Hyperesthesia: definition, symptoms, causes and treatment

This perceptual disorder generates a hypersensitivity to pain.

What would happen if you could suddenly feel all the physical sensations around you more intensely? You will probably think that it would be wonderful to be able to feel more intensely all the range of pleasant and positive sensations that we can experience (hugs, caresses, kisses...) but... what would happen if this "superpain" could be felt more intensely? But what would happen if this "superpower" also led you to feel painful and uncomfortable sensations more intensely?

In this article we are going to talk about hyperesthesiaa little-known disorder of perception that should not be confused with hypoesthesia.

What is hyperesthesia?

The word hyperesthesia comes from hyper- and a derivative of the Greek αἴσθησις, sensitivity.. Hyperesthesia can be defined as a perceptual condition that involves an abnormal increase in sensitivity to stimuli or sensations, usually tactile. It is a sensory distortion that leads us to feel sensations very intensely, even those belonging to stimuli of low intensity (e.g., the rubbing of clothes on the skin).

Not to be confused with hypoesthesia or paresthesia.

Let us define specifically the two terms (hypoesthesia and paresthesia) in order to avoid confusion:

Hypoesthesia consists of a decrease in sensitivity (the opposite of hyperesthesia), and paresthesia would be an abnormal sensation of the senses that translates into tingling sensations, numbness, and so on. These alterations are produced by a pathology in any sector of the structures of the Central or Peripheral Nervous System..

Symptoms

As a general rule, people suffering from hyperesthesia experience most unpleasant sensations through touch, although there are cases in which the senses of sight and hearing are also affected.Although there are cases in which the senses of sight and hearing are also affected.

Although there may be occasional moments of very intense reactions to stimuli, people with hyperesthesia usually feel tingling, tingling or dulling sensations almost permanently throughout the day.

It should be noted that the person suffering from hyperesthesia may suffer very high levels of anxiety, depression, which can lead to isolation and total interference in their daily life (work, social, family and personal). Abnormal reactions to stimuli can appear at any time of the day, and this is one of the most interfering elements of hyperesthesia.

From the moment that almost any sensory element from the outside can be extremely annoying for the person, there is an interference in their normal rhythm of life. For example, as we mentioned before, the rubbing of certain items of clothing, the intensity of light (it can become unbearable for the eyes), contact with warm or hot water, covering oneself with a blanket, shaving or waxing... Even physical and sexual contact with other people.

Let's say that the sensitive threshold of the person is far below what is adaptively better for the human being.Therefore, in the face of the same stimulus with the same intensity, they will feel by default more Pain than a person without hyperesthesia. Thus, resistance to pain is much lower. What for us could be pleasurable and self-care activities (having a massage, applying skin scrub, depilation...) for these people could hardly be tolerated.

The variables that determine whether the stimulus is considered negative are the intensity of the stimulus, the speed with which it is presented and/or the number of stimuli. Some people may be more averse to the touch of a particular garment (e.g., a sweater) because of its intensity, and another person with this condition may experience intense negative tactile sensations in several regions of their body and through multiple stimuli (e.g., several items of clothing at once).

Dental or dentin hyperesthesia

Surely more than once you have felt at some point in your life an intense reaction to the annoying or painful sensation generated by the contact with a cold food (who has not made the mistake of wanting to eat an ice cream too fast?).

This type of hyperesthesia is specific to the dental area. It is characterized by an exaggerated response to thermal stimuli in the dental region.. As you may know, it usually manifests with a sharp, short (even stabbing) pain in the exposed dentition. This may be due to loss of tooth enamel due to tooth enamel erosion, periodontal disease or aggressive and abrasive brushing.

Causes

Fortunately, hyperesthesia is a rare condition. Most cases are due to a primary cause (psychopathology or psychoactive substance use), and it is understood to be a secondary symptom to these causes. Let us detail each one of them.

Psychopathologies comorbid to hyperesthesia

• ManiaSome subjects suffering from Bipolar Disorder Type I and who are going through a manic episode may experience hyperesthesia, although it is not a very common symptom. Experts have hypothesized that the brain activation and excitation generated by mania would be responsible for lowering the sensory threshold and cause this annoying perceptual condition.
• Psychotic disordersIn these cases, hyperesthesia is usually more prevalent, but in no case does it constitute a typical symptom of psychotic disorders. However, the mental disorder in which most cases of hyperesthesia are glimpsed is schizophrenia. Although there is no conclusive body of research on the subject, it is believed that alterations in brain functioning are the origin of this perceptual condition.

Substances susceptible to generate hyperesthesia

• Psychoactive substances (cocaine, methamphetamine).As a result of the consumption of these substances can cause an increase in the sensory sensitivity of the person. In this type of cases, hyperesthesia usually runs parallel to the intoxication of the psychoactive substance, so it disappears when the psychoactive effects of the drug are over.
• Heroin useSedative and opiate substances can cause hyperesthesia. In several studies, heroin consumption has been positively related to the experience of these sensations.

This excessive sensitivity to stimuli and sensations can lead to substance abuse (such as cocaine or alcohol), and to psychological problems such as anxiety or clinical depression.