Baragnosis: The Psychology of Losing Your Sense of Weight
Introduction
Baragnosis is a rare medical condition that is characterized by the complete or partial loss of the sense of touch. It can be caused by a variety of physical and mental conditions, from neurological diseases to psychological trauma. The condition was first described in 1881 by French neurologist Pierre Baragnon, who used the term “baragnosis” to describe a patient who had lost the sense of touch in one of his hands. Since then, numerous cases of baragnosis have been reported in medical literature.
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Baragnosis can be caused by a number of physical and mental health conditions. Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can all lead to the loss of the sense of touch. Likewise, psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also be a factor in the development of the condition. Additionally, certain medications, such as those used to treat depression or anxiety, can have an effect on the sense of touch.
The primary symptom of baragnosis is the complete or partial loss of the sense of touch. Patients may also experience numbness or tingling in the affected area. Additionally, they may experience tactile hallucinations, which can manifest as the feeling of something crawling on the skin or the sensation of being touched by invisible objects.
The diagnosis of baragnosis is based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The doctor will ask the patient about any physical or mental health conditions that may be causing the symptoms, as well as any medications they may be taking. Additionally, the doctor may order a series of tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. These tests may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test.
Treatment for baragnosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If the condition is caused by a physical health condition, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat the underlying condition. Additionally, physical therapy or occupational therapy may be recommended to help the patient regain some of the lost sensation. If the condition is caused by a psychological trauma, such as PTSD, the doctor may recommend psychotherapy or other forms of psychological treatment.
Conclusion
Baragnosis is a rare medical condition characterized by the complete or partial loss of the sense of touch. It can be caused by a variety of physical and mental conditions, from neurological diseases to psychological trauma. The diagnosis of baragnosis is based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Treatment for baragnosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition, and may include medications, physical therapy, or psychotherapy.
References
Baragnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2021, from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/12205/baragnosis
Kumar, A., & Jain, A. (2018). Baragnosis: A rare clinical entity. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(2), 191–192. https://doi.org/10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_232_17
Schmitz, T., & Van Wijngaarden, P. (2019). Baragnosis: A rare neurological disorder. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 947. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00947
