Scalp dysesthesia refers to abnormal sensation of the scalp without an underlying cutaneous disease. It may manifest with pruritus, burning, pain, and/or stinging. This could be associated with a primary neurologic or psychologic diagnosis. There is a predilection for women and elderly patients.

Scalp dysesthesia is a common but poorly understood condition. It is postulated that damage to the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS) causes impaired sensation of the scalp. Possible causes may include cervical spine disease, vascular malformation, postherpetic neuralgia, meningioma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, temporal arteritis or small-fiber neuropathies caused by diabetes (type 1, type 2), facial and brow lifts, hair styling, keloids, and burn scarring. Scalp dysesthesia following COVID-19 infection has also been reported. Psychogenic dysesthesia may occur without a primary neurological diagnosis and may be associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and other psychiatric illnesses.