Astereognosis
Pronunciation: ay-ster-ee-og-NO-sis
Inability to identify objects through touch alone despite intact tactile sensation.
Full Definition
Astereognosis is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize objects through tactile manipulation alone, despite preserved basic touch sensation. This form of tactile agnosia results from damage to the parietal cortex, particularly areas involved in tactile processing and spatial awareness. Patients can feel that an object is present and may detect its basic properties like temperature or texture, but cannot identify what the object is without visual input. In rehabilitation, astereognosis significantly impacts functional hand use and requires specific retraining techniques focusing on tactile discrimination and compensatory visual strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from general tactile loss; sensation is present but recognition is impaired.
In Context
- "Astereognosis in the dominant hand required extensive tactile retraining and visual compensation strategies." — Occupational therapy assessment
- "The patient's astereognosis made coin recognition impossible during fine motor testing." — Sensory evaluation report