hipoesthesia

Hypoesthesia, also spelled hypoesthesia, is a reduced ability to perceive tactile stimuli or other sensations in a part of the body. It is a negative sensory symptom that can affect light touch, pinprick, temperature, vibration, or proprioception and may be confined to a dermatome, nerve distribution, or broader areas.

Causes of hypoesthesia include a wide range of conditions. Peripheral neuropathies such as diabetic neuropathy, vitamin B12 deficiency, alcohol-related nerve damage, or toxin exposure can reduce sensation in the affected limbs. Nerve compression or injury, as seen in carpal tunnel syndrome or radiculopathy after trauma, can produce localized hypoesthesia. Central nervous system lesions—such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or brain tumors—can produce sensory deficits due to disruption of sensory pathways. Systemic diseases (hypothyroidism, autoimmune conditions), infections (Lyme disease, HIV), and medications or toxins can also contribute.

Clinical assessment focuses on characterizing the sensory loss. Providers test different modalities (light touch, pinprick, temperature, vibration) and determine the distribution (dermatomal or peripheral nerve). Autonomic involvement may be present in some neuropathies. Diagnostic workup typically includes medical history, laboratory tests (glucose, vitamin B12, thyroid function), imaging (MRI as indicated), and neurophysiological studies (nerve conduction studies and electromyography) to distinguish peripheral from central causes.

Treatment targets the underlying cause when possible. Symptom management may include neuropathic pain medications (for associated pain), topical agents, physical or occupational therapy, and management of chronic conditions (glucose control in diabetes, B12 repletion). Prognosis varies with cause and timing of treatment; some etiologies are reversible, while others lead to permanent sensory deficits.