Sensory Dysfunction among Stroke survivors in a Tertiary Rehabilitation Centre

Abstract

Background: Sensory dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked consequence of stroke, significantly impacting motor recovery and functional independence. Understanding the frequency and severity of sensory impairment among stroke survivors in a tertiary rehabilitation setting is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions. Understanding these limitations is crucial for Occupational Therapists to design effective interventions. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sensory impairment in stroke survivors in a tertiary rehabilitation center. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Data were collected through a face-to-face survey of 120 participants receiving rehabilitation service at CRP. The Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (rNSA) tool assessed sensory impairment in face, trunk, upper limb and lower limb of the affected side of the body. SPSS 25 version was used to conduct descriptive analysis, and chi-square, Fisher’s exact test were used for data analysis. Results: The study included 120 participants, majority of the participants were male (72.5%), with a mean age of 54.09 ± 11.166 years. Ischemic stroke (52.5%) was slightly more prevalent than hemorrhagic stroke (47.5%) and left-sided body involvement (53.3%) was more common. The hands and feet had the most noticeable sensory deficits, with the hand having the greatest pinprick impairment (97.5%). Distal parts of the body were more affected than proximal in both upper and lower limbs. The frequency of stereognosis impairment was high (62.5%), especially when it came to coin identification. However, stroke duration, type, and affected side of the body had no significant impact on sensory function. Conclusion: Sensory dysfunction remains a prevalent issue among stroke survivors in rehabilitation settings, impacting their recovery potential. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive sensory assessments and targeted interventions to enhance functional outcomes. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and the efficacy of sensory rehabilitation strategies. Key Words: Sensory dysfunction, Stroke survivors, Rehabilitation, tactile sensation, proprioception, stereognosis.