discrimination, tactile

discrimination, tactile,

n the ability to perceive two simultaneous touch stimuli; two-point discrimination. When the distance between the two stimuli is diminished to the point where only one stimulus is perceived, a value is determined for the two-point discrimination capacity of a special part. When patients are anesthetized by local agents, they have diminished tactile sense and frequently bite their lips rather severely without being aware of it. Thus patients should be instructed not to eat or chew until the “numbness” has completely gone and full tactile sense has returned.