Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Paresthesia
Pronunciation: par-es-THEE-zee-ah
Altered sensation including numbness or tingling, often a complication of oral surgery procedures.
Full Definition
Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning that can occur following oral surgical procedures. It commonly affects the inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve, or mental nerve due to surgical trauma or anatomical proximity. The condition may be temporary or permanent, and treatment options include observation, medication, or microsurgical nerve repair in severe cases.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with complete anesthesia; paresthesia involves altered rather than absent sensation.
In Context
- "The patient experienced lingual nerve paresthesia following third molar surgery." — Post-operative complication note
- "Informed consent must include discussion of potential paresthesia risks." — Pre-operative documentation
Also known as
nerve damage
altered sensation
numbness
Contrasted with
normal sensation
intact sensation
Don't confuse with
anesthesia
hyperesthesia