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Sensory Dysfunction (sensory + dysfunction)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences60%

Selected Abstracts

Persistent sensory dysfunction in pain-free herniotomy

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2010
E. K. AASVANG
Background: Persistent post-herniotomy pain may be a neuropathic pain state based on the finding of a persistent sensory dysfunction. However, detailed information on the normal distribution of sensory function in pain-free post-herniotomy patients hinders identification of exact pathogenic mechanisms. Therefore, we aimed to establish normative data on sensory function in pain-free patients >1 year after a groin herniotomy. Methods: Sensory thresholds were assessed in 40 pain-free patients by a standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST). Secondary endpoints included comparison of sensory function between the operated and the naïve side, and correlation between sensory function modalities. Results: QST showed that on the operated side, thermal data were normally distributed, but mechanical pressure and pinch thresholds were normalized only after log-transformation, and cold pain and pressure tolerance could not be normalized. Comparison of QST results revealed significant (P<0.01) cutaneous hypoesthesia/hyperalgesia, but also significant pressure hyperalgesia (P<0.01) and decreased pressure tolerance (P=0.02) on the operated vs. the naïve side. Wind-up was seen in 6 (15%) but with a low pain intensity. Conclusion: Persistent sensory dysfunction is common in pain-free post-herniotomy patients. Future studies of sensory function in persistent post-herniotomy pain should compare the findings to the present data in order to characterize individual patients and potentially identify subgroups, which may aid in allocation of patients to pharmacological or surgical treatment. [source]

Annotation: What do we know about sensory dysfunction in autism?

THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 12 2005
A critical review of the empirical evidence
Background:, Unusual responses to sensory stimuli are seen in many children with autism. Their presence was highlighted both in early accounts of autism and in more recent first-person descriptions. There is a widespread belief that sensory symptoms characterize autism and differentiate it from other disorders. This paper examines the empirical evidence for this assumption. Method:, All controlled experimental laboratory investigations published since 1960 were identified through systematic searches using Medline/PubMed and PsycInfo search engines. A total of 48 empirical papers and 27 theoretical or conceptual papers were reviewed. Results:, Sensory symptoms are more frequent and prominent in children with autism than in typically developing children, but there is not good evidence that these symptoms differentiate autism from other developmental disorders. Certain groups, including children with fragile X syndrome and those who are deaf-blind, appear to demonstrate higher rates of sensory symptoms than children with autism. In reviewing the evidence relevant to two theories of sensory dysfunction in autism, over- and under-arousal theory, we find that there is very little support for hyper-arousal and failure of habituation in autism. There is more evidence that children with autism, as a group, are hypo-responsive to sensory stimuli, but there are also multiple failures to replicate findings and studies that demonstrate lack of group differences. Conclusions:, The use of different methods, the study of different sensory modalities, and the changing scientific standards across decades complicate interpretation of this body of work. We close with suggestions for future research in this area. [source]

SENSATION RECOVERY IMPROVED BY GREAT AURICULAR NERVE PRESERVATION IN PAROTIDECTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 5 2007
Dacita T. K. Suen
Background: The great auricular nerve (GAN) is frequently sacrificed during parotidectomy and causes sensory disturbance of the auricle. Our study is to investigate whether GAN preservation can improve the sensory recovery. Methods: Patients undergoing superficial or total conservative parotidectomy for benign tumours were recruited consecutively from November 1998 to September 2001. Different sensory methods (light touch, two-point discrimination and sharp pain) of the auricle were evaluated by a designated physiotherapist preoperatively as well as at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The patients and the physiotherapist were blinded to the integrity of the GAN. Long-term subjective assessment was also carried out beyond 2 years postoperatively. Results: A total of 21 patients were recruited for the study. GAN were preserved in 10 patients. The mean follow up was 16 months (12,42 months). There was no difference in sex distribution, type of operation and pathology of parotid tumour between the two groups. No postoperative mortality occurred and postoperative morbidity did not differ between the two groups. Patients with GAN preserved had significantly better light touch and sharp pain recovery at 1 year postoperatively. Subjective assessment of sensory dysfunction also favoured GAN preservation. Conclusion: Great auricular nerve preservation minimizes the postoperative sensory disturbance and should be considered whenever tumour clearance is not compromised. [source]