Canadian Medical Guide > Diseases > Nervous System Diseases > Neurologic Manifestations > Sensation Disorders > Somatosensory Disorders Terms and Definitions

Somatosensory Disorders

Medical Definition:	Disorders of sensory information received from superficial and deep regions of the body. The somatosensory system conveys neural impulses which pertain to proprioception, tactile sensation, thermal sensation, pressure sensation, and pain. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES; SPINAL CORD DISEASES; and BRAIN DISEASES may be associated with impaired or abnormal somatic sensation.
Guide Notes:	GEN: prefer specifics
Also Called:	Impairment, Light Touch Sensation,Pain Sensation Diminished,Pinprick Sensation Diminished,Position Sense Disorders,Proprioceptive Disorders,Thermal Sensation Disorders
Previously Indexed:	Sensation Disorders (1966-1999)

Somatosensory Disorders Categories.

	Hyperalgesia - An increased sensation to painful stimuli that may follow damage to soft tissue containing NOCICEPTORS or injury to a peripheral nerve. Hyperalgesia can occur both at the site of tissue damage (primary hyperalgesia) and in the surrounding undamaged areas (secondary hyperalgesia). (Kandel et al., Principles of Neural Science, 3d ed, p386)
	Hyperesthesia - Increased sensitivity to cutaneous stimulation due to a diminished threshold or an increased response to stimuli.
	Hypesthesia - Absent or reduced sensitivity to cutaneous stimulation.
	Paresthesia - Subjective cutaneous sensations (e.g., cold, warmth, tingling, pressure, etc.) that are experienced spontaneously in the absence of stimulation.

Somatosensory Disorders Medical Definitions and Terms

CANADIAN MEDICAL GUIDE

Thank you for visiting Canadian Medical Guide .com

Wildlife On Video »

Canada's Great Outdoors
Tour Canadian Rockies »
Book Banff »
Book Jasper »
Maligne Lake Boat Cruise »
Gondola Banff »
Hike Jasper »
Jasper Columbia Icefield »