paresthesia

noun

par·​es·​the·​sia ˌper-əs-ˈthē-zhə 

ˌpa-rəs-

: a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin that has no objective cause

paresthetic

ˌper-əs-ˈthe-tik 

ˌpa-rəs-

adjective

Examples of paresthesia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In severe cases, hypocalcemia can lead to depression, paresthesias (abnormal sensations), parkinsonism (slowed movements, muscle rigidity, and tremors), and seizures. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

Chronic paresthesia, however, results in loss of movement and sensation. —Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2021

Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet, medically known as paresthesia, are usually its first symptoms. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 May 2020

The most common were dizziness, nausea, headache and paresthesia — electric-shock sensations in the brain that many people call brain zaps. —Benedict Carey and Robert Gebeloff, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from para- + -esthesia (as in anesthesia)

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

paresthesia

noun

par·​es·​the·​sia

variants or chiefly British paraesthesia

ˌpar-es-ˈthē- zh(ē-)ə 

: a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin having no objective cause and usually associated with injury or irritation of a sensory nerve or nerve root

paresthetic adjective

or chiefly British paraesthetic

-ˈthet-ik