What is Tactile Defensiveness or Touch Sensory Sensitivity?

What causes tactile defensiveness?

The skin receives information from the skin about light touch, discriminative touch, touch pressure, pain, temperature and vibration. Each of these sensations give process different qualities of sensation and have different roles.  We explore these roles in more depth in our article on the touch system.  If you haven’t read this post, we recommend you read if first before reading any further.  It will help with your understanding of tactile sensitivity.

You can also learn more about the touch system in our free course ‘Introduction to Sensory Processing.’

Roles of the touch sensations

Light touch and pain typically warn the body about potential threats, so are often called ‘protective sensations’.  They are particularly sensitivity to touch.   Their sensory information is taken along a different nerve pathway to discriminative touch sensations.  (A nerve pathway is like a road that the sensory signals travel along to the brain.)

The protective sensations (light touch and pain) warn the brain that something has touched the skin, it may react immediately to protect the body.  After this, the brain then receives extra information from the discriminative touch pathway to let it know what that something was.

For example, if you touch something hot, the brain will immediately acknowledge the feeling of pain. As a result, the brain will make the body move your hand away.  Next, you will receive extra sensory information from the discriminatory touch pathway. This lets you know more about where the pain is and also that it feels like a burn.  The brain receives different sensory information from each pathway.

As another example, if your hair is dangling in your face, the first time it touches your face you might get a surprise.   You may not know exactly what the light touch sensation on your face was.  However, extra information about that piece of hair will then go through the discriminatory touch pathway or you might brush your hand on your face and this will let the brain know it’s just a piece of hair.  It is nothing to worry about and your brain will ignore it.  For individuals who are hypersensitive to touch or bothered by textures, the brains do not ignore these micro touch sensations.

Sensory Integration – a theory behind tactile defensiveness

Jean Ayres thought tactile hypersensitivity occurs because the brain pays too much attention to light touch and protective sensations from the skin. Instead of listening to the extra information available from the discriminative pathway, the brain keeps paying attention to the light touch and protective sensations.  These sensations are designed to alert the body to a problem or threat.  They are designed to keep the body safe.

Each time the brain receives a message from these pathways it initially thinks that something might be wrong. It gets ready to protect the body.  This is called a fight, flight or freeze response.  Jean Ayres thought that the brains of children and adults with tactile defensiveness interpret ordinary touch sensations, such as clothing textures or hugs, as a threat.  Their brains pay more attention to light touch sensations than the brains of children without touch sensitivity.

This helps to explain the behaviours that are seen in children or adults with tactile defensiveness.  Their responses to everyday touch can often result in meltdowns, arguments and avoidance.  This is because their brains are feeling that touch in the same way you might if you touched something hot or ran into a spider web. The everyday touch activates their brain’s protective system and triggers a fight, flight or freeze response. Some adults with touch hypersensitivity have also reported that certain everyday touch sensations feel painful.

Difficulty ignoring touch sensations

Children and adults who experience touch sensitivity may also find it more difficult to ignore touch sensations. A comparison would be the feeling of having a stone in your shoe, a stone that is very annoying and constantly drawing your attention until you take off your shoe and remove it.  For children or adults with tactile hypersensitivity, sometimes it is everyday touch that feels like the stone. This could be something like the tag on the back of their t-shirt, or the feel or texture of a certain fabric.  Their brains cannot ignore the feeling and they just need to get away from it, in the same way you want to remove the stone.

What Is It, Types, Causes & Treatment

Overview

What is allodynia?

Allodynia is a type of neuropathic pain (nerve pain). People with allodynia are extremely sensitive to touch. Things that don’t usually cause pain can be very painful. These may include cold temperatures, brushing hair or wearing a cotton t-shirt.

Allodynia can result from several conditions. The most common causes of allodynia include diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgia and migraine headaches.

To relieve allodynia, your provider will treat the condition that’s causing pain. They may also recommend a pain management plan. The plan may include medications to relieve pain and therapy to help you respond to pain in a different way.

How common is allodynia?

Healthcare providers don’t know exactly how many people have allodynia. Up to 10% of people in the US have some type of neuropathic pain. About 15% to 20% of people with neuropathic pain have allodynia.

What are the types of allodynia?

There are three types of allodynia:

• Dynamic (or mechanical), when pain results from an object moving across the skin.
• Static (or tactile), which results from gentle touch or pressure.
• Thermal, which results from mild changes in temperature.

Possible Causes

What are the most common causes of allodynia?

Usually, your nerves send messages (or electrical signals) between your brain and your skin, muscles, and organs. Allodynia happens when the nervous system doesn’t work like it should. There’s a problem with how the nerves send and receive messages. Many injuries and conditions can cause issues with this communication network, including:

How will my provider determine the cause of allodynia?

Your provider will examine you and ask questions about the pain. They will want to know how often you feel it and what makes it better or worse. Your provider will also ask you to rate your pain on a scale from 0 to 10 and describe how it feels. Many people with allodynia say their skin is sensitive to touch. They usually describe the pain as sharp, stinging or burning. Some describe it as if they have a bad sun burn.

To determine the cause of allodynia, your provider will ask about your health history. They will also want to know about any medications you’re taking. They may perform several tests to check for diabetes, neurological disorders or other conditions. Some of these tests include:

Care and Treatment

How do healthcare providers treat allodynia?

Your provider will treat the condition that’s causing allodynia. If no treatments are available or your provider isn’t sure what’s causing it, they will focus on reducing the pain. As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, your provider may recommend:

• Oral Medications: Several types of drugs can relieve allodynia. These include medicine to treat seizures (anticonvulsants) and some medications to treat depression. Healthcare providers commonly prescribe pregabalin (Lyrica®) to treat fibromyalgia pain. Triptans (drugs to treat migraines) can relieve allodynia that happens with migraines. You take these medications orally (by mouth).
• Topical medications: These medications come in creams or lotions that you apply to the skin. You can also wear a patch on the skin that delivers medication throughout the day. Topical medications include capsaicin and lidocaine.
• Counseling and therapy: Living with chronic pain can be challenging and emotionally exhausting. Your provider may recommend counseling, especially if you have signs of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness training and biofeedback can change the way you respond to pain.
• Physical therapy (PT): Your provider may recommend a PT plan that focuses on desensitization. Your provider touches or puts gentle pressure on an area of your skin. Over several sessions, your provider gradually increases the pressure until it’s no longer painful.
• Nerve blocks: To reduce pain in a nerve or group of nerves, your provider may recommend a nerve block injection.
• Surgery: If other treatments aren’t successful, you may need surgery. Your provider may recommend spinal cord stimulation. For this treatment, your provider implants a device that delivers electricity directly to the spinal cord. The low levels of electricity reduce pain.

How can I prevent allodynia?

You may not be able to prevent allodynia. But you can lower your risk of some conditions that cause allodynia by:

• Getting plenty of exercise: Regular exercise can help you manage stress. It also helps reduce your risk of migraine headaches. Exercise also plays a major role in the management of fibromyalgia.
• Knowing your history: If you have a family history of fibromyalgia, MS, stroke or diabetes, talk to your provider. You may need regular checkups so your provider can monitor your health.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: People who carry excess weight or have obesity are at a higher risk for diabetes, which can lead to allodynia. Excess weight is also a risk factor for the development of chronic migraines.
• Staying up-to-date on vaccines: Ask your provider about getting the shingles vaccine to protect you from the viral infection.
• Watching your diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you avoid vitamin deficiencies and stay healthy.

When to Call the Doctor

When should I call my doctor about allodynia?

Call your healthcare provider if you have any signs of allodynia. This is especially important if the pain gets in the way of your daily activities or makes it hard for you to sleep. You should call your provider right away if allodynia comes on suddenly or is very painful. It’s important to see your provider for an evaluation and to determine what’s causing the pain.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Allodynia is a symptom of many injuries, diseases and conditions. To help people with allodynia, healthcare providers treat the condition that’s causing the pain. Your provider may recommend a combination of treatments, which can include medications, therapy, PT and counseling. Talk to your provider if allodynia gets worse or interferes with your day-to-day activities. Your provider will work with you to create a plan to reduce pain, help you feel better and improve your quality of life.

Fibromyalgia and Gut Health | Everyday Health

If you have fibromyalgia and also experience digestive issues, your gut problems may be more than a coincidence.

“There’s a definite correlation between gut health and fibromyalgia,” says R. Swamy Venuturupalli, MD, a rheumatologist in Beverly Hills, California, whose practice focuses on treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Though researchers vary in their estimates, “there’s a higher incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in people with fibromyalgia,” Dr. Venuturupalli says. “Some reports say approximately 60 percent of people with fibromyalgia have IBS, and conversely, 60 or 70 percent of people with IBS also have fibromyalgia.” And, he notes, a study published in March 2015 in the journal Medicine found that people with fibromyalgia were 1.5 times more likely than others to have IBS, the symptoms of which include chronic abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

In addition to IBS, fibromyalgia has been linked to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition with similar symptoms in which the small intestine is colonized by colon bacteria. According to Bharat Kumar, MD, an assistant professor of internal medicine at University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City, while some studies have linked SIBO with increased pain in fibromyalgia, “the evidence linking the two diseases is still a little weak.” He points, however, to a study in which 42 of 42 participants with fibromyalgia “had tests that were strongly suggestive of SIBO.” The big question, Dr. Kumar says, “is can these findings be generalized to the larger population of people with fibromyalgia? The answers aren’t quite there yet.”

Venuturupalli observes that the study Kumar references, which was done by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, involved very sick people with fibromyalgia who were tested for SIBO, so the sample was likely skewed. Venuturupalli hasn’t found so high a percentage in his clinical practice, but he agrees that people with fibromyalgia and gut symptoms often have SIBO, estimating it occurs 20 to 30 percent of the time.

A Connection Between Fibromyalgia and ‘Leaky Gut’?

Kumar points to another study that indicates having SIBO increases fibromyalgia pain in areas outside the gut. This may happen due to a somewhat controversial condition called leaky gut. “The gut is a barrier between the outside world and our inner organs,” explains Kumar. “In SIBO, this barrier becomes leaky, so chemicals that are released by or processed by bacteria get into our bloodstream. While the research is still very preliminary, it’s thought that these can activate the immune or nervous systems. This may lead to the symptoms that people with fibromyalgia often relate to their doctors.”

According to Venuturupalli, leaky gut remains a theoretical concept that’s not widely accepted in Western medicine. The theory, he says, promoted largely by alternative medicine practitioners, is that allergens cause a leakage of proteins, which in turn cause inflammation that transcends the gut to other parts of the body. It hasn’t been proved without a doubt, says Venuturupalli. “Having said that,” he adds, “conceptually, it makes some sense.” Hypersensitivity to certain foods can trigger inflammation, but the exact way that happens is unknown. It’s not unlikely, he says, that it could give rise to fibromyalgia symptoms.

“Fibromyalgia can be thought of as a central pain sensitization disorder,” says Kumar. “When there’s chronic pain, due to any reason, the brain starts to rewire itself in a way that prioritizes pain. It’s believed this was originally a survival mechanism to alert the brain about injuries, but that was when people lived very short lives and there was no such thing as chronic pain. The link between poor gut health and fibromyalgia adds a wrinkle to this. Maybe the fibromyalgia related to poor gut health is because of that same survival mechanism alerting the brain that there’s something going on with the gut.”

RELATED: Gut Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What You Need to Know

Venuturupalli acknowledges the connection. In his practice, he’s seen people whose fibromyalgia symptoms flair when their gut symptoms flair. “That’s a known phenomenon, but it’s not across the board,” he says. “There are probably subsets of people for whom gut health plays a role in causation of the fibromyalgia, and treatment needs to be directed there. There may be other types for whom fibromyalgia may not be due to the gut.”

Treating Digestive Symptoms to Help With Fibromyalgia

If you have fibromyalgia and also have gut symptoms, Venuturupalli advises making your doctors aware of this connection and requesting a consultation with a gastroenterologist, particularly one with some expertise in SIBO. “Working on gut issues is good for overall health, and I recommend that for all patients,” Venuturupalli says.

Kumar doesn’t recommend that everyone get tested for SIBO, however. “Up to 20 percent of the general population may have abnormal lab tests, and this might lead to overtreatment. Antibiotics, which are used in treating SIBO, have their own side effects and should be used very carefully,” he says.

And is the reverse also true? Should people with SIBO and IBS investigate whether they have fibromyalgia? Kumar believes that they should be evaluated by primary care physicians. “Fibromyalgia is treated largely through physical therapy and addressing the root causes for the central pain sensitization,”  he says. “Identifying fibromyalgia can make treatment plans more focused and guided.”

Treatment of gut issues may improve digestive symptoms. “Because there are many different reasons for having SIBO, working with doctors to craft a comprehensive and personal treatment approach is essential,” says Kumar. “While it may not necessarily improve the other symptoms of fibromyalgia, by reducing the abdominal pain, SIBO treatment may improve the quality of life for people with concomitant fibromyalgia.”

RELATED: Fibromyalgia Treatment

The Role That Diet and Eating Habits May Play

Kumar advises patients to discuss diet, which he says is extremely important, with their physicians. “The food we eat not only nourishes our bodies but also the millions of bacteria that live in our gut,” he says. “So the types of food that you eat can make SIBO better or worse. ” Eating yogurt with live active colonies, he says, is supported by research as helpful for SIBO.

“I also recommend a low-FODMAP diet to people who have irritable bowels,” says Kumar. FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are carbohydrates that are naturally present in foods and “are particularly appealing to bacteria that can overgrow and cause SIBO,” he explains. Talk to your doctor before beginning a low-FODMAP diet, he cautions, to determine whether it really may be helpful. The concern, he says, is that you could excessively or unnecessarily restrict your diet, preventing you from obtaining needed nutrients. And dietary changes, he warns, need to be maintained over the long term or SIBO is likely to reoccur.

RELATED: Fibromyalgia: What to Eat, What to Avoid

Don’t Ignore the Connection Between Gut Health and Chronic Pain

“Fibromyalgia is more than just chronic pain,” says Kumar. “Although there’s a lot left unknown about it. We are now understanding that it’s more than just a muscle and joint illness. It can be affected by any number of other organ systems, like the gut.”

If you have fibromyalgia and suspect you may have gut issues, or vice versa, you may have to be your own best advocate. “People with fibromyalgia are sometimes not taken very seriously by doctors when there may be other issues complicating the diagnosis,” says Kumar. “The growing recognition of a link between SIBO and fibromyalgia is a great example of this.”

Allodynia (Sensitivity to Touch) & Migraines: Causes and Treatment

Migraine headaches cause intense, throbbing head pain. These headaches also can make your nerves so sensitive that even the slightest touch hurts. This is called allodynia, which means “other pain.” Up to about 80% of people with this condition have allodynia during an attack.

Pain is uncomfortable. But it’s meant to be a helpful sensation. It warns your body that you’re injured so you can stop doing whatever caused it and treat it if you need to. Allodynia, though, is pain that doesn’t serve any purpose.

You also can have allodynia if you have a disease that damages your nerves, like diabetes.

Symptoms

There are three kinds of allodynia:

• Static allodynia or tactile allodynia is pain from the pressure of something against your skin. It can hurt to put on a shirt, wear glasses, or put your head on a pillow.
• Dynamic allodynia is pain that starts when something rubs lightly against your skin. Things like the touch of a person’s hand, running a brush through your hair, or water falling on your head in the shower can trigger it.
• Thermal allodynia is pain that comes on in hot or cold temperatures. For instance, breathing in cold air can cause it.

The pain, which ranges from mild to severe, is different for each person.

Causes

Migraine is more than just a headache. It is an overall condition of which the headache is just one symptom. During a migraine, your brain releases chemicals that cause the nerve endings around the brain to send signals to your central nervous system, and that can result in the throbbing head pain you feel.

When those signals keep firing for an hour or so, your nerves become hypersensitive. Even normal signals, like a touch on your scalp or face, can be very painful.

You’re more likely to get allodynia if you:

Diagnosis

A neurologist — a doctor who specializes in problems with your brain, spinal cord, and nerves – can help you figure out what’s going on. They’ll ask about your headaches, sensitivity to touch, and other symptoms. You’ll also have a physical exam.

They may suggest one or more of these tests to get more information:

• Blood tests: Are usually not needed unless something else is suspected
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Are usually not needed unless something else is suspected.

Treatment

You can prevent allodynia by treating migraine symptoms as soon as they start. Some migraine drugs — including triptans — typically don’t work for people who have allodynia. Instead, your doctor may give you a shot of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called dihydroergotamine or ketorolac.

Once your headache goes away, the allodynia usually eases up. But some people still have the pain even after the migraine is gone.

What You Can Do

Ask your doctor if you should take medicine to prevent migraine headaches, such as:

There are also some devices which can short-circuit the electrical activity in your brain that triggers a migraine and prevent to hault it:

• SpringTMS or eNeura sTMS
• Cefaly
• gammaCore

Another way to avoid migraines is to have healthy routines. Exercise, get good regular sleep, and practice relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing to ease stress.

Fasting and dehydration can both set off migraine headaches. So don’t wait too long between meals, and make sure you drink enough water during the day.

Tactile Sensitivity – What It Is and TEN Common Signs

What is tactile sensitivity?

Tactile sensitivity or hypersensitivity is an unusual or increased sensitivity to touch that makes the person feel peculiar, noxious, or even in pain. It is also called tactile defensiveness or tactile over-sensitivity. Like other sensory processing issues, tactile sensitivity can run from mild to severe.  It is thought to be caused by the way the brain processes tactile input. For these individuals, touch makes the person feel overwhelmed and often leads to avoiding touch when possible. They may be sent into fight or flight over very small, everyday touch sensations.

Hyposensitivities and Hypersensitivities

It’s interesting to note that there are also individuals who have tactile under-sensitivity, also called tactile under-responsiveness. Those who are hyposensitive to tactile input are underwhelmed by the world around them and seek out additional sensory information to feel content. They can’t feel large changes in temperature or wind on their body etc.

An excellent book for you and your family to learn about sensory issues is The Goodenoughs Get in Sync ~New Edition~ 5 Family Members Overcome their Special Sensory Issues by Carol Knanowitz,. Read my review of this book here.

A Great book:  Issue Tissue Featuring Ricky Sticky – A Children’s Book About Overcoming Tactile Sensitivity by Maya Wolf, MBA, OTR/L, and Mara Schwartz, BA. Review here.

Ten Common Signs of Tactile Sensitivity

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and cognitive disabilities often experience varying degrees of tactile sensitivity. Parents should be aware of the ways a very young child might react when he is overwhelmed by sensory overload because it will probably manifest itself with behavior problems or meltdowns. This is his only way of communicating his tactile sensitivity.

The individuals I know who have tactile sensitivities likened their unpleasant feeling to the way some people cringe at the sound of a fingernail scratching a blackboard. I have a granddaughter with tactile sensitivities; therefore I know how difficult it is for parents of a young child with the same issues. Some parents say they live in the “Land of TOO” – too hot, too cold, too bright, too tight, too hard, too rough, etc. These are some of the common signs of tactile sensitivity parents can see in their child. Each child may be different and the severity of the reactions will vary.

• 1- They dislike clothing, shoes, hats, mittens. They complain about the tags, the fastening, the type of fabric, the style, etc.

• 2- They hate to have their hair combed, washed, or cut.

• 3- They are the children who do not want to get their hands dirty or do not want to touch many things because it feels unpleasant. They rush to wash or wipe their hands making it difficult to finish what they are trying to do. Messy art classes are awful for them.

• 4- Some toddlers refuse to be held or touched.

• 5- Others are unable to tolerate the sensation of food in the mouth or food or a tooth brush touching their teeth. Bringing them to the dentist is a nightmare!

• 6- In severe cases a child may even refuse to swallow food.

• 7- They cry out in pain because of the feel of the wind on their skin or sand and grass on their feet.

• 8- Their eyes might be very sensitive too and they will need to blink at the slightest amount of cold wind.

• 9- For some individuals tickling can be intolerable.

• 10- Some have difficulty participating in gym activities or sport teams because the foot gear and sport uniforms are just simply too uncomfortable.

Parents should also know that tactile oversensitivity also interferes with the development of fine motor and gross motor skills and may impede other developmental milestones. A young child explores and learns about his world by touching and mouthing; however, children with sensory challenges miss out on gathering information from people and things because they avoid touch and do not want to interact with others or their environment.

How Is Tactile Sensitivity Treated?

The good news is that as soon as a child is evaluated with sensory processing difficulties, they can receive help from an occupational therapist. A plan for tactile desensitization will be drawn up and therapy sessions by the OT will be scheduled. Parents will be shown techniques that may include a “sensory diet” or the use of a “sensory box” they can use at home to help their overly sensitive child. With time and treatment, the amount of tactile stimulation your child can tolerate will increase.

Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach typically takes place in a sensory-rich environment at the office of a therapist. During OT sessions, the therapist guides the child through fun activities that are designed so the child is constantly challenged. The activities are usually “framed for success” so the child feels happy and proud of his accomplishments.

I suggest you check the books in the category Sensory Issues on Special Needs Book Review . Two books about parenting a child with sensory issues and interviews with the authors I often recommend to parents are the following:

Other helpful posts:

Other related books:

Tags: Common Signs of tactile sensitivity, Hypersensitivities, Hyposensitivities, sensitivity to stimuli, sensitivity to touch, Sensory Processing Disorder, SPD, tactile defensiveness, tactile oversensitivity, tactile sensitivity, tactile undersensitivity, treatment of tactile sensitivity

Sensitivity to Touch – Scottish Acquired Brain Injury Network – e-learning

Increased sensitivity to touch, temperature and even movement/vibration may occur following brain injury. In some cases even relatively light touch can cause discomfort and pain. This can make it difficult for the person to tolerate everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, hair brushing etc.

It is important to try and identify other possible causes of sensitivity to touch and movement:

Following a significant brain injury some people may occasionally (as may occur following a stroke) develop central pain, also known as neuropathic pain.  This has most commonly been reported in association with damage to the thalamus, brainstem, subcortical white matter and cerebral cortex.  Neuropathic pain means that abnormal sensations (dysaesthesia) are experienced by the person. They experience pain/discomfort in association with:

• Stimuli which do not normally cause pain e.g. light touch, sensations of hot/cold.
• Increased sensitivity to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia).
• Abnormal sensations (dysaesthesia).

How to Help:

• A clear management plan is required. This is best supported by professionals with relevant experience e.g. brain injury specialist, pain management specialist, Clinical Psychologist.
• Provide reassurance and explanation.
• It can be helpful to remove obvious irritants such as clothing labels.
• Encouraging the person to be as independent as possible during care procedures may be helpful in symptom management.
• Do not startle or surprise the person by suddenly touching them, brushing their hair or commencing a personal care activity without prior warning: tell the person what you are going to do before you do it and show them the relevant items (hairbrush, flannel etc).
• Try to reduce the impact of mental health difficulties e.g. high levels of anxiety.
• A desensitisation programme of controlled and increasing exposure to the uncomfortable stimuli is likely to be the most effective treatment. However if cognitive difficulties are a significant contributory factor, then an alternative management approach may be required. Seek specialist advice e.g. from brain injury specialist, pain management specialist, Clinical Psychologist.

Touch and tactile neuropathic pain sensitivity are set by corticospinal projections

Sensory impairment: causes and types

What is it?

Sensory impairment is the inability to correctly perceive irritations emanating from the environment or from one’s own tissues and organs.

Why does this happen?

Sensory disorders have several causes. The main reason is structural disorders in the central and peripheral parts of the nervous system. Such disorders include tumors, trauma, insufficient blood supply, primary atrophy of nerve fibers, etc.In addition, sensory disturbances can occur with certain mental illnesses.

Some types of sensitivity disorders

Analgesia – loss of pain sensitivity. It is typical for many diseases and traumatic lesions of the nervous system.

Thermal anesthesia – loss of temperature sensitivity

Hypesthesia – Desensitization

Hyperesthesia – hypersensitivity.At the same time, the place and nature of the impact (cold, touch, etc.) is felt correctly.

Hyperalgesia – excessive pain sensitivity.

Polyesthesia – a single irritation is perceived as multiple. Possible sign of damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.

Allocheiria – the patient localizes irritation not in the place of its application, but in symmetrical areas on the opposite side.

Dysesthesia – perverted perception of receptor attachment (for example, cold can be perceived as tingling, painful irritation as warmth).

Paresthesias – spontaneously arising sensations of numbness, tingling, “creeping creeps”, constriction, burning. Usually short-term.

Hyperpathy – the appearance of a sharp feeling of unpleasantness when irritated. It is characterized by an increase in the threshold of perception of stimuli (hypesthesia), lack of precise localization of irritation (an unpleasant sensation captures an entire area), a long latency period and a long aftereffect period (perception lags behind in time from irritation, an unpleasant sensation persists for a long time after the stimulus stops acting).

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made upon examination of the patient. If signs of a sensitivity disorder appear, a neurologist should be consulted to find the cause of this disorder.

Sources

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• Mboua Batoum V., Ngo Um Meka E., Essiben F., Robinson ME. Perineal body length and prevention of perineal lacerations during delivery in cameroonian primigravid patients.// Int J Gynaecol Obstet – 2021 – Vol – NNULL – p .; PMID: 33404071
• El-Shafaey ES. Reconstruction of third-degree perineal lacerations in female camels (Camelus dromedarius) using a modified Goetz one-stage repair technique. // J Vet Med Sci – 2021 – Vol83 – N2 – p. 195-200; PMID: 33116026
• Ochiai AM., Araújo NM., Moraes SDTA., Caroci-Becker A., ​​Sparvoli LG., Teixeira TT., Carvalho RR. The use of non-surgical glue to repair perineal first-degree lacerations in normal birth: A non-inferiority randomized trial.// Women Birth – 2020 – Vol – NNULL – p .; PMID: 33071207
• Rocha BDD., Zamberlan C., Pivetta HMF., Santos BZ., Antunes BS. Upright positions in childbirth and the prevention of perineal lacerations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. // Rev Esc Enferm USP – 2020 – Vol54 – NNULL – p.e03610; PMID: 32935765
• Hawkins NN., Lamon AM., Li YJ., Grotegut C., Habib AS. Analgesic use after vaginal delivery in women with perineal lacerations: a retrospective cohort study. // Curr Med Res Opin – 2020 – Vol36 – N6 – p.1009-1013; PMID: 32268793
• Romina S., Ramezani F., Falah N., Mafi M., Ranjkesh F. Effect of Perineal Massage with Ostrich Oil on the Episiotomy and Lacerations in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. // Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res – 2020 – Vol25 – N2 – p.134-138; PMID: 32195159
• Nygaard CC., Tsiapakidou S., Pape J., Falconi G., Betschart C., Pergialiotis V., Doumouchtsis SK. Appraisal of clinical practice guidelines on the management of obstetric perineal lacerations and care using the AGREE II instrument.// Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol – 2020 – Vol247 – NNULL – p.66-72; PMID: 32070848
• Frietman SK., Compagnie E., Stout TAE., Jonker FH., Ter Braake F. Single-stage reconstruction of third-degree perineal lacerations in horses under general anesthesia: Utrecht repair method. // Vet Surg – 2019 – Vol48 – N7 – p.1299-1308; PMID: 31282055

Skin sensitivity: psychological phenomenon or real state

Sensitive skin

Almost everyone knows that skin can be sensitive .Various products for sensitive skin take pride of place on the shelves of stores, pharmacies and beauty salons: from cleansing foams to protective creams, not to mention serums, tonics, concentrates, mistas, fluids, masks and God knows what else.

Physiological or psychological phenomenon?

Oddly enough, for researchers the phenomenon of sensitive skin does not seem as studied and understandable as for ordinary customers cosmetics . It turns out that the very question of the existence of “special sensitivity” of the skin is still in question! Interestingly, it is precisely those signs that many consider typical in order to define the skin as sensitive that scientists consider very doubtful for diagnosis, primarily because they are often not accompanied by any objective changes in the characteristics of the skin, either at the tissue or at the cellular level. …Simply put, the sensations can be unpleasant, constant and even cause severe discomfort. For example, a sensation of tightness of the skin, itching and burning, dryness, up to soreness is considered characteristic.

However, if an objective diagnosis is carried out using instruments and equipment, in the overwhelming majority of cases it turns out that the main indicators of skin health are normal: the loss of skin moisture is not increased, the level of skin moisture may be normal, and there are no signs of inflammation.

Thus, the researchers have a question: is the “skin sensitivity” a psychological rather than physiological phenomenon? This is indirectly confirmed by the fact that in developed countries the prevalence of “ skin sensitivity ” is much higher than in countries where the standard of living is lower. In particular, skin sensitivity is most common among women living in Japan, but in African countries, women are much less likely to notice such sensations. It should be noted that the researchers collected statistics by conducting surveys of the population in different countries, and the results of these surveys reflect not so much an objective picture as how people themselves assess the condition of their skin.Many cosmetologists say that almost all of their clients consider their skin to be sensitive, but professionals do not always consider their opinion to be justified.

Sensitivity scale

In order to objectively assess the degree of skin sensitivity (as far as possible), it is proposed to use the sensitivity scale proposed by the French neurophysiologist Laurent Misery. The scale consists of ten different sensations, the intensity of which must be assessed on a ten-point scale (if the sensation is uncharacteristic, the point is assessed at 0 points).After calculating the total number of points, an assessment is made: up to 20 points – resistant skin, 20-60 points – sensitive skin, above 60 points – most likely, additional examination is needed to identify diseases of the skin or nervous system.

Misery scale

1. Skin irritation
2. Tingling sensation
3. Burning
4. Feeling warm
5. Sense of constriction
6. Itching
7. Pain
8. General discomfort
9. Feeling of rush of blood
10. Redness

In some guidelines, signs of skin hypersensitivity also include puffiness, various types of rashes and peeling of the skin, but most modern researchers recommend that these signs be treated with caution, since they indicate, first of all, a violation of the protective abilities of the skin.Disruption of the functioning of the skin barrier (or protective mantle, as it is also called), in turn, leads to the appearance of vivid sensations of discomfort, which are secondary.

Close connection with the nervous system

The study of the “microcosm” of the skin in recent years has led to interesting discoveries. Probably the most significant of these is that the researchers were able to establish that the functioning of each skin cell is under the direct and immediate influence of the nervous system, and the skin cells, in turn, continuously signal the nervous system about what is happening on the surface.We can say that a person is a kind of “spaceship”, the casing of which constantly receives signals, transforms them and transfers them to the control system, which responds to this flow of information with a stream of decisions. As the same Professor Misery once said, “the skin and the nervous system are twins, separated in the process of development, suffering in separation and constantly exchanging telegrams.”

This closeness of the nervous system and skin is explained by the fact that in the embryonic period they represent a single plate – the ectoderm, which at about the third week of development is divided into two parts, the external (future skin) and internal (future nervous system), in addition, from some sense organs are also formed there.

In a sense, the skin is the outermost part of the nervous system, and we literally live with bare nerves. Experiments on skin irritation with lactic acid, carried out under the control of magnetic resonance of the brain, showed that in people who considered their skin sensitive, the focus of excitation in case of damage to the skin with acid is localized in a different part of the brain, compared with people who consider their skin to be sensitive. the skin is “normal”. This probably explains the difference in sensations in the absence of objective changes in the skin: different areas of the brain perceive sensations coming from the skin surface in different ways.It is possible that the discomfort that we consider “skin sensitivity” is not a defect in the “skin”, but in the “control system”, and it is likely that this is a genetic trait that we simply inherit.

Influence of the microbiome

Another theory that is now actively discussed by the international scientific community is the impact of changes in the microbiome on various indicators of skin health. In particular, a change in the microbiome (a complex of microorganisms that populate the surface of the skin) can be the cause of the development and increased sensitivity of the skin (however, a change in the microbiome may also be a consequence – science has not yet said the last word here).

Possible causes

Why is skin sensitivity more common in developed countries? To some extent, attention to this kind of sensation is a sign of a prosperous life and the absence of serious discomfort, such as pain or serious problems, in addition, the constant mention of “skin sensitivity” in advertising and the press can also affect the prevalence. Even this article will surely make many readers think that their skin may be sensitive and, perhaps, will lead to the next time when asked “Do you have sensitive skin?” they will answer “of course” (not the fact that this will be true, since an objective diagnosis of sensitivity is still very difficult and not sufficiently objective).

It is possible to enumerate for a long time the factors that can lead to an increase in the sensitivity of the skin: stress, mechanical irritation, a feeling of coldness or vice versa, strong heat, changes in air humidity, the presence of damaging substances in the air or water (in particular, particulate matter, dioxins and other substances with free radical activity, the amount of which in the air reflects the level of industrial pollution of the environment). All these factors, in general, lead to a deterioration in the protective properties of the skin, as a result of which inflammation, a tendency to rapid loss of moisture, lipid deficiency, etc. can develop.which in turn leads to discomfort and the fact that the skin begins to sharply respond to the usual stimuli.

For example, in this state, “allergic” reactions to cosmetics, including those that have not previously caused allergies, are characteristic. Such incidents reflect, among other things, the involvement of the immune system, the cells of which are present in the skin, including in its surface layers and, of course, are involved in all the processes that take place.

Special care

The main practical question, which is interesting to both cosmetologists and people who simply use cosmetics: do you need any “products for sensitive skin” or is it just another marketing ploy? Despite all of the above, we can confidently say – yes, if your skin is sensitive according to the Misery scale, then it needs special care.

The concept of care for sensitive skin has several basic principles:

1. Gentle cleansing, without the use of aggressive surfactants, without destroying the natural protective layer of the skin.
2. Use of vaso-strengthening and anti-inflammatory ingredients in daily care products (Asian centella extract, horse chestnut, red grape peel and others).
3. Use of moisturizers based on large molecular ingredients (plant collagen, carrageenan, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc.)etc.)
4. Use of protective creams that provide the required degree of occlusion – that is, suppress the evaporation of moisture from the skin surface. They can contain both vegetable oils (sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, argan oil and others), as well as mineral oil.
5. As sunscreens, it is recommended to choose those based on physical protection (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, polymers).
6. It is not recommended to use products with a pronounced stimulating effect (including those labeled as “anti-aging”), as well as containing essential oils or artificial fragrances and dyes.
7. It is not recommended to use in daily care products containing hydroxy acids (fruit acids), as well as retinol derivatives.

Of course, maintaining psycho-emotional comfort is also important. An important factor in this is what is called a “healthy lifestyle”, which implies adequate sleep, daily physical activity, a certain satisfaction in professional and personal life, a nutritious and healthy diet.

It should be noted that “healthy eating” is not always equivalent to “diet” or any special dietary restrictions.It is quite enough to maintain the required level of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) in the diet, making additional adjustments for vitamins and minerals if necessary.

In addition, against the background of a variety of diets, which in most cases are unbalanced, and often even unsafe, the skin condition suffers quite often and sometimes is quite significant. In particular, when fat is limited, dry skin often develops, and with a deficiency of carbohydrates, the skin can look tired and lifeless, while both conditions can be accompanied by increased sensitivity and irritability of the skin, inflammation and even acne against the background of diet and psycho-emotional stress.

Tiina Orasmäe-Meder, cosmetologist, developer of Meder Beauty Science (Switzerland), author of the books “Beauty myths. The whole truth about Botox, stem cells, organic cosmetics and much more ”,“ The science of beauty: what cosmetics really consist of ”.

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90,000 Increased sensitivity of the teeth. How to be?

One of the most frequent complaints that patients come to us with is a complaint of painful sensations, and sometimes quite severe pain when eating hot or cold, sour or sweet, and sometimes even with any touch to the teeth.

Dentists call this condition “enamel hypersthesia”, or tooth hypersensitivity.

Hypersthesia can affect one or more teeth or spread to the entire dentition. It can manifest itself in the form of mild discomfort or cause real suffering when even inhaled cold air causes pain.

As a rule, this is a very short-term pain that lasts a few seconds, however, it significantly complicates life.

What to do if you experience symptoms that indicate tooth sensitivity? See your dentist immediately.

The doctor will determine whether the unpleasant sensations are symptoms of caries, periodontitis and other dental diseases, having cured which, you will forget about hypersensitivity.

The fact is that such diseases lead to damage and thinning of the tooth enamel, and it ceases to perform its protective function.

In case of periodontitis, for example, the gum drops and the neck of the tooth or even the part of the root that is not protected by enamel is exposed.It is these areas that react to stimuli, causing pain.

In case of tooth injuries, cracks, chips, the integrity of the tooth tissues is also violated, which causes sensitivity.

Wedge-shaped defect – a small V-shaped depression on the outer surface of the tooth near the gum – also gives a fairly strong hyperesthesia.

In case of malocclusion, the enamel of the tooth may become thinner, as the chewing load is incorrectly distributed. The same thing happens with bruxism – teeth grinding in sleep.

With improper teeth whitening or abuse of whitening pastes and gels, as well as the use of very hard toothbrushes and improper teeth brushing techniques, there is a high probability of developing hypersensitivity.

However, in addition to dental problems, enamel hyperesthesia can be associated with general diseases of the body, for example, with endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders, psychoneurosis, etc. Here you will be helped by consultations of other specialized specialists.However, to begin to find out the cause of hypersensitivity of the teeth should be with the dentist.

One of the most effective methods that dentists use to reduce the sensitivity of teeth is remotherapy – restoration of the enamel structure by saturating it with minerals. For this use:

– applications from preparations with Ca and F salts,

– F-containing varnishes.

Special mention should be made of the topic of tooth sensitivity in pregnant women. Often it occurs during this period, since the changes accompanied by pregnancy have an adverse effect.Our advice is to talk to your dentist. Get oral care recommendations and follow them carefully. Pay attention to your diet. Fewer sweets, foods “irritating” teeth, more foods with calcium and fluoride content. Take calcium supplements and vitamin complexes.

In most cases, tooth sensitivity goes away after childbirth.

So, with a tendency and in order to prevent hypersensitivity of the teeth, follow a number of simple recommendations.

1. Do not use bleaching products at home for a long time. When choosing among professional whitening techniques, give preference to laser whitening.

2. Use care products designed for sensitive teeth, such as “Sensitive”, “Sensodyne”. Toothbrushes are best used with a soft or medium hardness.

3. Enrich your diet with foods rich in calcium and fluoride: lactic acid foods, hard cheeses, seaweed, fish, liver.

And here are the products, the use of which causes thinning of the enamel: fruits and juices containing a large amount of acid, sweets, coffee, carbonated drinks.

Well, and the most important advice: for any discomfort in your teeth, contact your dentist.

90,000 Increased sensitivity: what are the benefits?

From that moment on, I was able to accept myself and understand that my features are both a gift and a source of vulnerability. I learned a lot! For example, I often began to arrange “dates with myself”, carefully studying myself, learning to be more balanced.I know that taking care of myself is my responsibility and I take it seriously, training my self-discipline even more.

I also understood the importance of cleansing. Because I can feel the emotions and feelings of other people so strongly, they seem to accumulate in my body. I learned to cleanse my body, mind and soul of this, instead of keeping them in me and getting attached to them. I am happy that I am a woman with heightened emotional sensitivity, and I am ready to share this gift with the world.Why do I call this feature an awesome gift? Here are 19 advantages of highly sensitive people:

1. They have a very strong intuition.

2. They have developed emotional empathy – they understand well what the other person thinks and feels.

3. They are great at listening.

4. They notice flaws and gaps in various systems.

5. They are generous and thoughtful.

6. They are responsible and reliable.

7. They are ready to talk openly about what others are afraid to talk about.

8. They are spiritually developed.

9. They are close to nature.

10. They are good at noticing emotional imbalances in relationships in families, between partners or friends, in various groups and teams.

11. They have a developed sense of beauty.

12. Fairness is important to them.

13. They have fast thinking.

14. They can analyze problems instantly.

15. They are innovators.

16. They have a special understanding of harmony – in colors, sounds, music.

17. They are often very talented in one or more areas.

18. They have developed deep emotional ties with friends, partners, relatives, nature, animals and the whole world.

19. They are usually very devoted.

This all sounds great. But it often happens that highly sensitive people who have not yet had time to realize all the benefits of their gift really suffer from it. And at the same time they put themselves in the position of the victim.

How to stop feeling like a victim?

First of all, understand that you have such a personal feature. It must be recognized and accepted. You need to learn more about yourself and your characteristics, show curiosity in order to better understand yourself.Learn to treat yourself with compassion and care.

Establish a connection with that vulnerable part of yourself, which is associated with increased sensitivity. Accept your vulnerability and recognize that it is a valuable gift. When taking it, do not forget to take care of yourself, taking into account your characteristics. It is important to take responsibility for your life, to maintain an energy balance. I hope that most highly sensitive people will be able to perceive their characteristics not as a curse, but as a gift that is worth sharing with the world!

Why do teeth need nerves? Why is toothache so excruciating?

Why are there nerves in our teeth? And most importantly, why are they capable of producing such severe pain, which can rarely be compared with pain anywhere else in the human body?

Strictly speaking, pain is a defensive response that ranges from mild sensitivity to acute pain.It is necessary to inform the body that something is wrong with it. Tooth pain is caused by a reaction of the nerves inside the tooth chamber where the pulp is located.

The ancient man hunted, ate rough food, so he could easily break a tooth, and several broken teeth already put him in an extremely vulnerable position and increased the risk of becoming someone’s dinner. But back to modern realities. Is toothache then a rudimentary remnant of past stages of development, and now it is not necessary? Of course not.The inflammatory process in the tooth and nearby tissues affects the body as a whole, which means it is potentially dangerous to life and health. For example, untreated teeth with chronic inflammation lead to a number of serious cardiovascular diseases. And during pregnancy, a dentist is the first doctor after a gynecologist to whom it is worth making an appointment, since untreated teeth affect immunity, on which the favorable course of pregnancy depends. Therefore, from the point of view of evolution, a strong toothache, which forces us to do everything to get rid of it, is still necessary for us to survive.

Types of toothache and treatment strategies

We will give a list of alarming signals that, due to the presence of nerves, can make us understand that there are problems with our teeth and we should not hesitate to go to the dentist.

Slight sensitivity, discomfort, close to pain

Symptom: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

This can be caused by: incipient caries on one of the teeth, the use of a hard toothbrush and whitening pastes, a recent teeth whitening procedure.In addition, it can be an individual trait that is genetically determined.

What to do: If tooth enamel is too sensitive, keep it clean and avoid the formation of stubborn plaque and tartar. Use an extra soft toothbrush, but no more than twice a day. If more frequent hygiene is required, use a mild rinse aid. Also try a fluoride toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.You can use the remineralizing gel as a compress by rubbing it into the surface of the tooth. If after all these actions the sensitivity does not go away, make an appointment at the dental clinic.

Read also:

Anesthesia in pediatric dentistry

Bruxism: Interesting Facts, Possible Causes and Treatment

Sensitivity and mild soreness after treatment of the tooth (s)

Symptoms: Sensitivity to food intake and reaction to cold air after dental treatment.

This can be caused by: the treatment leads to tooth sensitivity due to mechanical action on the tooth – this is normal.

What to do: This sensitivity can last for several days. However, if a tooth has recently been extracted or the canals of a tooth with severe chronic inflammation are sealed, full recovery can take up to two weeks. In this case, you can use conventional over-the-counter pain relievers. If pain persists or gets worse, see the doctor who treated you.

Pain and discomfort when biting off solid food

Symptom: sharp pain when biting or other strong pressure on the tooth.

This can be caused by: deep caries, pulpitis, a crack in the tooth.

What to do: Get a physical exam to find out the cause before the pain worsens and becomes unbearable. If the pain is caused by an inflammation of the pulp, then it is necessary to treat and fill the canals. As for the crack caused by traumatic damage to the tooth, the elimination of the consequences will depend on the depth and location of the crack.

Sharp and prolonged pain when eating cold and hot food

Symptoms: Prolonged pain after exposure to hot and cold food.

This can be caused: most likely, this means that the pulp is severely inflamed. Usually as a result of deep tooth decay or physical injury.

What to do: It is necessary to diagnose problems in the dentist’s chair before the pain becomes severe due to the development of an abscess.The tooth will likely require root canal treatment.

Acute and persistent pain, the source of which (specific tooth) is difficult to identify

Symptom: Constant pain in one part of the mouth, but it is difficult to tell which tooth is causing the problem. Usually, patients say that one of the teeth on the lower jaw on the right hurts.

It can be caused by: the pulp or periodontal tissue is highly infected and inflamed. This is usually a response to tooth decay that has reached the nerve.

What to do: Make an appointment with your doctor immediately! Once the problem tooth is numbed, treating the root canal to remove the infected pulp tissue will bring relief and preserve the tooth. Without treatment, the pain will get worse every day.

Acute pain and swelling of the gums

Symptom: constant severe pain that does not go away even with the action of pain medications, swelling of the gums and sensitivity to touch.

It can be caused by: There is an infection in the tooth that has spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.

What to do: See your doctor immediately! In addition to root canal treatment, you will likely need special medications to help minimize symptoms while you are undergoing treatment.

Output

With regards to toothache, the main thing to remember are two things. First, pain is a signal that tells us that something is serious. Secondly, the pain tends to get worse and never just goes away.It can only temporarily become less acute, but soon it will return with renewed vigor. Therefore, postponing a visit to the dentist is at least inappropriate.

90,000 Scientists conducted a study of erogenous zones in men and women from Europe and Africa

Why does caressing the neck or ear lead to more arousal than touching the nose, and why is it believed that there are fewer erogenous zones in men than in women? Scientists from Bangor University (UK) tried to answer this question.

The distribution of erogenous zones in the human body is a topic that has long been of interest to scientists and is quickly picked up by popular tabloids. “Cosmopolitan magazine has conducted superficial research on this issue for many years. But we wanted to answer the question why touching the neck is interesting and the forehead not very much, although both zones have similar nerve endings, ”says Oliver Turnball, author of the study published in the journal Cortex . In the 1990s, a theory appeared explaining the presence of erogenous zones, remote from the genitals, by the fact that a common part of the brain – the somatosensory cortex (S1) – is responsible for them.However, full-scale studies based on a large amount of experimental data on the distribution of erogenous zones and their sensitivity have not yet appeared in the world scientific literature.

September 10 13:41

The study was conducted among 800 people from the UK and South Africa who completed the questionnaire.

In total, 304 men and 489 women took part in the study (average age – 25 years).

Among them 84% indicated their heterosexual orientation, 4.8% were homosexuals and 5.9% were bisexuals. Each of the respondents was asked to rate the sensitivity of one of 41 body parts on a 10-point scale, including the forehead, lips, fingers, abdomen, navel, genitals, knees, feet and other places.

The average results showed that in women the maximum number of points (9.17) was scored by the clitoris; chest – 7.35 points, and the least sensitive were the nose and elbow (0.16).In men, as expected, the top line of the ranking was taken by the genital organ (9), the lips (7), the back of the head were in second place, and, for example, the knees were at the very bottom of the list (0.32). According to scientists, the fact that women indicated an average of six body parts, the sensitivity of which on a ten-point scale they rated at six or more points, and men – only two, generally confirms the opinion that women have more erogenous zones. It turned out that the back, back of the neck, thighs, lips and shoulders are on average more sensitive in women than in men.But the only place that in men turned out to be subjectively more sensitive (4.8 versus 3.0) than in women was the perineum.

One of the main findings was that three quarters of the respondents attributed the legs and knees, in particular, a minimum or zero rating.

This is in line with past scientific theories that different parts of the brain are responsible for sensing the legs and genitals.“Most people think that women’s bodies are made up of only erogenous zones, while men have only one, the most obvious,” says Turnboll. – However, it is not. They are about the same, with a slight preponderance (sensitivity) for women. ”

Another surprise was the high level of correlation: the picture of the sexual sensitivity of the body is approximately the same for people of different ages, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, nationality or race. “We found that all of us, residents of at least two continents, have approximately the same erogenous zones – you are white or black, middle-aged or young, you are a middle-class woman sitting in a London office, or you are gay living in African village.It is stitched, built into us and does not depend on cultural differences or life experience, ”the scientist believes.

The whole truth about cataract surgery

What happens before the operation?

Before the operation, it is necessary to undergo eye examinations and some tests in a week or two. These tests may include measuring visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal parameters, the size and shape of your eye, ultrasound examination of the eyes, calculating the refractive power of an artificial lens, and, if indicated, a study of visual fields.This information helps the physician select the correct intraocular lens type and suggest the best one for your needs.

In most cases, the operation is performed under local anesthesia with drops and does not require special training, as in the case of anesthesia. On the day of surgery, you can easily have breakfast, take daily pills to correct blood pressure or antihyperglycemic drugs.

What happens during the operation?

In the ophthalmological clinic, when preparing the eye for surgery, drops will be injected into the eye to dilate the pupil, an antibacterial drug, drops that remove the sensitivity of the eye to pain, and reduce the level of intraocular pressure according to indications.The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed.

The operation usually takes about 15-20 minutes and is practically painless. The patient is conscious during the operation, but does not feel pain.

The eye is treated with an antiseptic solution, two or three small punctures are made to insert the instruments, the cloudy lens is destroyed by ultrasound and removed from the eye. A capsule of the native lens remains in place, into which an artificial soft lens is inserted in a folded form and installed in it.The inner chamber of the eye is washed, the punctures are checked for leaks. At the end of the operation, an antibiotic is instilled.

After the operation, a protective bandage will be applied to your eye. You will get some rest, and the caring medical staff will look after any problems. Most people who have cataract surgery can return home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.

What happens after the surgery?

Itching, fog, foreign body sensation, watery eyes and mild discomfort are normal on the first day after cataract surgery.Your eye can be sensitive to light and touch. If you have any discomfort, your doctor may suggest treatment. Moderate discomfort should disappear after one or two days.

Within a few weeks after your surgery, your doctor will recommend that you use eye drops to help heal and reduce the risk of infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your eye drops, how often to use them, and what effects they might have. You will need to wear goggles to protect your eyes.Try not to rub or press on your eyes.

When you are at home, try not to bend below your waist to lift objects on the floor. Do not lift heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs and do light household chores, watch TV, cook food, take a shower.

In most cases, treatment will be completed within 4-6 weeks. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up exam to check the healing process and adapt to life with an artificial lens.

Can problems develop after surgery?

Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur.These problems can include infection, bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, high or low eye pressure. With timely treatment and treatment, these problems can usually be successfully treated and permanent vision loss avoided.

Sometimes the capsule that covers the IOL becomes cloudy and can cloud your vision. This condition is called secondary cataract.