Hi Mella
Thanks for reaching out on EnableMe, I am sorry to hear you are having ongoing issues with sensation changes, this can be quite a common issue following a stroke.
Have you mentioned this to your local doctor or neurologist (if you are still seeing one). This can be a good place to start with any ongoing changes.
Are you currently seeing an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, if so I would recommend speaking with them about your sensation changes. A Physiotherapist can work with you to create a program that addresses the sensation changes and any possible safety concerns they may raise for you. It can also be helpful to reach out to an Occupational Therapist who can work with you on sensory retraining.
Sensory retraining involves concentrating on and exposing your skin to different types of sensory inputs to increase your brains awareness of sensations. This is done repetitively to challenge your brain to relearn how to interpret different types of sensations. You can discuss this with the therapists you see. There are also other options that might be helpful such as thermal stimulation (using hot and cold) If you are not currently seeing any therapists, you might like to talk with your local doctor about whether you are eligible for the chronic conditions management treatment plan. If you are eligible, this would entitle you to 5 sessions of allied health at a Medicare rebated rate. You can then seek a private Physiotherapist and Occupational therapist. If you have private health insurance, there are also some sensory retraining programs available, you are welcome to call StrokeLine and we can discuss this option with you.
If you haven’t already, you might be interested in listening to our Touch and Sensation Podcast, this has some great ideas about management strategies that may help. You may also find the resource page on vision and senses helpful, you can find it here.
You are welcome to give us a call on StrokeLine Ph. 1800 787 653 to talk about more specific strategies that may helpful for you. We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Kind regards
Siobhan (StrokeLine)
Hi Mella,
Here are are some comments from Facebook:
Kane Brad: Tracey Its been 7 yrs since i had mine & i still lack sensory in my right side fingers,toes & side of foot,makes me off balance still & can’t do up small buttons,I’ve had physio,rehab,accupuncture,at home tasks along with just everyday usage. We’re all different,don’t be so hard on yrself.
Jodie Benedick: Hi Mella, I’m not sure if this is relevant, but as part my my husband’s recovery we did a lot of sensory input exercises with his hands and feet, as suggested by his OT in the hospital. This includes things such as running a pen along the outline of his hand and between each finger, from one side of his wrist to the other. They also made a point of telling us to ensure he was watching as we did this to help strengthen the new neural pathways that were being formed. We continue to do some of this with his right foot as he has an unusual sensation between some toes that we’re hoping to reduce. I hope that’s of some help. If you’d like more info I can find the handout we were given to follow.
Jeanette Spencer: Hi Melli, my hubby was given therapy putty and balls to help with his sensory issues. Can buy the putty online.
Karen Bayly: I've done two rounds of Leeanne Carey's SENSe training and can't speak highly enough about the difference it made for me. I'd flag through, it requires a huge amount of concentration and effort. Feeling something when you have no sense of touch, is tough going. I've written blogs and featured in Podcasts on this topic on Enableme if Mella wants to know more.
Annie McCluskey: Leanne Carey’s SENSE program is recruiting people to a study -there are sites in Melbourne, Adelaide & Newcastle. See contact details in the flier for Irene.
Stephanie Potts: Hi Mella. Just wondering if you have tried Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) - it can be helpful in regaining function in people with sensory deficits.
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