Tactile Amnesia is a condition where one loses their ability to recognize or recall past tactile sensations. The spelling of this term is fairly straightforward, with "tactile" pronounced as /ˈtæktaɪl/ (tack-tile) and "amnesia" pronounced as /æmˈniːziə/ (am-nee-zhuh). The word "tactile" refers to anything related to the sense of touch, while "amnesia" is a medical term for memory loss. Together, the term describes a loss of touch memory, which can be caused by various neurological disorders or injuries.
Tactile amnesia refers to a temporary or permanent loss of the ability to recall or recognize tactile (touch) sensations. It is a condition that affects an individual's ability to remember or accurately perceive the sensations that result from physical contact with objects or surfaces. Tactile amnesia can manifest as the inability to recognize objects by touch, to remember recent tactile experiences, or to accurately perceive sensations such as pain, temperature, or texture.
The condition can arise from various underlying causes, including traumatic brain injuries, neurological disorders, or damage to the sensory pathways responsible for processing tactile information. Additionally, certain psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or dissociation may contribute to impaired tactile recognition or memory.
Individuals experiencing tactile amnesia may exhibit difficulties in performing everyday tasks that rely on touch, such as identifying common objects, navigating their environment, or even experiencing personal touch in social interactions. They may struggle to remember recent touch-related experiences or may have a distorted perception of tactile stimuli.
Treatment for tactile amnesia typically involves addressing underlying medical or psychological conditions, if present. Rehabilitation techniques, including sensory retraining, cognitive therapies, and memory recall exercises, may be employed to help restore tactile recognition and memory. In some cases, assistive technologies or adaptive strategies may also be recommended to compensate for the loss of tactile sensation.
Astereognosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
“Tactile amnesia” is a phrase that combines two distinct terms: "tactile" and "amnesia".
1. Tactile: The word "tactile" is derived from the Latin word "tactilis", which means "able to be touched" or "tangible". It ultimately stems from the verb "tangere", meaning "to touch". The English word "tactile" was first recorded in the early 17th century and refers to something related to or perceived through the sense of touch.
2. Amnesia: The word "amnesia" originates from the Ancient Greek term "amnēsía", derived from "amnēsthai", meaning "to forget". The Greek term was later borrowed into Latin and then into English. Amnesia refers to a partial or complete loss of memory, often resulting from brain injury, trauma, or psychological causes.