Neurological Aspects of Delusional Infestation

Neuropathic itch is a type of itch caused by illness and malfunctioning of the same types of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system that can cause neuropathic pain. Some patients have both symptoms together. Neuropathic itch does not respond to treatments for conventional itch, nor does it signify the presence of insects on the skin, even if it feels that way. Patients with otherwise unexplained chronic itch can benefit from neurological examinations for the most common causes of neuropathic itch. These include earlier shingles (zoster), pinched nerves from spine conditions, and focal or generalized disorders of sensory peripheral neurons. Rare patients have strokes or other disorders of the brain or spinal cord. All are potentially treatable once the specific cause has been identified.