Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS