What are sensory disorders?

Sensory disorders, also known as sensory disturbances, are disorders in our sensory system. It feels as if there is something in or on our skin that is not actually there. The trigger therefore does not come from outside but purely from a disturbance in our sensory nervous system. Sensitivity disorders can also occur, where external stimuli are perceived as stronger or weaker than normal.

These sensations can occur all over the body and take on various manifestations:

• tingling
• numbness
• itching
• burning sensation
• Electric shock sensation, for example the Lhermitte's sign (an electrifying sensation that is triggered when the neck is bent and runs from the neck through the trunk and possibly into the legs)
• Hypersensitivity and hypersensitivity to temperature
• pain
• MS hug (feeling of pressure or tightness around the upper body)

More disturbing sensations such as tingling and numbness are categorized as paresthesias. More intense and even painful sensations, on the other hand, are called dysesthesias. It is important to note that this is neuropathic pain, i.e. it is caused by problems in the nervous system itself and not the pain receptors in the tissue. This pain is often of a burning or very itchy nature. Pulsating, stabbing and muscular pain are more (but not necessarily) indicative of actual tissue damage. Describe to your doctor exactly what the sensation feels like.

Sensory disorders are generally not life-threatening. Nevertheless, they can have a negative impact on quality of life as they can be unpleasant and painful. In the case of restrictive sensory disorders such as numbness and insensitivity to heat, however, protective reflexes of the affected skin region may be restricted, which can result in injuries or burns.

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Frequency and progression

Sensory disorders and sensory disturbances are caused by disturbances in the sensory system.

The sensory system, known in the medical context as the sensory nervous system, is the nervous system that perceives and processes external stimuli. If these nerve tracts are affected in the course of an MS disease, the transmission of stimuli through the nerve tract is disrupted. The signal no longer reaches the brain correctly and we “feel” a distorted version of the actual perception.

There does not even have to be an external stimulus. A misfiring in a single sensory nerve pathway is enough to report a sensation to our brain that is not actually there.

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Cause of sensory disorders

The cause of sensory disorders and abnormalities is due to disorders in the sensory system. The sensory system, called the sensory nervous system in a medical context, is the nervous system that senses and processes external stimuli. If these nerve tracts are attacked as a result of an MS disease, the transmission of the stimuli through the nerve tract is disrupted. The signal no longer arrives correctly in the brain and we “feel” a falsified version of the actual perception. There does not even have to be any external stimulus for this. A misfire in a single sensory nerve path is enough to report to our brain a sensation that isn't actually there at all.

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Therapeutic approaches

Therapeutic approaches for multiple sclerosis are highly individualized and adapted to the respective symptoms of the patient. Sensory disorders are no different. We have put together a brief overview of the various options for you below. Nevertheless, it is also important to contact your doctor to find out the best treatment option and initiate it if necessary.

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Desensitization of the sense of touch

You can help the affected skin area yourself by stimulating your sense of touch. Try to bring the respective part of the body into contact with different textures. For example, feel or walk over different surfaces, run a hedgehog ball or brush over the area in question, or immerse it in various heat and ice baths. Always be aware that the area in question may not be able to adequately perceive pain and only do what you have already ensured is harmless with an unaffected part of the body.

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Exercise

Some studies have shown that physical exercise such as yoga, water aerobics and endurance sports can relieve paraesthesia. Again, it is important to consider your body's current ability to function, especially if the arms or legs are affected.

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Reduce stress

If the discomfort was caused by momentary stress, you can try to relax your body and mind. How you do this is entirely up to you. This can be a walk, but also meditation, yoga, breathing and relaxation exercises.

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Avoid heat stress

Overheating of the body can also trigger stress, which causes or intensifies symptoms. In this case, the symptoms will subside quickly when your body cools down to normal temperature. You can also encourage this by taking cooling measures such as washing your hands with cold water, using a fan or staying in a cool room. If you notice that stress or heat triggers your discomfort, try to reduce these influences in your everyday life by planning accordingly.

Heat stress can also trigger further symptoms, such as exhaustion and tiredness in MS patients, which may be explained by the Uhthoff phenomenon.

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Remedies

Depending on the location and type of sensory disturbance, aids can also be used. These include, among others

• Compression bandages, which in some cases can transform nerve pain into a feeling of pressure instead of pain
• Protective gloves (e.g. oven gloves), which can prevent burns if the hands are insensitive to heat, e.g. when cooking
• Walking stick, which can make walking easier if you feel numbness in your legs

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Physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Physiotherapy deals with your physical functionality and attempts to stimulate the affected tissues through targeted movements and massages.

Occupational therapy, on the other hand, focuses holistically on you as a person, i.e. it goes beyond physical treatment to also address your everyday life.

Both approaches can be prescribed by your doctor and should be guided by a trained specialist.

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Nutrition

Although a change in diet is not usually helpful in alleviating acute discomfort, it can mitigate the progression of MS in the long term and reduce the frequency of discomfort. We explain how multiple sclerosis can be influenced by diet in this article on anti-inflammatory diet as supportive measure in multiple sclerosis.

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Acceptance and mindfulness exercises

Frequent and permanent discomfort and pain can make it difficult not to be pulled down and to withdraw from everyday life. On the other hand, unpleasant physical and mental feelings appear stronger the more we focus on them.

It can therefore help to accept the condition and focus on positive aspects of your life. Gratitude exercises, the approaches from Acceptor and Commitment Therapy, and conscious time with loved ones or hobbies are a good way to avoid losing yourself in negativity.

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