Definition and Causes of Paresthesia
- Paresthesia is a burning or prickling sensation felt in various parts of the body.
- It can be caused by sustained pressure on a nerve, such as sitting with legs crossed for too long.
- Chronic paresthesia can be a symptom of an underlying neurological disease or nerve damage.
- Disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, can cause paresthesia.
- Nerve entrapment syndromes, like carpal tunnel syndrome, can also lead to paresthesia.

Symptoms and Diagnostic Evaluation of Paresthesia
- Paresthesia is usually painless and described as tingling, numbness, or itching.
- It can occur in the hands, arms, legs, feet, or other parts of the body.
- Diagnostic evaluation involves medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
- Additional tests may be ordered to determine the underlying cause of paresthesia.
- Conditions like stroke, transient ischemic attacks, and tumors can cause paresthesia.

Pharmacovigilance and Paresthesia
- Some vaccines, like the flu vaccine, have been associated with paresthesia as a rare adverse event.
- Studies have been conducted to monitor the safety of pandemic vaccines and their potential link to paresthesia.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been hypothesised to have a potential link to paresthesia.
- Large-scale surveillance studies have reviewed the rare adverse events associated with specific mRNA vaccines.
- A systematic review has explored the neurological complications of COVID-19 vaccines, including paresthesia.

Other Causes of Paresthesia
- Pyrethroid insecticides have been studied for their neurotoxicological effects, including paresthesia.
- Antiretroviral therapies used in HIV treatment can have orofacial effects, including paresthesia.
- Cannabis use in HIV patients for pain relief and other symptoms has been associated with paresthesia.
- Herpes zoster (shingles) in the geriatric population can present with paresthesia.
- Dental procedures, such as local anesthetic administration, may lead to paresthesia as a side effect.

Treatment and Management of Paresthesia
- Treatment of paresthesia focuses on addressing the underlying cause, if possible.
- Managing symptoms may involve medications to relieve pain or discomfort associated with paresthesia.
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy may be recommended to improve nerve function.
- In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve nerve compression.
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding activities that worsen symptoms or practicing stress management techniques, may also be beneficial for managing paresthesia.