Three cases of referred sensation in traumatic nerve injury of the hand: implication for understanding central nervous system reorganization

SD Pourrier, W Nieuwstraten, B Van Cranenburgh, Ton Schreuders, Henk Stam, Ruud Selles

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18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this observational study was to explore whether patients with traumatic peripheral nerve injury of the hand perceive referred sensations; sensations that are perceived to emanate from other areas of the body than the part being stimulated. Referred sensations have been reported following amputation, somatosensory deafferentation, local anaesthesia, stroke, brachial plexus avulsion injury, spinal cord injury and complex regional pain syndrome type 1. Design: Ten patients with ulnar or median nerve injuries underwent sensory testing of the face, upper body and legs, involving light touch with a cotton swab. Patients were asked to describe the location of the stimulated site, the sensations emanating from it and any other sensations experienced. Three patients with referred sensations were identified and followed over a period of time. Results: Clear and reproducible referred sensations were found in 3 out of 10 patients examined. Conclusion: Referred sensations were found in traumatic nerve injury, providing evidence of reorganization of the central nervous system after peripheral injury.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)357-361
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume42
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Research programs

  • EMC MUSC-01-46-01
  • EMC NIHES-01-50-01-A

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