Scalp Paresthesias and Hair Loss

Scalp paresthesias and hair loss - are they related? Will having scalp paresthesias mean that an impending hair loss (alopecia) is on the way? These are two of the most often asked questions when it comes to hair loss issues.

Before answering the question, it is necessary to explain/know what is paresthesias. Paresthesias is a medical terminology which refers to a tingling, pricking, itching, numbness or burning sensation with no apparent physical cause. It can be felt on virtually all parts of the body, including the scalp - hence the term "scalp paresthesias". People using American English spell it as "paresthesia" whereas British English spells it as "paraesthesia".

Now, as regards to scalp paresthesias and hair loss, highly respected reference books and journals on hair loss are silent on this matter. This can only mean that based on existing research data, hair loss experts do not see a connection between the two.

So, you may ask, why then do you feel a tingling sensation (paraesthesia) in your scalp? The two possible answers is that (1) it may just be a temporary occurrence, and (2) it could be chronic paresthesia.

Literally everyone has experienced some form of temporary paraesthesia in their lives. For example, if you sit crossed legged for a long period of time or fallen asleep with an arm crooked under the head, you may experience the "pins and needles" or a numb skin sensation - that is temporary paresthesia. The feeling quickly subsides once the pressure is relieved.

Chronic paresthesia, on the other hand, is often a sign that a neurological disease or nerve damage has occurred.  In other words, when someone experiences paresthesia on a regular basis, it could mean an underlying problem within the body. Chronic paresthesias can be caused by many factors. Among them are damage to the central nervous system (like stroke, mini-strokes), multiple sclerosis, transverse myelities, encephalitis, malnutrition, dysfunctional thyroid, spinal cord lesion, nerve root compression, hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood), and Lyme disease. Diabetes and alcoholism may also cause chronic paresthesias.

Hair transplant procedures can also cause scalp paresthesias. After such an operation, numbness or tingling sensation may occur for up to several months. The same goes with Brow Lift surgical procedure. The procedure may cause temporary or permanent scalp paresthesias.

So, to recap the original point of deliberation, which is scalp paresthesias and hair loss, the answer is that there is no literature to support the possibility of hair loss due to scalp paresthesias.

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