Mailbag: The TRUE Cause of Your Tingly Scalp
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 26, 2024
“Why do I feel a tingling sensation in my scalp when I’m stressed?”
– Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
About twenty years ago, I was running on a trail in the early morning light when a fox bolted from the cover. It ran beside me for a few yards before ditching into the woods.
I’m guessing the fox was as freaked out as I was. But after my fox friend left, I noticed that tingling sensation in my head.
It’s common to experience odd physical sensations when shocked, stressed, or anxious. Your heart may race, you might break out in a sweat or feel lightheaded, and you can have a tingling or prickling sensation in your scalp, face, fingers, or toes.
This is your body’s fight-or-flight response. When you perceive a threat, real or imagined, your body goes on high alert, preparing you to confront or escape danger.
Part of this response involves the nervous system, constricting blood vessels in less essential body parts, such as the scalp, so more blood can flow to vital muscles and organs.
This constriction can cause the sensitive nerve endings in the scalp to become active, triggering a feeling described as pins and needles, itching, tingling, or prickling.
The good news is that while these sensations are annoying, they’re harmless and temporary.
However, if you experience the tingling frequently, it’s likely a warning sign that your stress levels are too high, and that IS harmful over the long term.
Pay attention to what situations typically trigger your symptoms and try to minimize them. Then, manage your stress levels using self-care strategies such as meditation, yoga, getting enough sleep, and talking to a therapist.
In rare cases, persistent scalp tingling that’s not clearly linked to anxiety could indicate an underlying health condition, like neuropathy or a skin disorder. If you suspect stress is not triggering your symptoms, talk with your doctor about getting a diagnosis.
P.S. Still struggling with stress? Research reveals this simple, drug-free “Brain Hack” beats anxiety as well as meds.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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