Definition - What does dysesthesia mean?
Dysesthesia refers to an impairment of a person's sense of touch. Usually triggered by some type of nerve damage or lesion, the condition is most often associated with the sense of touch. A person with dysesthesia experiences an abnormal sensation in response to normal stimuli. This means that a light touch may trigger a burning or painful sensation (such as in fibromyalgia). In other instances, the individual may experience a lack of sensation when touched. A person with dysesthesia may also experience sensations such as tingling or pain in the absence of stimuli.
SureHire explains dysesthesia
Dysesthesia is a neurological disorder triggered by damage to the nervous system. These damaged areas are called lesions. Different injuries and illnesses can cause these lesions to form. Some conditions such as hyperglycemia, Lyme disease, HIV, shingles, or Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause nerve damage that triggers dysesthesia.
Dysesthesia may also be caused by alcohol or drug withdrawal, a spinal or nerve injury, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Treatment for dysesthesia is usually determined by the cause of the condition. Some possible treatments include electrical stimulation of the affected nerves, surgical intervention, medication for pain management, or physical therapy. In instances where dysesthesia is caused by high blood sugar related to diabetes, control of blood glucose levels may help to alleviate the symptoms.
