Final answer:
Paresthesia includes abnormal sensations like tingling, numbness, and 'pins and needles', and can be associated with numerous neurological and systemic conditions such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes. The correct answer is '4) All of the above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paresthesia refers to abnormal skin sensations that can include tingling, numbness, and a 'pins and needles' feeling. These sensations often result from temporary or chronic damage to nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system. Paresthesia can be associated with various conditions, such as neuropathy, often linked to diabetes, or neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) where the immune system attacks myelin in the central nervous system. Symptoms such as muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and cognitive dysfunction may accompany this condition. Moreover, it can be an early indicator of systemic diseases like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is an autoimmune attack against peripheral nerves post a viral or bacterial infection. In cases like stroke or trauma to the nervous system, paresthesia could signify more acute or severe neurological damage.
Given the provided options, the correct answer to the question 'What is paresthesia?' would be 4) All of the above, as paresthesia encompasses sensations of tingling, numbness, and 'pins and needles'.