5 years is along time....Surely she woulda seen a Doctor by now....?? Pins n needles is not normal....could be her breathing (to fast).....or could be something more serious - should have seen the Doctor ages ago .... maybe take her for a check up... x
what tests did she take during these 5 years? has she been to the Doctors? her blood pressure?
pins and needles in extremities sounds like Neurological problem or maybe Vascular.
"pins and needles" is a generic description the person can give, both blood circulation issues and neuropathy can give pins and needles feeling but they are clearly distinct sensations.
neurological symptoms are more constant and independent from other sensations the body can give.
the generic term is Paresthesia.
look up Paresthesia on Wiki. it can give you a general picture of what the problem could be.