Which term describes a distortion of any sense, especially touch?

• A. Absence of sensation
• B. Weakness
• C. Dysesthesia
• D. Paresthesia

Answer: (C)

Distorted or abnormal sensory experiences are described by terms like dysesthesia, paresthesia, and anesthesia. The term that specifically denotes a distorted or unpleasant sensation, including touch, is dysesthesia. It covers experiences where normal stimuli feel wrong or uncomfortable—such as burning, electric-like, or otherwise altered sensations—even if the stimulus is not harmful. This is distinct from paresthesia, which is an abnormal sensation like tingling or pins-and-needles that is often not painful, and from anesthesia, which is a loss or absence of sensation rather than a distorted one. So, when the question describes a distortion of any sense, especially touch, dysesthesia is the best fit.