Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
paresthesia
Pronunciation: /ˌpærəsˈθiziə/
Abnormal sensation of numbness or tingling, often following nerve injury during oral surgery.
Full Definition
A neurological condition characterized by altered sensation including numbness, tingling, burning, or prickling sensations in the distribution of an affected nerve. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, paresthesia commonly affects the inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve, or mental nerve following procedures like wisdom tooth extraction or implant placement. Recovery may be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of nerve damage.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from anesthesia (complete loss of sensation) and hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity).
In Context
- "The patient reported paresthesia of the lower lip following third molar extraction." — Post-operative complication note
- "Lingual nerve paresthesia resolved spontaneously within six months." — Follow-up examination
Also known as
nerve dysfunction
altered sensation
Contrasted with
normal sensation
intact sensation
Don't confuse with
anesthesia
hyperesthesia