Generalized dysesthesia is a term that refers to generalized abnormal cutaneous sensations, including itching, tingling, burning, hyperesthesia, anesthesia, or allodynia. There are numerous causes for generalized dysesthesia including those of central nervous system (CNS) origin, peripheral nervous system (PNS) origin, and those that are psychogenic.

Central causes of generalized dysesthesia include sensory stroke and spinal cord injuries. In multiple sclerosis, there may be numerous, daily dysesthetic attacks that may be initiated by movement or external sensory stimuli and that last seconds to minutes. Paroxysmal pruritus may also occur. Lhermitte sign is an electric shock-like feeling initiated by neck flexion that occurs on the posterior neck and radiates downward. Myelopathies, encephalitis, and CNS tumors are further causes.

With respect to peripheral causes, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies occur early in life and usually affect the limbs. Acquired causative conditions include radiculopathies, peripheral neuropathy (related to diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy, or other causes), acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and small fiber neuropathy. Psychogenic dysesthesia is a diagnosis of exclusion.