Paresthesia

Paresthesia
Other namesParaesthesia
Pronunciation
SpecialtyNeurology

Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation of the skin (tingling, pricking, chilling, burning, numbness) with no apparent physical cause.[1] Paresthesia may be transient or chronic, and may have many possible underlying causes.[1] Paresthesias are usually painless and can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly occur in the arms and legs.[1]

The most familiar kind of paresthesia is the sensation known as "pins and needles" after having a limb "fall asleep". A less well-known and uncommon paresthesia is formication, the sensation of insects crawling on the skin.

  1. ^ a b c "Paresthesia Information Page". National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2019-03-27. Archived from the original on 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2021-03-12.