When Should I Be Concerned about Whole Body Numbness?

Numbness all over your body might feel like a heavy loss of feeling and can be alarming. There are times when numbness may be less worrisome, like when it's mild or short-lived. However, if you notice that the numbness is new, getting worse, or spreading, it could be a sign that something is not quite right with your nerves or overall health. For example, problems like neuropathy—where your nerves are damaged—often cause numbness. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar can hurt nerves over time, leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which sometimes makes the numbness more noticeable. Other symptoms to watch for include weakness, trouble with balance, difficulty speaking, or problems with vision. These additional symptoms mean that you should see a doctor quickly. They might use imaging tests or other evaluations to find out if the numbness is coming from the brain, the nerves in your spine, or elsewhere in the body. Getting an early check-up can help find the right treatment and keep you feeling your best.