PLN

Persistent Localized Numbness

“Don’t use too much of that. You’ll want to be able to feel your arm again.”

Persistent localized numbness is defined as a loss of sensation in one area of the body that lasts for longer than a day. It typically affects the skin, but can also include a sense of muscle numbness as well.

Stages of Persistent localized numbness

Stage 1: partial numbness lasting longer than 1 day
Stage 2: complete numbness lasting longer than 1 day
Stage 3: complete numbness lasting 2 weeks or more
Stage 4: permanent loss of sensation

Causes

by Dana Tentis from Pexels

Frequent overuse or abuse of healing salve.

“So it’s like a burn cream?”
“Please. Burn cream is mundane. This is infused with magic and will actually ease the pain.

If healing salve is used too frequently, persistent localized numbness becomes more likely. Additionally, if too much is used over too large an area of the body, the likelihood of PLN increases.
Improperly prepared salves can also contribute to the development of PLN and increase the likelihood of contracting a more serious, long-lasting PLN or even permanent numbness.
In exceedingly rare cases, PLN can occur after a single exposure to healing salve. However, this is so unlikely that under proper use by a trained healer, the salve is considered to be generally safe.

Treatment

No treatment or counter-potion is currently known to work. PLN resists all efforts of healers to return sensation to the patient. Feeling gradually returns to the patient's affected area over time. The duration of numbness experienced is influenced by the amount and frequency of use of healing salve prior to PLN onset, though is not easily predicted.
Massage and gentle electrical stimulation of the effected area are thought to speed up recovery. These treatments are not verified, though are not discouraged as they pose no significant threat to the patient.

Prevention

While healing salve is generally considered safe, these steps can prevent onset of PLN:

1. Use only as directed by a trained healer
2. Use only high-quality healing salve from a reputable source
3. Use the smallest amount possible and only as needed
4. Do not use over large surfaces of the body
5. Discontinue use at the first sign of numbness lasting longer than a day

Of course, avoiding burns and other injuries will reduce the need for healing salve and thus prevent PLN.

Type

Physiological

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare

Healing Salve

by Monfocus from Pixabay

Most healing salves are created by the Torvae monks and priestesses in Torverath or come from one of the many schools of healing magic there.
Its primary purpose is to reduce pain, though it will also quicken and improve healing. It is most commonly used for treating burns and other injuries and is most effective when coupled by healing magic from a skilled healer or priestess.

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