Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
11:22
Three-dimensional Imaging of Nociceptive Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers in Human Skin Biopsies
Published on: April 29, 2013
13.3K
Scalp dysesthesia: a neuropathic phenomenon.
T Ju1, A Vander Does1, G Yosipovitch1
1Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Summary
Scalp dysesthesia, a bothersome burning or itching of the scalp without skin disease, often stems from neurogenic causes. Understanding its varied origins is key for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Scalp dysesthesia is an abnormal scalp sensation (burning, itching) without apparent skin disease.
- It disproportionately affects the elderly, women, diabetics, and those with psychiatric histories.
- Limited data exists on its causes, leading to misdiagnosis and underrecognition by dermatologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurogenic and psychogenic causes of scalp dysesthesia.
- To discuss effective therapeutic strategies for managing scalp dysesthesia.
- To enhance physician education for improved identification and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on neurogenic and psychogenic itch.
- Comprehensive analysis of central and peripheral nervous system etiologies.
- Examination of therapeutic interventions for scalp dysesthesia.
Main Results:
- Neurogenic causes involve damage to central or peripheral itch pathways.
- Etiologies include CNS lesions (spine disease, tumors, stroke, MS), small-fiber neuropathies (diabetes, post-surgical), and COVID-19.
- Treatment options vary based on disease cause and severity.
Conclusions:
- Scalp dysesthesia is an underrecognized condition with diverse neurogenic origins.
- Education on its varied etiologies and treatments is crucial for clinicians.
- Further research into scalp dysesthesia mechanisms and therapies is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Sensory Functions of the Skin
6.2K
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
6.2K
01:24Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
988
Local anesthetics (LAs) block the sodium channels of nerve trunks, sensory nerve endings, and neuromuscular junctions. Although LAs can block all kinds of nerves, the sensitivity of nerve fibers differs according to nerve types and structures. LAs are known to block myelinated fibers faster than unmyelinated ones. Also, they block pain or sensory neurons at low concentrations without affecting the motor neurons involved in muscle contractions. This helps relieve labor pain without affecting the...
988
01:33Somatosensation
39.6K
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
39.6K
01:44Nociception
30.3K
Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
30.3K
01:20Pain
702
Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
702
01:43Thermosensation
32.2K
Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
32.2K