AKANTHESTHESIA Meaning and
Definition
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Akanthesthesia, also known as formication, is a sensory hallucination or illusion characterized by the perception of crawling or creeping sensations on or under the skin. Derived from the Greek words "akantha" meaning thorn and "aisthēsis" meaning sensation, it refers to a peculiar sensory experience that involves the perception of prickling, tingling, tickling, or stinging sensations on the skin surface.
Individuals experiencing akanthesthesia often describe the sensation as similar to ants crawling on their skin or something repeatedly pricking or biting them. These sensations can occur in different areas of the body and may vary in intensity and duration. While it is commonly associated with drug abuse (particularly stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine), it can also be caused by certain psychiatric conditions, such as psychosis or delirium, as well as medical conditions, like peripheral neuropathy or menopause.
Akanthesthesia is considered a subjective experience, usually only perceived by the individual experiencing it and not visible to others. It can be distressing and disruptive to daily functioning, leading to discomfort, agitation, or emotional distress. Treatment for akanthesthesia depends on the underlying cause and may involve addressing the specific condition through medication, therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Overall, akanthesthesia is a sensory phenomenon characterized by abnormal sensations of crawling, tingling, or pricking on or under the skin. Understanding the causes and providing appropriate treatment options can help alleviate the distress associated with this sensory abnormality.
Common Misspellings for AKANTHESTHESIA
- zkanthesthesia
- skanthesthesia
- wkanthesthesia
- qkanthesthesia
- ajanthesthesia
- amanthesthesia
- alanthesthesia
- aoanthesthesia
- aianthesthesia
- akznthesthesia
- aksnthesthesia
- akwnthesthesia
- akqnthesthesia
- akabthesthesia
- akamthesthesia
- akajthesthesia
- akahthesthesia
- akanrhesthesia
- akanfhesthesia
- akanghesthesia
Etymology of AKANTHESTHESIA
The word "Akanthesthesia" is derived from the Greek roots "akantha" meaning "thorn" or "spine", and "aisthēsis" meaning "sensation" or "perception". The term combines these roots to describe a medical condition characterized by abnormal sensations, particularly a sensation of pricking or tingling, similar to the sensation of being pricked by thorns or spines.
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