Stroke survivors who have lost their sense of touch may be able to feel the warmth of a loved one’s hand again thanks to a portable device being developed by UK researchers.
One of the most common side-effects of a stroke is the loss of sensation and muscle control in one arm and hand, which makes it difficult for survivors to dress and feed themselves, or even handle everyday objects such as a toothbrush or door handle.
In order to support them, a team of researchers at the University of Hertfordshire have created a touchpad device that delivers tiny vibrations to the fingertips, causing brain cells to fire and bring back a sense of touch to affected limbs.
The device could not only make survivors more independent but also help them reconnect with loved ones.
“Improvement in touch sensation should lead to them being able to sense that they are holding hands," said the device's creator, Dr Amit Pujari. "That definitely should be possible.”...