Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Known asparesthesia, this common experience may feel like a tingling, prickling, burning, or itching sensation on the scalp. You’ve probably experienced this pins and needles sensation when your arm or leg “falls asleep” after sitting or lying in one position for too long.
Treatment for a tingling scalp will depend on the underlying cause.
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Some people worry a tingling scalp could mean a stroke. A tingling scalp can have many different causes, so check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. For any of the following symptoms of a stroke, call 911 for immediate medical help:Sudden confusionDifficulty speaking or understanding speechSudden numbness or weakness on one side of the bodyProblems with balance or controlling musclesSudden difficulty with vision
Some people worry a tingling scalp could mean a stroke. A tingling scalp can have many different causes, so check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. For any of the following symptoms of a stroke, call 911 for immediate medical help:
Several factors can cause persistenttingling on the head and scalp.
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Other Health Conditions
Although less common, these underlying health conditions may cause tingling on the scalp:
What Is ASMR?Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory experience to audio or visual stimuli that trigger a tingling sensation that often begins in the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and spine. Those who experience ASMR often say it is a pleasurable sensation that promotes feelings of calm relaxation.
What Is ASMR?
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory experience to audio or visual stimuli that trigger a tingling sensation that often begins in the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and spine. Those who experience ASMR often say it is a pleasurable sensation that promotes feelings of calm relaxation.
What Does a Tingling Scalp Feel Like?
Paresthesia of the scalp can feel different from person to person. Common sensations include:
Healthcare providers will diagnose your tingling scalp based on your medical history and symptoms. They will do a physical examination, which may involve testing your reflexes and muscle function. To identify the underlying cause, they may order tests, such as:
Treatment for a tingling scalp varies depending on the underlying cause. If a skin condition is affecting your scalp, your healthcare provider may suggest special shampoos, topical creams, or prescription medications.
If an underlying medical condition is causing scalp tingling, your healthcare provider will diagnose the condition and recommend suitable treatments.
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Home Remedies
Scalp tingling is often temporary and may go away on its own or through the use of home remedies and lifestyle modifications, such as:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare provider if your tingling scalp:
Summary
A tingling feeling in the scalp (paresthesia) can occur for many reasons, including anxiety, ASMR, chemical irritation, medication, migraines, nerve compression, skin sensitivity, and underlying health conditions. See your healthcare provider if you have ongoing scalp tingling. They will perform a physical examination and run tests to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatments.
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13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Society for Neuroscience.Paresthesia.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Stroke: symptoms.
Brenaut E, Misery L, Legeas C, Roudot AC, Ficheux AS.Sensitive scalp: a possible association with the use of hair conditioners.Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;7:596544. doi:10.3389/fmed.2020.596544
National Eczema Society.Scalp eczema.
Dermnet NZ.Scalp folliculitis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Scalp psoriasis.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Neuropathy secondary to drugs.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin diseases.Alopecia areata.
Williams CYK, Williams RWK, Knight R, Hashmi S, Donnelly N, Bance M.Hyperventilation syndrome: investigating the relationship between nijmegen questionnaire, vestibular function tests, and patient symptoms.Otol Neurotol. 2020;41(3):e349-e356. doi:10.1097/MAO.0000000000002531
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Giant cell arteritis.
Merriam-Webster.ASMR.
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