Which term describes abnormal sensations such as burning or numbness in response to touch?

• A. Hyperesthesia
• B. Parathesia
• C. Anesthesia
• D. Dysesthesia

Answer: (B)

Understanding sensory abnormality terms helps you pick the most precise description of what a patient feels. Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling, pricking, or “pins and needles.” Dysesthesia, on the other hand, is an unpleasant or abnormal sensation, such as burning, itching, or numbness, that can be triggered by touch or normally non-painful stimuli. Hyperesthesia means increased sensitivity to touch, and anesthesia means a loss of sensation.

So, when someone reports burning or numbness in response to touch, the precise term is dysesthesia. Paresthesia covers a broader category of abnormal sensations, usually without the unpleasant quality described here. In some exam contexts, paresthesia might be used loosely to describe abnormal sensations in general, but the most accurate term for burning or numbness is dysesthesia.