Tuntöhäiriö

Tuntöhäiriö, also known as tactile hallucination or formication, is a sensory disturbance characterized by the perception of tactile sensations, such as crawling, biting, stinging, or burning, without any external physical stimulus. These sensations are not imagined in the sense of being a delusion; rather, they are a misinterpretation of sensory input by the brain or a false generation of sensory signals.

This phenomenon can manifest in a variety of medical conditions. It is commonly associated with neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Certain psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and severe depression, can also present with tuntöhäiriö. Additionally, substance use and withdrawal, particularly from opioids, stimulants, and alcohol, are frequent triggers. Metabolic disturbances, such as those related to thyroid function or vitamin deficiencies, and certain infections can also lead to these tactile hallucinations.

The subjective experience of tuntöhäiriö can be distressing, leading to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and compulsive scratching or picking at the skin, which can cause secondary skin damage. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and neurological assessment. Ruling out underlying medical conditions is crucial, and treatment strategies are often directed at the root cause. This may involve medication adjustments, managing the primary illness, or specific treatments for substance withdrawal.