Goosebumps (also known as “goosebumps” or “tingling”) are usually harmless and are triggered by cold or emotional reactions such as fear, music, or excitement. It occurs when the tiny muscles at the base of the hair follicles contract and the hairs stand on end, a primitive protective response linked to adrenaline and the “fight or flight” system.
Common causes
Basse temperature
Strong emotions or memories
Watch suspenseful or scary movies
see the continuation on the next pageWhen should we worry?
Numbness that occurs for no apparent reason can be a sign of an underlying disease.
Diseases of the nervous system
Diseases such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis can impair nerve function and cause occasional goosebumps, often in combination with other neurological symptoms.
seizures
The rare “piloheretic seizures” can cause numbness, especially if accompanied by mental confusion, loss of consciousness or sensory disturbances.
hormonal imbalance
Cancers such as pheochromocytoma can cause adrenaline spikes, resulting in spontaneous chills, changes in heart rate, or profuse sweating.
see the continuation on the next pageStress and anxiety
