Abstract
Symptoms of stroke hemiplegia include motor and sensory disturbances, however, sensory disturbances are not easy to demonstrate. It is also hypothesized that sensory disturbances cause deterioration of motor disability. Therefore, the clinical measurement of sensation is essential to the treatment and the rehabilitation program. We tried to evaluate sensory testing, using tips of compasses for pain and two point discrimination, a thermometer (0C and 50C Sammi, Ufuseiki Co.) for tactile discrimination and tonometer for vibration sensation. Abilities to identify and to orientate the middle finger and the third toe were also examined.
More patients responded to the stimulation of pain and vibration compared to that of thermesthesia. The misconception of identification and orientation were noted bilaterally among patients who were rather resistant to the treatment. Many patients with putaminal hemorrhage suffering from disturbances of somatic sensation such as pain and thermesthesia, ameriolated their walking ability after rehabilitation therapy.
We conclude that the evaluation and the improvement of sensory disturbances should be essential parts of the rehabilitation medicine.
