Hyperesthesia characterizes an increase in the sensitivity of any of the senses: sight, sound, touch, hearing and smell. It may affect only one sense or concern them all. The hyperesthesia can be permanent or temporary. The causes of hyperesthesia, physiological or psychological, are multiple and many external stimuli and other ailments can be responsible. Its symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the nature and severity of the impairment of the senses.

Definition of hyperesthesia

Hyperesthesia characterizes an increase in the sensitivity of any of the senses: sight, sound, touch, hearing and smell. It may affect only one sense or concern them all. The hyperesthesia can be permanent or temporary.

Types d’hyperesthésies

When it concerns only one sense, hyperesthesia can be designated by a distinct name. During increased sensitivity to touch, we speak for example of tactile hypersensitivity or mechanical allodynia. Rare cases of disabling hyperesthesia of the scalp have also been identified. Increased sensitivity to sounds is called hearing hypersensitivity.

Causes of hyperesthesia

The causes of hyperesthesia are multiple and many external stimuli and other ailments can be identified:

• Polyneuropathy, an inflammatory disease that affects the peripheral nervous system, resulting in damage to the peripheral nerves;
• A thalamic syndrome, the result of damage to the thalamus, a structure of the central nervous system located within the brain;
• Damage to nerves by compression or as a result of injury;
• Excessive consumption of coffee or alcohol can cause temporary hyperesthesia due to excessive stimulation of the nervous system;
• Viral infections leading to skin rashes or zonas: the hyperesthesia is then temporary;
• Vitamin B 12 deficiency;
• Conversion disorder, psychiatric neurological disorder;
• Certain phobias;
• Certain depressive states;
• Autism spectrum disorder, Fragile X syndrome, or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Diagnosis of hyperesthesia

Hyperesthesia can exist on its own or as a result of another health problem. Whatever the case, the doctor will need to diagnose the root cause in order to be able to treat it effectively.

People affected by hyperesthesia

Hyperesthesia can potentially affect anyone.

Factors favoring hyperesthesia

Certain factors can promote hyperesthesia:

• Diabetes, by raising blood sugar, can cause peripheral neuropathy and damage nerves;
• A dietary imbalance;
• A lack of sleep;
• Menopause.

Hypersensitivity

Symptoms of hyperesthesia vary from person to person. They depend on the nature and severity of the impairment of the senses. Hearing hypersensitivity causes the perception of painfully loud noises – normal -. Likewise, people sensitive to odors report a wide range of odors not perceived by those around them.

Hyperpathie

Hyperesthesia can be accompanied by hyperpathy – or the perception of persistent pain during repeated stimulation that is not painful normally – especially during polyneuritis or thalamic syndromes.

Nervous attacks

Some people experience a combination of these symptoms. In severe cases, hyperesthesia can affect the nervous system, which can lead to inflammation of the nerves and seizures.

Psychic suffering

Permanent hyperesthesia can lead to relationship difficulties and psychological suffering.

Other symptoms

• Tactile hypersensitivity;
• Hearing hypersensitivity;
• Olfactory hypersensitivity;
• Taste hypersensitivity;
• Hypersensitivity of the scalp;
• Formication (tingling, tingling, itching).

Treatment of hyperesthesia focuses on treating the underlying cause.

Medicines may also be prescribed to reduce symptoms:

• Painkillers;
• Anxiolytics to reduce the fear linked to the state of hyperesthesia;
• Anticonvulsants for severe seizures.

During a temporary episode of hyperesthesia, lying down in a dark room free from any stimuli and performing deep breathing exercises can help overcome this episode quickly.

There are other methods that may be helpful in reducing symptoms of permanent or temporary hyperesthesia:

• Physiotherapy;
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

A few lifestyle changes may reduce the symptoms of hypoesthesia:

• Reduce, or completely eliminate, caffeine and alcohol consumption;
• Choose a balanced diet rich in antioxidants;
• Good sleep ;
• Practice yoga, relaxation or meditation regularly.