Puutumata

Puutumata is a Finnish term used to describe a state in which there is no numbness or loss of sensation. It denotes that somatic perception is preserved in a region or throughout the body, indicating intact sensory function.

In clinical contexts, puutumata is commonly employed in neurological or dermatological examinations to indicate that touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception are perceived normally by the patient. It is typically contrasted with puutunut or puutumassa, which denote numbness or diminished sensation, respectively. The term can also appear in patient notes to describe the absence of numbness after procedures such as anesthesia or after injuries when normal sensation is expected to return.

Etymology and related terms: Puutumata derives from the Finnish noun puutuma, meaning numbness or loss of sensation, with a suffix that forms an adjective describing a state. Related terms include puutuminen (numbness), puutunut (numb), and puutumattomuus (absence of numbness). In everyday Finnish, puutumata may be used more broadly to indicate a lack of tingling or sensory disruption, though its primary use is medical.

Limitations and usage notes: As a specialized clinical descriptor, puutumata should be used carefully to avoid ambiguity. It is most informative when paired with details about which modalities were tested (touch, pain, temperature, proprioception) and in what region of the body the sensation was assessed.

See also: numbness, sensory examination, neurology, Finnish medical terminology.