Sensitivity disorders are manifested by altered perception of physical sensations, such as numbness or undefinable pain. The causes can be numerous and must be diagnosed very accurately for a cure to occur.
What are sensitivity disorders?
The causes of a sensitivity disorder can range from temporary irritation of the nerves, to serious diseases of the nervous system. Nerve endings, receptors, and sensors sense stimuli throughout the body and transmit information about them to the brain, where they are processed into sensations and impressions. Stimuli are divided into mechanical stimuli, such as pressure or vibration, sensations of temperature and pain, and sensations of movement. If a sensitivity disorder is present, these stimuli are perceived as unpleasant, intensified or non-existent. Typical of such a disorder are tingling, burning, itching, a feeling of numbness, indefinable pain, or an exaggerated perception of cold and heat, also called hyperalgesia. Patients with sensitivity disorders may injure themselves without realizing it, consequently failing to care for the wound and becoming infected with serious infections. In any case, prolonged sensory disturbances must be treated by a physician.
Causes
The causes of sensitivity disorder can range from temporary irritation of the nerves, to serious diseases of the nervous system. Specifically, the following causes may be present:
- Stroke
- Tumors, especially in the brain and spinal cord
- Drugs
- Allergies
- Viruses
- Infections caused by bacteria
- Anemia
- Vitamin, magnesium and iron deficiency
- Hyperventilation
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Damage to nerves from infections, toxins, or mechanical stimuli
- Burns
- Nerve irritation due to examinations such as cerebrospinal fluid puncture.
- Damage to the musculoskeletal system (eg, herniated disc).
- Diabetes and alcoholism
- Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or MS
- Disturbances of the blood circulation
- Migraine
Diseases with this symptom
- Stroke
- Subclavian steal syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Polyneuropathy
- Allergy
- Funicular myelosis
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Circulatory disorders
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Zika virus infection
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
Diagnosis and course
Examination by a physician is essential for sensitivity disorders because of the numerous possible causes. It must be determined whether a harmless nerve irritation or a serious disease is present. Examinations of this type are performed by a neurologist. Sometimes numbness of individual limbs is not taken seriously, although it can be caused by diseases such as a stroke. The diagnosis is first made by questioning the patient. The physician must clarify since when the patient has been suffering from the present complaints, which triggering events could be the basis, whether other complaints or previous illnesses are present and whether medication is taken regularly. In addition to the interview, a thorough physical examination, a blood test and a neurological examination are performed. By means of sensitivity testing, the physician tests whether the sensation of pressure is damaged, whether the affected person has an impaired sensation of temperature and pain, and whether the sensation of movement is impaired. A concrete diagnosis must be made after narrowing down the symptoms by computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, electroneurography, electroencephalography, cerebrospinal fluid examination, X-rays, differentiated blood tests, angiographies, allergy tests, and orthopedic examinations.
Complications
Depending on the sensitivity disorder, various physical and psychological complications are possible. In particular, when there is a complete loss of sensitivity, there is a risk that injuries or other diseases may be overlooked because the affected person is unaware of them. The risk is increased if, in addition, personal hygiene is neglected.For this reason, it is important to visually inspect the affected body region on a regular basis. A good opportunity is during daily washing. Open wounds that are not discovered in time can become infected. If the sensitivity disorder is due to diabetes mellitus, wound healing disorders are also possible. This creates a high risk of infection and inflammation. As a result, in severe cases, further medical complications such as blood poisoning, abscesses or the death of body tissue are possible. Sensitivity disorders also represent a potential psychological burden. Various mental complications are possible, especially with increased pain sensation. Often, the sensitivity disorders lead to diffuse mental suffering. However, specific diseases such as depression may also develop. In addition, sensitivity disorders in some cases lead to limitations in everyday life and work. The altered perception often takes some getting used to. In some cases, movements become uncertain when the usual feedback from the sensory system is absent. This can also lead to secondary motor problems. In particular, people close to the patient (for example, partners) must first come to terms with the increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), since even normal touch can cause pain.
When should you go to the doctor?
As a rule, a doctor should be consulted whenever the sensory disturbances appear suddenly without any particular reason. However, the affected person can wait a few days, as in many cases the disturbances disappear again on their own. However, if they persist permanently and do not go away on their own, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Likewise, a visit to a doctor is advisable in the case of increased sensitivity to pain. This may be due to an underlying disease, which must be examined in any case. Painkillers should not be taken over a long period of time, if possible, as they damage the stomach. If the sensitivity disorders occur after an inflammation or an infection, it is also advisable to consult a doctor. This will help to avoid secondary damage and further complications. If, in addition to the disturbances, there is also redness on the skin, a doctor can also be consulted after a few days without improvement. In some cases, the sensitivity disorders also occur after the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. In this case, the symptoms usually disappear on their own after a short time. If necessary, withdrawal is necessary for the patient.
Treatment and therapy
Depending on the cause, treatment for a sensitivity disorder can vary and can address either the cause or the symptoms. Diseases of the nervous system usually necessitate drug therapy. Pinched nerves can be removed manually or by surgery. If a stroke is present, intensive medical measures must be taken immediately. An untreated stroke causes damage and can be fatal. In the case of drug-related causes, medications must be discontinued only under the supervision of a physician. Bacterial infections necessitate administration of antibiotics, alcoholism necessitates withdrawal and simultaneous administration of vitamin B1. In diabetics, optimization of blood sugar levels and administration of alpha-lipoic acid may provide relief. Treatment of the causes of a sensitivity disorder can be supported by attenuating the symptoms. This is useful in the area of pain relief through the administration of painkillers, anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation supplements or replaces drug pain therapy.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for sensitivity disorders depends on the underlying condition present. If the complaints occur due to excessive exposure to cold or overloading of the body, the disorders usually disappear again without treatment. The organism should then be provided with sufficient warmth and rest. Within a few hours, as well as a restful sleep, a complete recovery is possible in these cases. If the sensory disturbances are due to problems with blood circulation, treatment must be initiated, otherwise the symptoms will increase. The sooner medical care is given, the better the chances of recovery. In case of severe circulatory disturbances, a heart attack or stroke may occur.In both cases, there is acute danger to life. Survivors often suffer permanent impairments. Paralysis, cardiac rhythm disturbances or restrictions of certain functions are often present for many years after the incident. In the case of sensory disturbances caused by muscle or nerve damage, the prognosis is good. Inflammation or infection can be cured by administering medication so that the disturbances disappear completely within a few weeks. A pinched nerve can be released by orthopedic techniques or surgery. The discomfort is alleviated within a short time, so that it is completely gone within days. Often, accompanying physiotherapy is recommended so that the affected person remains free of symptoms in the long term.
Prevention
There is no general way to prevent sensitivity disorders. Recommended is a balanced diet, through which the body is supplied with all important vitamins and minerals, plenty of exercise, a healthy amount of relaxation and limiting stress. In the case of orthopedic diseases, longer-term physiotherapy can also have a preventive effect.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Treatment of a sensitivity disorder can be supplemented by measures that support recovery. However, extensive medical therapy is necessary in any case. If there are limitations in perception or a reduced sensation of pain, the sensors are stimulated by an external stimulus. Affected persons can do this themselves, starting with light stroking of the skin with a feather in the case of mild restriction. In advanced stages, it is recommended to tap lightly to moderately hard on the affected parts of the body with a wooden mallet. If the disorder is severely advanced, electric shocks by appropriate devices can also be used. However, these are only examples of external stimulation. Likewise, one can work with objects of various shapes or surfaces, or through massages. Massages are performed either by the affected person himself or by another person. In the latter case, for example, it is possible to guess which parts of the body are currently being touched. If other senses are affected by a disorder, there are also possibilities for stimulation. For the sense of smell, ammonia or strong perfume is recommended. If taste is impaired, lemon, horseradish, hot mustard, wormwood tea or chili can be helpful. Hearing is stimulated by loud music or other sounds. In general, the affected person can try to train his senses in everyday life, whether through an active perception of his surroundings or any activities that strongly irritate the skin, smell, taste and hearing.
