Etymed
dysesthesia
Definition
Abnormal sensation or feeling, often described as unpleasant or painful, that occurs without apparent cause or stimulus
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with burning pain and numbness in her hands and feet that worsens at night and interferes with sleep. She describes the sensation as if her skin is being pinched or burned constantly, even when no external stimulus is present. The symptoms are symmetric and have been progressively worsening over the past 6 months.
Mnemonic
DYSESTHESIA = DYS (abnormal) + ESTHESIA (sensation), remember 'DYS' for 'dysfunctional sensations' that are unpleasant and unprovoked