What does the term paresthesia refer to?

Paresthesia refers to the sensation of prickling, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling on the skin. This term is commonly used to describe abnormal sensations that can occur in various conditions affecting the nervous system or circulation. It is often experienced in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, and can be temporary or chronic depending on the underlying cause.

While numbness in the extremities can sometimes accompany paresthesia, it specifically does not cover the characteristic tingling or prickling sensation that defines paresthesia. Additionally, pain in joints relates to a different type of sensation associated with musculoskeletal issues, and loss of sensation generally describes a more profound change in sensory perception that does not capture the nuanced experience of paresthesia. Therefore, recognizing paresthesia specifically as prickling and tingling is essential for understanding its implications in clinical contexts, especially in vascular and neurological assessments.