Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Numbness (New) - Triage

Audience: adult

New numbness can be caused by many different health issues, some of which may require urgent medical attention. Telemedicine can help evaluate mild or unclear symptoms and guide you on next steps. However, certain warning signs mean you should seek in-person care immediately. These include numbness that comes on suddenly, involves your face or limbs, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms like weakness, trouble speaking, or loss of balance. Early evaluation in person can be critical for conditions like stroke or nerve injury. Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment, monitoring, and advice on managing less urgent numbness. This guide explains when to use telemedicine and when to get emergency or in-person care for new numbness.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden numbness affecting face, arm, or leg on one side of the body — seek emergency care immediately.
• Numbness with new weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or vision changes — call emergency services.
• Numbness accompanied by severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild or slowly developing numbness.
• Review of medical history related to numbness.
• Guidance on symptom monitoring and self-care.
• Follow-up visits for ongoing numbness management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Sudden onset numbness with neurological symptoms suggesting stroke.
• Numbness with signs of severe infection or injury.
• Cases requiring urgent imaging or physical examination for diagnosis.

What Causes New Numbness?

Numbness means a loss of feeling or sensation in part of your body. It can happen for many reasons, such as pressure on nerves, poor blood flow, infections, or other medical conditions. Sometimes numbness is temporary and harmless, but other times it signals a serious problem that needs quick care.

When to Seek Emergency In-Person Care

Go to the emergency room or call emergency services if you experience new numbness that:

These signs may indicate a stroke or other urgent condition.

When to Use Telemedicine for New Numbness

Telemedicine can help if your numbness is mild, has been developing slowly, or is linked to a known condition. A healthcare provider can ask questions, review your history, and decide if you need tests or in-person evaluation. Telemedicine is also useful for follow-up and managing ongoing symptoms.

What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit

During a tele-visit, your provider will ask about:

They may guide you through simple self-exams to assess sensation and movement.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet and well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device has a stable internet or phone connection.
• Have a family member or friend available if you might need assistance.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly and accurately.
• Have a list of current medications and medical history ready.
• Be ready to show affected body areas on camera if requested.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on symptom monitoring and care.
• Schedule in-person evaluation if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes and report during follow-ups.
• Take prescribed medications as directed, if any are given.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop after the visit.

FAQs

Can numbness go away on its own?

Yes, numbness caused by minor issues like pressure on a nerve or temporary poor circulation often improves without treatment. However, persistent or worsening numbness should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What questions will the doctor ask during a telemedicine visit for numbness?

The doctor will ask when the numbness started, which parts of your body are affected, if you have other symptoms like weakness or pain, your medical history, and any recent injuries or illnesses.

When should numbness be treated as an emergency?

If numbness starts suddenly and affects your face, arm, or leg on one side, or comes with weakness, trouble speaking, vision problems, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of numbness?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide next steps, but it often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without physical exams or tests that require in-person visits.

Sources

1. Numbness and Tingling — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Stroke Signs and Symptoms — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Peripheral Neuropathy — Mayo Clinic.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Neurological Symptoms — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any emergency symptoms or worsening numbness, seek immediate medical care.