graphesthesia
Pronunciation: graf-es-THEE-zee-ah
The ability to recognize letters or numbers traced on the skin, testing cortical sensory integration.
Full Definition
Graphesthesia is the neurological ability to recognize letters, numbers, or simple shapes when they are traced on the skin surface, typically on the palm or fingertips. This cortical sensory function requires intact primary tactile sensation and higher-order sensory processing in the parietal cortex. The test is performed by tracing numbers or letters on the patient's palm while their vision is occluded. Impairment of graphesthesia, known as agraphesthesia, indicates dysfunction of the contralateral parietal cortex and is often seen alongside other cortical sensory deficits in parietal lobe lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Ensure primary tactile sensation is intact before testing to avoid confounding results.
In Context
- "Graphesthesia was impaired in the right hand, consistent with left parietal dysfunction." — Cortical sensory testing results
- "Normal graphesthesia bilaterally ruled out significant parietal cortex involvement." — Neurological examination summary