Sensory Changes After Stroke or Brain injury

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What is this information about?

This information includes:

• how a brain injury can change the way you feel things on your skin and in your body
• common problems this can cause
• tips to help you stay safe and manage these changes.

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you have had a brain injury or stroke, which may have changed how you feel things. Changes to sensation after a brain injury or stroke are very common. It is important to understand these changes so you can take care of yourself, avoid injuries, and improve your movement.

How can a brain injury change my sensation?

A brain injury can change how you feel things on your skin and in your body. This can happen in different ways, such as:

• not feeling touch in some parts of your body
• feeling extra sensitive to touch
• not knowing where your arms or legs are without looking
• feeling strange things like tingling or pins and needles.

How a brain injury or stroke can change the way I feel and move?

After a brain injury or stroke, many people have changes in their feeling. This can make everyday tasks harder. Some common problems are:

• dropping things because you cannot feel them properly
• moving too hard and, or too fast without meaning to
• moving too soft and, or too slow without meaning to
• not knowing what something is just by touching it
• struggling to use your hand when you can’t see it (like brushing your hair or putting on clothes)
• having trouble walking
• getting hurt more easily, like bumping into things or burning yourself.

How can I take care of my affected arm or leg after my injury or stroke?

• Checking your affected arm and/or leg often to see what position they are in
• be gentle when moving your affected arm or leg
• be cautious for risk of burns i.e. checking water temperature with unaffected hand
• check your skin for injuries such as cuts, blisters or red areas
• look at your hand when using it
• use your affected arm or leg if able and safe to
• stay focused and remove distractions when using your affected limb
• follow any exercises your therapist gives you.  These might include moving objects with contrasting textures over your skin to help you re-learn the sensation

Where can I find further information or advice if I need it?

If you need more help or information after reading this, you can:

Contact your therapist or doctor for advice