3. Practical advice and tips for carers > Physical deficits

Physical deficits

2) Treatment options and tips for altered sensation – 1

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Tips for altered sensation

  • Type of sensory loss. Find out what kind of sensory problem the person has and more importantly how this affects their daily life.
  • Risks. Help them to be aware of situations which may put them at risk for example near hot objects in the kitchen.
  • Temperatures. Encourage the person to check the temperature of water using the non affected hand first.
  • Hypersensitivity Try keeping a note of anything which triggers this or make it worse. This may help to avoid the trigger causing the problem.
  • Desensitisation. Some people benefit from desensitisation where the sensation is deliberately stimulated and the person re learns how to control their response to it. If the skin feels numb all the time try gentle rubbing for a few minutes a day with a variety of textures for example a sponge, a towel, a soft brush, a wool scarf. Note the person must have skin which is not too delicate to cause damage and cover cuts which could become infected. The skin should never be injured using this method. Try putting objects in to their hand of different textures and weights. Gently massage the affected area.
  • Increased grasp. If the person grasps objects without realising, get them to scan and look at the affected hand to check if they are still holding on.

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Treatment options and tips for altered sensation

  • Type of sensory loss. Find out what kind of sensory problem the person has and more importantly how this affects their daily life.
  • Risks. Help them to be aware of situations which may put them at risk for example near hot objects in the kitchen.
  • Temperatures. Encourage the person to check the temperature of water using the non affected hand first. 
  • Hypersensitivity  Try keeping a note of anything which triggers this or make it worse. This may help to avoid the trigger causing the problem.
  • Desensitisation. Some people benefit from  desensitisation where the sensation is deliberately stimulated and the person re learns how to control their response to it. If the skin feels numb all the time try gentle rubbing for a few minutes a day with a variety of textures for example a sponge, a towel, a soft brush, a wool scarf. Note the person must have skin which is not too delicate to cause damage and cover cuts which could become infected. The skin should never be injured using this method. Try putting objects in to their hand of different textures and weights. Gently massage the affected area.
  • Increased grasp. If the person grasps objects without realising, get them to scan and look at the affected hand to check if they are still holding on.