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Understanding Sensory Loss: What You Need to Know
Published: Oct 25, 2023
Sensory loss can be a puzzling condition that affects how we perceive the world around us. This article breaks down the causes and types of sensory loss to help you better understand it.
What Causes Sensory Loss?
Sensory loss can be caused by problems in the central or peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Identifying the location of the issue is crucial to narrowing down the diagnosis and finding the right treatment.
Different Types of Sensory Loss
Sensory loss can manifest in various ways. Hypoesthesia refers to a reduced ability to feel sensations like pain or temperature, while anesthesia means a complete inability to feel them. Other types include hypalgesia, a decreased sensitivity to pain, and analgesia, which is a total lack of pain sensation.
How to Diagnose Sensory Loss
Diagnosing sensory loss involves a thorough examination of the sensory system. Doctors use tests to assess touch, vibration, temperature, and pain sensations. They may also perform more specialized tests if a cortical lesion is suspected, such as examining two-point discrimination or graphesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sensory loss is when a person loses the ability to feel certain sensations like touch or temperature.
Doctors use sensory exams and sometimes imaging tests to diagnose sensory loss.
It depends on the cause; some cases are reversible with treatment.
Yes, sensory loss can affect people of any age, depending on the cause.
Key Takeaways
Understanding sensory loss is the first step to addressing its effects on daily life.
References
- Gilman S, Newman SW. Manter and Gatz's Essentials of Clinical Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, 8th ed, FA Davis, Philadelphia 1992.
- Duus P. Topical Diagnosis in Neurology, 2nd ed, Thieme Medical, New York 1989.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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