Peripheral sensory neuropathy
- Peripheral sensory neuropathy
- Dr. Tonie Kline has suggested that here is some evidence that children and adults who have Cornelia de Lange Syndrome might have a peripheral sensory neuropathy. This means that the peripheral nervous system, that part of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord that is associated with pain and sensation amongst other things, might not be sending the right signals to the brain. Given that for many children and adults the upper limbs do not develop properly it would not be surprising if the peripheral nervous system in the arms had also not developed normally. Even if the hands and arms are well-formed it is entirely possible that a peripheral sensory neuropathy is still present.
This disorder can have two important effects that might be relevant to self-injury. First, pain may not be experienced in the ‘normal’ way. Painful stimuli may not be experienced as painful. Secondly, people may experience unusual sensations in their hands and arms. These sensations are described by some people as pins and needles (dysaesthesia) or a mild burning sensation.