Assessment of Sensory Dysfunction

Question 1

OT role in Sensory dysfunction evaluation?

Answer 1

Determines type & extent of sensory loss

Determines if sensation is adequate for performance with ADL’s

Question 2

OTA role in sensory dysfunction treatment plan?

Answer 2

Compensatory or Remedial treatment

Question 3

Compensatory vs Remedial treatment?

Answer 3

COMPENSATORY:
Assistive devices to compensate

REMEDIAL:
Returning function to how it was (Restore)

Question 4

Principles of Sensory Testing?

Answer 4

Client comfortable & understands instructions
Occlude vision
Apply stimuli at irregular intervals
Observe responses/discomfort
Compare functional performance

Question 5

Proprioception?

Answer 5

Awareness of self

Question 6

Hypo-sensitivity?

Answer 6

Decreased sensation

Question 7

Hypersensitivity?

Answer 7

Increased sensation

Can be reduced using Desensitization

Question 8

Desensitization?

Answer 8

Decrease discomfort associated with touch in hyper-sensitive areas
(using massage, pressure, tapping, vibration and texture)

Done BEFORE sensory retraining begins

Question 9

‘Remedial’ treatment goal for sensory loss?

Answer 9

Change sensory response to restore normal sensory function

• Improve dulled/absent sensation
• Repeated, graded sensory input
• Nerve regeneration = new sensations
• Manipulate objects
• Participate in functional activities

Question 10

‘Compensatory’ treatment goal for sensory loss?

Answer 10

Adapt to sensory loss to maximize safe performance in ADLs

• Compensate using unaffected limbs & sensory skills (eg. Vision)
• Monitor skin
• Safety precautions (eg. Walker = use brakes)
• Assistive devices
• Modify environment

Question 11

‘Proprioception’ treatment?

Answer 11

GOAL = To restore functional movement

REMEDIAL TREATMENT:

• Observation (directly or in mirror)
• Talking through the motion
• Weights
• Concentration on sensations during PROM or AAROM (train them to what is being used)

COMPENSATORY:
- Use visual input

Question 12

‘Protective Sensation’ treatment?

Answer 12

GOAL = To prevent injury

COMPENSATORY TREATMENT:

• Prevent Pressure Sores = Shoe inserts, wheelchair cushion, repositioning
• Prevent Cuts, Bruises, Blisters = Monitor skin, avoid sharp tools, large handles to spread pressure
• Prevent Burns, Frostbite = Use thermometer or body part w/good sensation, educate on good skin care
• Education = Safety awareness (teach to use call bell)