Changes in Tactile Perception in People With Segmental Exclusion Syndrome

Segmental exclusion syndrome is characterised by the non-use or under-use of a limb segment, most oftenly reported in the distal part, following an injury, without affecting the central nervous system. This syndrome has an important negative impact on the daily life of affected subjects; however, it remains poorly studied, particularly in terms of pathophysiology, and its management is still not specific. Currently, the main pathophysiological hypothesis is an alteration of the afferences related to a dysfunction of the sensorimotor loop. An hypothesis is that this dysfunction could concern the level of tactile perception and that the damage to the distal light touch receptors could play a role in the pathophysiology. The protocol is based on the performance of tests that explore different aspects of light touch: passive, active, dynamic and static sensitivity.

Inclusion Criteria:No history of upper limb involvementConfirmed diagnosis of segmental exclusion > 3 months after injury (2 items assigned to 400 points)Able to understand simple ordersExclusion Criteria:Central neurological involvement after the initial or pre-existing injuryTruncal nerve damagePresence of psychiatric pathologyCommunication and/or comprehension disordersPresence of other pathology that may lead to sensory disorders (complicated diabetes, ductal syndrome, ...)