Dysesthesia
Dysesthesia Definition
Dysesthesia is a condition where the body experiences an unusual sensation and an alarming physical disorder. This condition is usually triggered by a problem in the nerves where the body tends to manifest unpleasant tingling sensations, burning and pain when a part is being touched. These sensations can also occur with no interactions. [1][2][3]
Dysesthesia Symptoms
The symptom of patients with dysesthesia depends on the type of the condition. These conditions are noted to have:
- Burning sensations, itching, pins and needle feelings.
- Severe Pain, sharp pains leads to depression and anxiety.
- Alteration of the sense of touch.
- Ulceration pain in the skin
- Unpleasant sensations in response to contact with an ordinary stimulus.
- Discomforting senses is major symptom
Dysesthesia Causes
Dysesthesia can be caused due to when any sensory nerves and peripheral nerves are damaged. The sensory pathways are injured and the tissues are torn.
This leads to having disrupted sensations causing false reaction to stimulus or persistent reaction to any stimulus. Multiple sclerosis affects (CNS) central nervous system.
Damage of myelin sheath causing tingling in the limbs and burning sensation. This can also be due to the complicated stage of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy causing high blood sugar levels and damages the body nerves.
Some cases can also be due to withdrawal of drug or alcohol, chemotherapy, psychological disorders results in dysesthesia.
Dysesthesia Linked To Chronic Anxiety
Due to the persistent uncomfortable sensations noted, the individuals suffer from anxiety making them to suffer from severe chronic anxiety. In this condition, the existence of anxiety also increases the occurrence of dysesthesia and occurrence. [4]
Different Types Of Dysesthesia.
These conditions can also be divided into different types. These include:
Occlusal Dysesthesia
refers to a persistent complaint of uncomfortable bite sensation inside the mouth. Also known as Phantom Bite. Pain is spread over tooth and gums.
Patient feels severe pain during eating food or swallowing liquid. Character of pain is burning and often patient feels pain may be caused by oral ulcers. Examination of oral cavity does not show any ulcer.
Oral Dysesthesia
refers to a persistent complaint of painful, usually burning feeling, in the mouth. Also known as the Burning Mouth Syndrome.
Cutaneous Dysesthesia
refers to a persistent complaint of tingling, burning, or pain through touch (including clothes) in the skin.
Scalp Dysesthesia
refers to a persistent complaint of pain, burning, or itching of the scalp.
Genital Dysesthesia
refers to a persistent complaint of burning sensations in the gentital area. More common in males genitals called Penile Dysesthesia or burning scrotum syndrome
Dysesthesia Treatment
Dysesthesia can be eased and be treated with the following mediums and interventions. The individual will need to see a doctor for the prescribed medication such as Amitriptyline, Gabapentin, and Duloxetine.
Antidepressants are also given to treat mild depression and anxiety which usually caused by the condition. Physical therapies can also be advised when muscle spasm, malaise or atrophy is noted. Peripheral nerve blocks are suggested for severe pain, tingling and burning sensations.
Dysesthesia Treatment Caution
All treatments and medication prescribed by the doctor can have side effects which usually causes drug addiction and sleep apnea (lack of sleep). Overdose should be closely observed by a physician. Most of these medications can be life threatening for the patients. [5][6]
Dysesthesia Treatment (Initial Phase)
NSAIDs
- Motrin- 600 mg to 800 mg, 3 times a day or every 8 hours
- Naproxen- 375 mg, 3 times a day or every 8 hours.
- Celebrex- 100 mg twice a day or every 12 hours.
Opioid Analgesics For Treating Dysesthesia
- Hydrocodone- 5 to 10 mg every 6 hours, available in combination with Tylenol (Vicodin, Lortab or Norco).
Oxycodone - With (Percocete) or without Tylenol (Oxy-IR) – 5 to 10 mg every 6 hours (for short acting)
- Oxycontin – 10 to 20 mg three times a day (for long lasting)
- Morphine – Morphine IR – 20 mg three or four times a day (for short acting)
- MS Contin – 30 mg twice a day (for long lasting)
- Fentanyl Patches: 25 to 50 microgram patch changed every 3 days.
Dysesthesia Treatment (Later Phase)
Anti-depressant Analgesics
Cymbalta- 30 mg twice a day or 60 mg once a day.
Savella- 25 mg twice a day
Elavil- 25 mg twice a day, maximum dose is 100 mg per day.
Anti-epileptic Analgesics
Neurontin- 300 mg twice a day, maximum dose 1500 mg. In the past up to 3000 mg per day were used.
Lyrica- 100 mg three times a day.
Antianxiety Medications Prescribed To Treat Dysesthesia
Klonopin (Clonazepam)- 0.25 Mg Three Times A Day
Xanax (Alprazolam)- 0.25 Mg Three Times A Day.
Valium (Diazepam)- 2 To 5 Mg Twice A Day
Ativan (Lorazepam)- 1 to 2 mg twice a day
Muscle Relaxants Prescribed To Treat Dysesthesia
Baclofen- 5 to 10 mg twice a day depending on side effects.
Skelaxin- 800 mg twice a day
Flexeril- 5 mg twice or three times a day.
Dysesthesia Prevention
Dysesthesia can be also be prevented and be decrease by keeping sugar level in control.
Reduce the anxiety permanently without any kind of antidepressants.
Avoid linens or clothing that can trigger the sensations.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysesthesia
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9521031
- https://healdove.com/disease-illness/Dysesthesia
- www.painonline.org/dysesthetic-burning/
- infodiseases.com/here-are-different-treatments-for-dysesthesia-types-causes-and-symptoms.html
- epainassist.com/skin/dysesthesia-treatment