What term means abnormal tactile sensation often described as creeping, burning, tingling, or numbness?

Prepare for the SkillsUSA Medical Terminology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions that include hints and explanations to boost your confidence for exam success!

Multiple Choice

What term means abnormal tactile sensation often described as creeping, burning, tingling, or numbness?

Explanation:
Paresthesia is the term for an abnormal tactile sensation described as creeping, burning, tingling, or numbness. This occurs when nerve signaling in the skin or underlying nerves is unusual or disturbed, such as from nerve compression, injury, or neuropathy. It captures those odd, nonpainful sensory feelings people notice when a limb “pins and needles” or when nerves aren’t firing normally. By contrast, hyperesthesia means increased sensitivity to touch or other stimuli, which isn’t the same creeping or numb sensation described here. Meningitis and concussion are medical conditions with broader symptoms, not terms for a specific abnormal sensory feeling.

Paresthesia is the term for an abnormal tactile sensation described as creeping, burning, tingling, or numbness. This occurs when nerve signaling in the skin or underlying nerves is unusual or disturbed, such as from nerve compression, injury, or neuropathy. It captures those odd, nonpainful sensory feelings people notice when a limb “pins and needles” or when nerves aren’t firing normally. By contrast, hyperesthesia means increased sensitivity to touch or other stimuli, which isn’t the same creeping or numb sensation described here. Meningitis and concussion are medical conditions with broader symptoms, not terms for a specific abnormal sensory feeling.

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