Paresthesia
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Paresthesia (ancient Greek παραίσθησις par-aisthesis, German 'neben, daran vorbei'-perception) is a pathological sensation in the supply area of a skin nerve without recognizable adequate physical stimuli. It is usually described by the affected person as tingling, "ants walking", furiness, numbness, tingling, itching, swelling sensation and cold or warm sensation. Paresthesias are probably due to damage to the nonmyelinated terminal branches of sensitive nerve fibers and resulting spontaneous discharges, but they may also be caused by damage to sensitive pathways of the central nervous system. The sensation of skin touch (e.g., tested with a feather) may be normal in the affected area.
In contrast, electrifying sensations (sensory disturbances) are caused by irritation of a nerve trunk. Disturbances of the vegetative fibres can manifest themselves as a painful burning sensation (causalgia). A diminished sensation to the touch of the skin, often felt by the affected person as numbness, is called hypoesthesia. A lack of sensation to touch is called anesthesia.
Paresthesia can occur as a side effect of acute poisoning and - more permanently - also in diabetes or alcohol addiction in the context of polyneuropathies ("multiple nerve disorders").
- Painful-burning as causalgias, paresthesias occur mainly in acute to subacute circulatory disturbances of the nerves, e.g. in peripheral arterial occlusive disease and arteriosclerosis.
- They often present themselves as unpleasantly electrifying and widely transmitting in the case of direct nerve irritation, for example fleetingly in the course of a lumbar puncture, temporarily in the case of plexus anaesthesia and electrical muscle examinations (e.g. electromyography), possibly of longer duration or recurrently in the case of incomplete nerve transection in the peripheral nervous system or suddenly onset as ischialgia in the case of larger herniated discs.
Furthermore, they may occur as a side effect of drugs such as venlafaxine, buspirone, buprenorphine, mirtazapine, oxaliplatin, topiramate or paroxetine and other serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They may also present psychogenically as symptoms during a panic attack.
Mild paresthesias in particular can occur for no apparent reason and usually mean nothing.
See also
- Acroparesthesia
- Hyperesthesia
- Analgesia
- Hyperalgesia
- Dysesthesia
- Obdormition
Questions and Answers
Q: What is paresthesia?
A: Paresthesia is a feeling of tingling, prickling, or numbness with no permanent effects.
Q: What is paresthesia commonly known as?
A: Paresthesia is commonly known as "pins and needles".
Q: Can paresthesia have a long-lasting effect?
A: Yes, paresthesia can have a long-lasting effect if there is something wrong with neurons in the body.
Q: What can cause paresthesia?
A: Paresthesia can be caused by sitting cross-legged for a long time, among other factors.
Q: What is an example of paresthesia?
A: An example of paresthesia is the tingling feeling you get when your foot "falls asleep" after sitting cross-legged for a long time.
Q: Are there any permanent effects from paresthesia?
A: No, there are no permanent effects from paresthesia.
Q: What is the British English term for paresthesia?
A: The British English term for paresthesia is paraesthesia.
