Notalgia paresthetica: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Notalgia paresthetica | |||
| image = [[File:Notalgia_Paresthetica.jpg|left|thumb|Notalgia paresthetica rash]] | |||
| caption = Notalgia paresthetica rash on the back | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Dermatology]], [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Itching]], [[hyperpigmentation]] | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Nerve entrapment]], [[spinal degeneration]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Eczema]], [[psoriasis]], [[contact dermatitis]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Topical capsaicin]], [[physical therapy]], [[gabapentin]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A chronic sensory neuropathy affecting the back}} | {{Short description|A chronic sensory neuropathy affecting the back}} | ||
'''Notalgia paresthetica''' is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized itching, pain, and altered sensation in the upper back, typically between the shoulder blades. It is often associated with a hyperpigmented patch of skin in the affected area. | '''Notalgia paresthetica''' is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized itching, pain, and altered sensation in the upper back, typically between the shoulder blades. It is often associated with a hyperpigmented patch of skin in the affected area. | ||
== Signs and Symptoms == | == Signs and Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of notalgia paresthetica is a persistent itch in the upper back, usually on one side. Patients may also experience: | The primary symptom of notalgia paresthetica is a persistent itch in the upper back, usually on one side. Patients may also experience: | ||
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* [[Hyperalgesia]], or increased sensitivity to pain | * [[Hyperalgesia]], or increased sensitivity to pain | ||
* A well-defined area of [[hyperpigmentation]] | * A well-defined area of [[hyperpigmentation]] | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The exact cause of notalgia paresthetica is not well understood, but it is believed to involve nerve entrapment or irritation. The [[dorsal rami]] of the thoracic spinal nerves, particularly T2 to T6, are thought to be involved. This condition may be related to [[degenerative changes]] in the spine, such as [[osteophytes]] or [[herniated discs]], which can compress the nerves. | The exact cause of notalgia paresthetica is not well understood, but it is believed to involve nerve entrapment or irritation. The [[dorsal rami]] of the thoracic spinal nerves, particularly T2 to T6, are thought to be involved. This condition may be related to [[degenerative changes]] in the spine, such as [[osteophytes]] or [[herniated discs]], which can compress the nerves. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of notalgia paresthetica is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and physical examination. [[Dermatologists]] and [[neurologists]] may be involved in the evaluation. Imaging studies, such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be used to rule out other causes of the symptoms. | Diagnosis of notalgia paresthetica is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and physical examination. [[Dermatologists]] and [[neurologists]] may be involved in the evaluation. Imaging studies, such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]], may be used to rule out other causes of the symptoms. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options for notalgia paresthetica focus on symptom relief and may include: | Treatment options for notalgia paresthetica focus on symptom relief and may include: | ||
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* Physical therapy and exercises to improve posture and reduce nerve compression | * Physical therapy and exercises to improve posture and reduce nerve compression | ||
* [[Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation]] (TENS) | * [[Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation]] (TENS) | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
Notalgia paresthetica is a chronic condition that can persist for many years. While it is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life due to the persistent itching and discomfort. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. | Notalgia paresthetica is a chronic condition that can persist for many years. While it is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life due to the persistent itching and discomfort. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Neuropathy]] | * [[Neuropathy]] | ||
* [[Pruritus]] | * [[Pruritus]] | ||
* [[Hyperpigmentation]] | * [[Hyperpigmentation]] | ||
* [[Spinal nerve]] | * [[Spinal nerve]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:07, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Notalgia paresthetica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Dermatology, Neurology |
| Symptoms | Itching, hyperpigmentation |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Nerve entrapment, spinal degeneration |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Topical capsaicin, physical therapy, gabapentin |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
A chronic sensory neuropathy affecting the back
Notalgia paresthetica is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized itching, pain, and altered sensation in the upper back, typically between the shoulder blades. It is often associated with a hyperpigmented patch of skin in the affected area.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of notalgia paresthetica is a persistent itch in the upper back, usually on one side. Patients may also experience:
- Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling or burning
- Hyperalgesia, or increased sensitivity to pain
- A well-defined area of hyperpigmentation
Pathophysiology[edit]
The exact cause of notalgia paresthetica is not well understood, but it is believed to involve nerve entrapment or irritation. The dorsal rami of the thoracic spinal nerves, particularly T2 to T6, are thought to be involved. This condition may be related to degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteophytes or herniated discs, which can compress the nerves.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of notalgia paresthetica is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and physical examination. Dermatologists and neurologists may be involved in the evaluation. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan, may be used to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for notalgia paresthetica focus on symptom relief and may include:
- Topical treatments, such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches
- Oral medications, including gabapentin or pregabalin
- Physical therapy and exercises to improve posture and reduce nerve compression
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Prognosis[edit]
Notalgia paresthetica is a chronic condition that can persist for many years. While it is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life due to the persistent itching and discomfort. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life.
