stereognosis
Pronunciation: STAIR-ee-og-NO-sis
The ability to identify objects through touch without visual input, often impaired following sensory cortex damage.
Full Definition
Stereognosis refers to the sophisticated sensory ability to recognize and identify three-dimensional objects through tactile exploration alone, without visual cues. This skill requires integration of tactile, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic information in the sensory cortex, particularly the parietal lobe. Impaired stereognosis (astereognosis) commonly occurs following stroke, brain injury, or peripheral nerve damage, significantly affecting functional hand use and activities of daily living. Assessment involves systematic testing with common objects of varying size, shape, and texture. Rehabilitation focuses on graded sensory experiences, tactile discrimination training, and functional activities that promote sensory relearning and compensatory strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Document both intact and impaired sides for comprehensive sensory assessment.
In Context
- "Stereognosis testing revealed significant impairments affecting the patient's ability to identify objects in her purse." — Occupational therapy sensory assessment
- "Treatment emphasized stereognosis retraining through graded tactile experiences and functional object manipulation." — Intervention planning note