What does the presence of paresthesia usually indicate?

Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations in the skin, such as tingling, prickling, or a "pins and needles" feeling. These sensations often occur without an apparent external cause and can indicate underlying neurological issues or nerve damage. When nerves are damaged or compressed—due to conditions such as neuropathy, herniated discs, or certain systemic diseases—these abnormal sensations can occur.

This connection to neurological health makes the presence of paresthesia a key symptom to consider when assessing a patient's condition. While other factors like excessive exertion and skin infections can affect sensation, they do not predominantly result in paresthesia in the same way that nerve-related issues do. Therefore, the presence of paresthesia is most closely associated with problems in the nervous system.