for a long time in one position with legs tucked, the highest degree of disgust when talking about rats (or other objects that cause horror), favorite music playing loud enough, a feeling of cold, strong sexual arousal are accompanied by the appearance of temporary paresthesia. There are no painful sensations, loss of sensitivity, or the appearance of convulsions during paresthesia, before or after its detection. No medical intervention is required to eliminate paresthesia.
  2. Chronic. They accompany a certain pathology, so they are prone to repetition. If the symptom appears repeatedly, you will need to consult a doctor. The doctor’s choice of specialty for seeking treatment depends on the location of the “pins and needles” and the accompanying symptoms. If the nerve fiber is damaged, cramps, tingling or numbness appear in the affected areas, accompanying paresthesia. When the fiber innervating the blood vessel is damaged, the skin at the site of the lesion loses its pink color, the temperature regime is disrupted (coldness of the skin), hair falls out, and the pain of touch increases.

Goosebumps (photo)

At the place of discovery

At the location of detection, paresthesia is found on:

Classification of paresthesia depending on location serves as the basis for distinguishing and limiting diseases.

How to identify yourself

To make a diagnosis and facilitate the choice of diagnostic examination procedure, a patient experiencing “goosebumps” must remember after what event the symptom appears.

  • After a spinal injury, paresthesia usually appears in the arms and legs.
  • If “goosebumps” are detected for no apparent reason, you should remember the exact location of the recurring signs of the disease.
  • Paresthesia on one side of the body (except the limbs and head) indicates vascular disorders or ischemic disease heart type atrial fibrillation.
  • Patients may feel goosebumps if they suffer from diabetes mellitus, with an incipient stroke, vasculitis, deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the form of metal cations, after vaccinations, surgical interventions, etc.

Read below about the reasons why goosebumps (paresthesia) occur occasionally or constantly all over the body or part of the body and head in women and men.

A specialist will tell you more about paresthesia in the video below:

What problems might the symptom indicate?

The most variable list is obtained when paresthesia is detected in the body and limbs. It is best to seek advice from a therapist. If other symptoms are detected and laboratory tests are performed, the therapist may refer you for treatment or additional examination to a neurologist, traumatologist, endocrinologist or cardiologist.

Decreased calcium concentration

A decrease in the concentration of calcium in the blood can occur due to disorders of general metabolism or pathology of the functioning of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism). The patient's research skills and motor activity are reduced, and a depressive state is observed. With severe hypoparathyroidism, paresthesia is accompanied by:

  • massive dental caries;
  • peeling and dullness of nails;
  • hair loss and skin peeling;
  • involuntary contractions of the muscles of the limbs, accompanied by pain. The limbs are twisted at the joints;
  • problems with swallowing food;
  • frequent fainting;
  • the appearance of “night blindness” and a feeling of blocked ears;
  • digestive disorders;
  • the appearance of stabbing pain in the abdominal area.

Read below about other reasons for the feeling of goosebumps.

Diseases

  • The reason for frequent “goosebumps” is sometimes trivial: a deficiency of thiamine, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Paresthesia in this case is accompanied by problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Shortness of breath and swelling, irritability appear. Persistent deficiency of vitamin B1 can result in heart failure and paralysis.
  • A lack of magnesium ions causes, in addition to paresthesia, similar symptoms that the body experiences during developing hypocalcemia. Signs indicating a lack of magnesium, accompanied by paresthesia, are problems in the functioning of the digestive system: lack of appetite, malaise, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.
  • Taking certain medications (Cycloserine, Ofloxacin, Isonazid, etc.) can provoke the appearance of “goosebumps” on the body.
  • In addition to paresthesia, with atrial fibrillation, chills are detected, although the body temperature has not risen. The usual time for symptoms to appear is at night.
  • With a cerebral stroke, the main symptoms (inability to understand speech, paralysis of muscles on one side of the body, different palpebral fissures, facial distortion) are preceded by paresthesia and numbness.
  • A person’s condition becomes life-threatening when goosebumps begin to spread at a rapid speed from the arms to the legs and chest area. In these places, the patient loses sensitivity and motor abilities. In medicine, the pathology is called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which develops in response to enterovirus and herpes infections. The pathological process develops with the formation of antibodies to the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
  • With traumatic brain injuries, paresthesia may develop on both sides of the body.
  • “Goosebumps” begin to appear on the fingertips with diabetes. The symptomatic complex of damage to the peripheral parts of the nervous system, which includes paresthesia, is called polyneuropathy.
  • In autoimmune pathology, the myelin sheath of the nerves is exposed to endogenous factors, resulting in goosebumps appearing on the facial part of the human head. Later, symptoms of hand tremors, changes in handwriting, and deterioration of vision appear. The symptomatic complex allows one to suspect multiple sclerosis.
  • It happens that goosebumps in the lumbar and abdominal areas precede hyperemic areas. After laboratory tests, shingles is often discovered.
  • If paresthesia covers the arms and facial part of the head, one of two diseases is diagnosed: migraine aura or an inflammatory process (neoplasm) in the frontal part of the brain. The final diagnosis is established after magnetic resonance imaging.
  • When goosebumps are localized on the scalp, various types of neuropathy or Bell's palsy are diagnosed (goosebumps followed by paresis of the facial muscles on one side of the face).
  • Goose bumps on the surface of the tongue mean both a manifestation of various dental problems and a suspicion of an inflammatory process in the arachnoid membrane of the brain.

Let’s finally talk about the treatment of paresthesia.

How to deal with it

Paresthesias that occur once and are not accompanied by other symptoms do not need to be treated; they characterize a person’s state in a heightened emotional state.

If goosebumps are associated with pathologies in the body, an adult patient should seek help from a therapist; a child should be shown to a pediatrician. After diagnostic techniques, a general practitioner will refer you for treatment to a specialist in the area where the functional system will present itself with additional symptoms.

The video below contains even more useful information about goosebumps:

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I have goosebumps in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and lower back

I have bumps on my back in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and lower back

What to do in case of a pathological process of nerve conduction disturbance?

Feeling goosebumps in the head - how to deal with it

Many people have experienced the feeling of goosebumps crawling all over their face and head, a kind of frost on their skin. This condition does not cause pain or unpleasant feeling. Only temporary discomfort appears, which disappears on its own. But goosebumps do not occur without a reason; they can be a symptom of some disease.

Provoking factors

Goosebumps look like small, rounded bumps on the skin. Otherwise they are called “goose bumps”. They occur when the nerve endings of the spinal cord or brain are irritated when exposed to a certain factor. During this process, the smooth muscles located near the hair follicles contract, creating a crawling sensation.

They can be provoked harmless reasons, these include:

  • reduced air temperature;
  • emotional changes - fear, stress, overexcitation, delight;
  • loss of strength, poor health;
  • increased body temperature caused by a cold;
  • sexual arousal;
  • high sensitivity of the skin.

The sensation of goosebumps on the face and head caused by the above reasons disappears when the irritating factor is eliminated.

If this phenomenon is accompanied by tingling, pain or other symptoms, then the cause of its formation may be a certain disease:

  1. Avitaminosis. Due to insufficient amounts of vitamins B1, C, D, the scalp deteriorates. Associated signs of pathology are peeling, irritation, muscle weakness. If frost on the skin appears due to this, then it is necessary to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins in the body with special medications and a balanced diet. It is preferable to eat more dishes from sea ​​fish, nuts, herbs, wholemeal products, orange fruits and vegetables.
  2. Follicular hyperkeratosis. Characterized by keratinization of the outer layer of the scalp. The scales that appear cover the hair follicles, and the secretion of the sebaceous glands glues them together, causing inflammation and goosebumps underneath. This disease is caused by external factors. These include: frequent use alkaline hair washes, poor nutrition, consumption hormonal drugs. Treatment of inflammation is possible at home using special means.
  3. Hypoparathyroidism. The disease occurs when the parathyroid glands malfunction. In addition to goosebumps, the body experiences nervous tension, limbs begin to go numb.
  4. Diseases of blood vessels and heart. “Frost” appears predominantly on the right side of the head due to arterial hypertension, higher level lipids, integrity damage inner wall blood vessel, compression of arteries by neoplasms. All this disrupts blood circulation. If pallor and nausea are still present, this may indicate the development of a stroke. To prevent complications of this condition, it is necessary to regularly examine the heart and blood vessels using ultrasound, ECG, and monitor blood pressure, indicators of sugar and lipids in the body. Also news active image life, eat right.
  5. Bell's palsy. Inflammation of the facial nerve. A symptom of the disease is a feeling of goosebumps crawling over one part of the face, and then a weakening of its muscles and subsequently the cessation of motor activity.
  6. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Goose bumps in the head appear when the roots of nerves and blood vessels are compressed. With this disease, symptoms appear: numbness, headache in the neck muscles, tingling.
  7. Cervical plexus neuropathy. In this case, damage occurs to the nerve endings of the cervical spine. Frost appears on the skin in places such as the back of the head, ears, neck, shoulder girdle, and pain also occurs.
  8. Atherosclerosis. With this disease, in addition to goose bumps, pallor of the skin and the formation of trophic ulcerative lesions are observed.
  9. Neuropathy of the greater occipital nerve. This pathology appears when a nerve is pinched by nearby tissues. Goosebumps on the back of the head are accompanied by the following symptoms - tingling of the skin and a decrease in its sensitivity.
  10. Micro stroke. With this disease, the blood vessel narrows and the nutrition of brain cells is disrupted. The feeling of crawling sensations persists for some time, after which it goes away on its own.

What to do

Many people wonder why the head begins to go numb and goosebumps? In most cases, goosebumps appear in the head in response to a person’s emotions and other external stimuli. After the cessation of these factors, they quickly and completely disappear. This phenomenon is considered normal and there is no cause for great concern.

People who are too excitable for protection nerve cells It is recommended to take products with a mild calming effect (glycine, motherwort tincture). You can also drink tea with mint leaves, lavender, take aromatic baths, and listen to relaxing music. In a highly excited state, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure; high levels should be brought down with special medications. If the appearance of goosebumps is systematic over a long period of time, this may indicate the presence of diseases. If symptoms such as dizziness, increased blood pressure, numbness or redness of the scalp, hearing or vision impairment appear, you should consult a specialist.

Conclusion

If the feeling of crawling sensations occurs with regular frequency, and is also accompanied by additional symptoms described above, then you should immediately visit a specialist. Only after certain examinations and approval accurate diagnosis appropriate therapy is prescribed. Self-treatment is unacceptable. If the feeling of goosebumps appears rarely and goes away quickly, then there is no reason to worry. Perhaps you should reconsider your lifestyle, diet and eliminate factors that irritate the scalp.

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The site is advised by neurologist T. P. Rothermel.

The information is provided for informational purposes only.

Do not self-medicate.

At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor.

Why do you get goosebumps?

Each of us is familiar with sudden appearance a crawling sensation on the skin, which is accompanied by a slight tingling sensation and temporary loss of sensitivity. It usually occurs while listening to pleasant music, in the cold, as a result of fright or fear, after being in an uncomfortable position while working or sleeping, and after changing position or light massage disappears completely. In such cases, these sensations are normal and you don’t have to worry about their occurrence. But sometimes goosebumps appear frequently, for no apparent reason, and do not go away after a few minutes. In such cases, you should think about possible development various diseases which may be accompanied by such a symptom, and undergo a comprehensive examination to determine the reasons for its occurrence.

The sensation of running or crawling goose bumps is also called “goose bumps”, because small pimples actually appear on the surface of the skin, reminiscent of goose skin. Doctors use the term “paresthesia” to refer to this symptom. This type of sensory impairment can be:

In this article we will introduce you to the causes of transient and chronic paresthesia. This knowledge will be useful for you, and, if necessary, you will be able to take timely measures to identify a particular pathology that may be accompanied by this symptom.

Why does transient paresthesia occur?

In humans, the feeling of goose bumps appears as a result of the rudimentary pilomotor reflex, which is inherent in many mammals. It occurs when special nerves that originate from the spinal cord are stimulated. As a result of this, peripheral nerves are excited, which cause contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding hair follicles. In response to this, the contracted muscle fibers raises hair above the surface of the skin. This phenomenon is called piloerection.

For humans, this reaction has lost its practical meaning, but in animals (for example, chimpanzees, dogs, porcupines, cats, mice, etc.), hair raised above the surface of the skin performs various functions. When reacting to fear, piloerection allows animals to have a more impressive and threatening appearance, and during cold weather, a larger amount of warm air accumulates under the raised hairs, protecting the animal from bad weather.

In humans, the pilomotor reflex, leading to the appearance of transient paresthesia, can be caused by the following factors:

  • cold;
  • heat;
  • fright or others negative emotions, feelings and memories;
  • sexual arousal;
  • listening to pleasant music;
  • a feeling of satisfaction with something;
  • unpleasant sounds;
  • circulatory disorders due to uncomfortable posture.

This type of goosebumps is always caused by certain reasons and is not accompanied by painful sensations and goes away on its own after a short period of time.

Transient paresthesia is normal and should not cause concern about your health.

Why does chronic paresthesia occur?

Chronic paresthesia is always a sign of pathologies that are accompanied by damage to peripheral nerves. There are many reasons for their appearance:

  • hypo- or avitaminosis (usually due to a lack of vitamins B1, D, and C);
  • decreased blood levels of calcium and/or magnesium;
  • decreased blood glucose levels;
  • injuries;
  • metabolic disorders (for example, diabetes mellitus);
  • alcoholism;
  • injuries;
  • osteochondrosis;
  • herniated intervertebral discs;
  • spinal cord tumors;
  • carpal tunnel syndrome;
  • Raynaud's syndrome;
  • shingles;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • migraine;
  • hypertensive crisis;
  • restless legs syndrome;
  • neurasthenia;
  • depressive disorders;
  • hypoparathyroidism;
  • varicose veins;
  • obliterating endarteritis;
  • neuralgia;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • myositis;
  • multiple sclerosis;
  • Bell's palsy;
  • follicular hyperkeratosis;
  • inflammation of the gums;
  • long-term use of certain medications (Methaqualone, Ofloxacin, Isoniazid, Cycloserine, Prothionamide, antihypertensive and antiepileptic drugs);
  • rabies, etc.

All of the above reasons lead to the appearance of pathological paresthesias, which occur for no apparent reason, are longer lasting and are accompanied by unpleasant or painful sensations. Their appearance should always be a reason to contact a local physician, who can analyze the patient’s condition and refer him to to a specialist(for example, to an endocrinologist, neurologist, phlebologist, etc.).

Sometimes pathological paresthesia occurs when filling material gets into the tooth canal or after tooth extraction (especially often after the removal of a wisdom tooth). In such cases, crawling sensations and numbness are observed in the area of ​​the lips, tongue and chin. Sometimes these symptoms disappear after a few days, but in most cases they can last for 2-3 months and require treatment (in some cases even surgery).

In what cases is treatment prescribed for paresthesia?

If there are one-time occurrences of goosebumps running across the skin, which were caused by a psycho-emotional state or an uncomfortable posture, you can not pay attention to their appearance, since it is caused by physiological reasons, is characteristic of absolutely all people and does not indicate pathology. Sensitive people may be advised to take light sedatives(for example, Glycine or herbal remedies) and maintaining calm in the current situation. And if paresthesias associated with poor circulation, caused by an uncomfortable posture, appear, it is recommended to abandon them (for example, purchase a comfortable pillow for sleeping or a chair for work, do not sit in the cross-legged position, etc.).

When pathological paresthesias appear, the main goal of treatment will be aimed at eliminating the pathology that provoked their development. To identify it, the patient may be prescribed the following types of diagnostic tests:

  • radiography of the spinal column;
  • Doppler examination of the vessels of the neck and head;
  • Echo-CG;
  • rheovasography;
  • MRI of the spinal cord and/or brain;
  • electroneuromyography;
  • laboratory tests, etc.

Tactics further treatment will depend on the cause that caused the appearance of chronic paresthesia. If diagnostic studies have not made it possible to establish a definite diagnosis, then to eliminate the annoying sensations of goosebumps, the following may be prescribed:

  • medications: B vitamins, A nicotinic acid, Piracetam, Trental, Actovegin;
  • physiotherapeutic procedures: dynamic currents, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, mud therapy, balneotherapy and massage.

The appearance of crawling sensations on the skin may be normal or indicate the development of various pathologies. Listen carefully to your body, and if you experience frequent and unexplained paresthesias, consult a doctor.

Sometimes this symptom may indicate the development of serious diseases, and timely measures will allow you to avoid the progression of the disease and the development of serious complications. Remember this and be healthy!

Which doctor should I contact?

If you have a constant or frequently recurring unexplained feeling of “pins and needles”, you should consult a neurologist. After a thorough diagnosis, you may need consultation and treatment from other specialists: a psychotherapist, a vascular surgeon, a phlebologist, an endocrinologist, and even a dentist.

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Phone number for appointments with medical specialists in Moscow:

The information is provided for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate. At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor.

Editorial office address: Moscow, 3rd Frunzenskaya st., 26

What is popularly called goosebumps or goosebumps, in scientific medicine called in Latin cutis anserina, or more simply - paresthesia. This is a kind of multimotor reflex of the body, in which a large area of ​​the epidermis is covered with pimples, similar to those present on the skin of a plucked goose.

Common causes of goose bumps

The reason for this is muscle contraction around hair follicles. This is an evolutionary atavism with the help of which wild animals protect themselves in case of danger by grouping and increasing their body area.

In humans, this ability has practically disappeared, and only reminds us of itself when goosebumps run through the body. This often happens when we feel an emotional surge (delight, horror, excitement or religious ecstasy) or simply freeze.

A similar sensation occurs when the body suffers from a lack of oxygen or blood in the tissues. Natural, non-pathological goosebumps are not accompanied by pain. If paresthesia bothers you often and for no reason and is accompanied by numbness and pain in the limbs, you should consult a doctor.

IN in good condition The appearance of goosebumps on the skin is very fleeting and does not cause discomfort; this occurs due to the release of adrenaline into the blood. However, there are also unhealthy goosebumps. Why do they run around the body?

There may be several answers:

  • this may be a symptom of a lack of vitamins, especially groups B and C (the skin loses its properties and malfunctions occur);
  • lack of collagen in tissues leads to loss of elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and their fragility and blockage;
  • the skin suffers from a lack of oxygen, its elasticity is reduced, which causes the epidermis to peel off and cause irritation and allergic reactions;
  • the need for vitamin B1 and vitamin D is characterized by a burning sensation, general weakness, skin irritation, loss of appetite. In this case, in addition to goosebumps, there is insomnia, constant fatigue and frequent seizures.


Such circumstances require treatment not only of goosebumps, but of their indirect cause -
vitamin deficiency

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

He will help you choose vitamin complex And proper diet. Be sure to eat seafood, yolks, animal liver, drink fresh milk, this will help increase the level of vitamin D in the body.

Replenish the lack of vitamin B with cereals, legumes, nuts, rye bread and boiled potatoes. Everyone knows where to get vitamin C - in sour fruits, citrus fruits, apples, greens and natural juices.

Pay attention to the condition of your skin. If it becomes rough and inflamed, you should be wary of follicular hyperkeratosis, which causes the epidermis to become keratinized. This process is similar in appearance to cellulite, but is accompanied by burning, itching and blockage of the hair follicles. The reasons may be different: heredity, metabolic problems, violation hormonal balance or incorrectly selected hygiene products. In this case, a dermatologist and a competent choice of body cosmetics will help you.

Diseases that cause goosebumps

Very often, chills, tremors in the limbs, and numbness are mistaken for goose bumps. This is the result of a lack of iodine in the body and disruption of parathyroid secretion. These symptoms cannot be ignored; consult an endocrinologist to avoid autoimmune rejection of glandular cells.


Why do I have goosebumps on the left side of my body? If this happens to you, know that this is a sure sign of heart problems. If trembling, chills and anxiety come on suddenly and last more than 5 minutes, be sure to visit a cardiologist. After all, the cause of goosebumps on the left side of the body is most likely an arrhythmia or heart defect; perhaps you have problems with the heart valves. Paresthesia in this case signals a lack of blood flow and oxygen starvation of tissues associated with circulatory disorders.

This requires comprehensive diagnosis and treatment:

  • blood pressure measurement;
  • analysis of the amount of lipids, blood glucose levels;
  • ECG examination, cardiogram and ultrasound of the heart muscle and blood vessels;
  • analysis on diabetes and blood clotting;
  • a special diet to cleanse the blood and control sugar levels.

If you are concerned about tingling and numbness in your legs, swelling, fatigue and heaviness, get a comprehensive physical examination. After all, varicose veins or problems with urinary system and kidneys. Pay attention to the condition of the veins, the presence of plaques and capillary webs.

The reason for the appearance of goosebumps throughout the body and in the head area is a lack of oxygen in the tissues, which is explained by impaired blood supply to the brain, blockage of blood vessels or heart disease.


This condition is especially common in older people suffering from atherosclerosis. This is a job for a phlebologist who can determine the exact cause of fasting and identify areas of blockage and thin the blood.

For people at risk of diabetes, monitoring their sugar levels is very important. And if you feel that goosebumps, like little midges, periodically walk around different areas body, check your sugar and cholesterol. Now you know why goosebumps run all over your body and head, and what causes this phenomenon.