Index
It is when a person experiences a painful, itchy, burning or restrictive sensation.
It is caused by nerve damage and is mainly associated with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysaesthesia is a combination of the ancient Greek words “dis” and “aesthesis” and is translated as “abnormal” or “sensation”. In a study involving 428 people with MS, 12 out of 100 participants had experienced dysaesthesia at least once in their lives.
Fast facts about dysesthesia:
- Symptoms can be long-term or occur only intermittently.
- Some people with dysesthesia are not affected too much, while others are disabled.
- Dysesthesia is often the result of neurological conditions that affect the nerves.
Causes
Dysesthesia is caused by damage to the nerves, which means that their behaviors become unpredictable, which causes inadequate or incorrect signaling.
These confusing messages go to the brain, which often can not understand them. Consequently, the brain simply chooses a known sensation or a mixture of sensations with which to respond.
In the case of dysesthesia, altered nerve activation can cause the brain to stimulate abnormal and uncomfortable sensations, ranging from a mild tingling sensation to sharp, throbbing pains.
Although it can be painful, it can be comforting to know that dysesthesia is not a sign of tissue damage . Normally, the tissues impacted by the condition are completely functional and healthy, although prolonged misuse or lack of use can damage them.
symptom
The symptoms of dysesthesia vary between individuals, but most cases of the condition tend to cause similar symptoms that affect the skin, scalp, face, mouth, torso, arms and legs.
The most common symptoms associated with dysesthesia include:
- A sensation of itching and burning that may resemble tingling under or on the skin.
- A restraining sensation, especially in the trunk or torso, sometimes called “hug MS”.
- An inexplicable painful sensation, which often radiates or spreads.
- Tingling sensation.
- Feelings of “pins and needles”.
- The feeling of being on fire.
- Mild muscle spasms
- Sensation of pain similar to pain in the muscles.
- Sensation of electric shocks.
- Sharp, throbbing pain
- Pain or irritation, even mild or non-contact.
- Loss of hair if the scalp is affected.
Many cases of dysesthesia are caused by progressive conditions, which means that they get worse over time.
Types
There are different types of dysesthesia that affect different parts of the body.
Dysesthesia of the scalp:
Most people with this type of dysesthesia may experience an intensely painful burning sensation under or on the skin of the scalp. This can cause excessive scratching, usually without the benefit of any relief, as well as hair loss.
Cutaneous dysesthesia:
Most people with this type of dysesthesia have extremely sensitive skin that does not respond normally to external stimuli or touch. In some cases, loose clothing or the passing breeze may cause feelings of pain, burning or irritation.
Disestesia oclusal:
A person with this type of dysesthesia experiences the sensation of biting when he does not try to hook his jaw or bite something.
Occlusal dysesthesia is more commonly a side effect or complication of dental surgeries.
Disestesia oral:
Most people who experience this dysesthesia problem have an unexplained sensation of pain or burning in the mouth or oral structures, such as the jaw, tongue or gums.
They may also experience an altered sense of taste or response to temperature and a limited ability to talk and eat.
How is dysaesthesia related to MS?
MS is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and dysesthesia is a symptom of conditions that are harmful to the nerves.
Dysesthesia is a symptom of conditions that damage nerves, particularly those that attack the central nervous system or the spinal cord and the brain, such as multiple sclerosis .
MS is an autoimmune condition in which the body damages or destroys myelin, the layer of protective fatty tissue that allows the passage of electrical impulses.
When myelin damage is minimal, nerve signaling may be affected mildly or temporarily. But the extensive damage of myelin can completely shut down nerve communication, which usually causes intense long-term pain.
Other conditions that cause dysesthesia:
Anything that causes nerve damage or damages the nervous system can cause dysesthesia.
Other causes of dysesthesia include:
- Diabetes.
- Lyme’s desease.
- Síndorme of Guillain-Barre.
- Abstinence or excessive use of drugs or alcohol.
- VIH.
- Herpes.
- Dental surgery.
If it is not caused by a long-term condition, such as multiple sclerosis, then dysesthesia will usually resolve after a few months.
Treatment
Applying a cold compress in an affected area can be a natural treatment for dysesthesia.
Dysesthesia is treated with medications that change the way the central nervous system processes pain. Common options for pharmacological or surgical treatment for dysesthesia include:
- Anticonvulsant medications.
- Antidepressants
- Certain benzodiazepines.
- Oral or anti-inflammatory analgesics.
- Hydrocortisone creams or ointments .
- Surgical cutting of damaged nerves in the most severe cases.
Natural treatment options for dysesthesia include:
- Apply warm compresses or heating bags to the affected area.
- Use of socks, socks, pants or pressurized gloves if possible.
- Stay hydrated
- Apply a cold compress or ice to the affected area.
- Use soothing lotions for the skin, creams and washes with calamine or aloe.
- Apply creams to relieve pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- Participate in meditation to help relieve pain or discomfort.
- Do exercises that involve a gentle stretch.
- Find and avoid triggers, as much as possible.
- Avoiding hot weather or environments and not overheating during exercise.
- Choose loose, cool clothing, preferably cotton and bedding.
- Take warm baths with Epsom salts and colloidal oats before bedtime.
- Try therapies, such as massage, chiropractic , acupuncture or acupressure and hydrotherapy.
- Get involved in support groups.
- Participate in the advice.
- Try hypnosis .
- Give up smoking.
