Agnosia
Alzheimer Disease
Cognitive Training
Corticobasal Degeneration
Stereognosis

Astereognosis

Astereognosis, also known as somatosensory agnosia, is the inability to identify objects through tactile exploration, without visual input. The condition is characterized by an impaired capacity to recognize an object’s size, shape, texture, and weight through somatosensory discrimination, despite the absence of significant basic somatosensory deficits. It contrasts with stereognosis the capacity to recognize an object s shape, size, and texture through touch requiring intact dorsal column medial lemniscus pathways and cortical processing in the parietal lobe. This course reviews this pathophysiology and the common causes including lesions affecting the contralateral parietal cortex, thalamus, or dorsal columns. Astereognosis may appear in stroke, trauma, neoplasm, or neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer s disease and corticobasal syndrome. Assessment of this conditions which relies on cortical sensory testing, including the Tactile Object Recognition Test and the Nottingham Sensory Assessment and management strategies centered on treating the underlying cause and employing sensory discrimination and cognitive rehabilitation strategies to enhance function, are also discussed. This activity explores the neural mechanisms, clinical evaluation, and rehabilitation approaches for disorders of tactile object recognition, particularly astereognosis. Participants will also gain an understanding of how to distinguish true cortical sensory loss from peripheral sensory deficits, recognize neuroanatomical correlates, and apply evidence-based sensory retraining methods. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in identifying astereognosis, performing the recommended evaluation, integrating targeted rehabilitation strategies, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition to improve sensory and functional outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.