Malaesthesias (Paresthesias): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of paresthesias (paraesthesias).

Family history

  • What is the general health of your relatives?
  • Are there any diseases in your family that are common?
  • Are there any hereditary diseases in your family?

Social history

  • What is your profession?
  • Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession?
  • Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • How long have the sensory disturbances existed?
  • Did the symptomatology occur acutely?
  • Where are the insensations localized?
  • Does the localization change or do the misperceptions always stay in one place?
  • Please describe the paraesthesia: Formication, furry feeling, etc.?
  • Did you experience any other symptoms such as headaches, gait disturbances, impaired consciousness, visual disturbances, etc.?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol more often? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses of it per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, which drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (neurological diseases, diabetes mellitus, alcohol dependence).
  • Operations
  • Radiotherapy
  • Vaccination status
  • Allergies
  • Pregnancies
  • Environmental history

Medication history