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

Last edited 05/2019

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:

• NICE (May 2019). Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral