allesthesia
Pronunciation: al-es-THEE-zee-ah
Condition where tactile stimuli applied to one side of the body are perceived on the opposite side.
Full Definition
Allesthesia is a rare neurological phenomenon where sensory stimuli, particularly tactile sensations, are perceived as occurring on the opposite side of the body from where they were actually applied. This condition typically results from parietal lobe lesions and can significantly impact spatial awareness and body schema. In neuropsychological assessment, allesthesia may be discovered during sensory testing and can provide important localizing information about brain dysfunction. The condition can interfere with rehabilitation efforts and daily functioning, making accurate identification crucial for treatment planning.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with other sensory disturbances; specify the directional nature of the misperception in reports.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited allesthesia during tactile testing, consistently localizing touch stimuli to the left hand when applied to the right." — Neuropsychological assessment report
- "Allesthesia was noted as a contributing factor to the patient's difficulty with bilateral coordination tasks." — Rehabilitation planning document