Reduced sensation is caused by damage to the areas of the brain which receive information about sensation. The person’s awareness of sensory stimuli (e.g. pain, temperature, pressure) may be reduced or absent.
Risks include:
- The person may be at risk of burns e.g. when running hot water, eating or sitting to close to a heater.
- The person may be unaware when a limb has fallen into a poor position or has become trapped e.g. between bed rails.
- The person may lack awareness of the need to change their position thus putting them at risk of developing pressure areas.
How to Help:
Help the person with sensory impairment and those supporting them to be aware of the risks associated with reduced/absent sensation and to implement measures to minimise the risks. It is important to regularly check the affected areas for abrasions, wounds etc.