Parageusia
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Parageusia is a qualitative disorder of taste characterized by spontaneous sensations occurring without appropriate specific external stimuli. The 1930s encyclopedia attributes its origin to central irritation of taste centers or pathways by disease processes, as well as potential psychogenic factors such as autosuggestion in impressionable individuals.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
PARAGEUSIA (from the Greek para—near, contrary to, and geusis—taste), synonym paraesthesia gustatoria, a qualitative disorder of taste in the form of spontaneous sensations arising without corresponding specific external stimuli. To explain the origin of parageusia, a hypothesis is advanced of central (taste centers and pathways) irritation by some pathological process. It is also necessary to note the psychogenic factor in the appearance of parageusia (autosuggestion in impressionable individuals).
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Cite this page
“Parageusia.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/parageusia/