Can you become insensitive to pain?

Congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), also known as congenital analgesia, is one or more extraordinarily rare conditions in which a person cannot feel (and has never felt) physical pain.

How does CIPA happen?

Cause. CIPA is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the formation of nerve cells which are responsible for transmitting signals of pain, heat, and cold to the brain. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.

How is congenital insensitivity to pain passed on?

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern , which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.

Can CIPA be cured?

There is still no cure for CIPA. Treatment is aimed at controlling body temperature, preventing self-injury, and treating orthopedic problems, as soon as possible. It is very important to control the body temperature during surgery.

How does CIPA affect the body?

Normally, sweating helps cool the body temperature. However, in people with CIPA, anhidrosis often causes recurrent, extremely high fevers (hyperpyrexia) and seizures brought on by high temperature (febrile seizures).

What is the most common congenital disorder?

The most common congenital disorder affecting cell membrane transport is cystic fibrosis. In the United States, the condition occurs in 1 in every 2,500 births, meaning that 4 percent of all persons are carriers of cystic fibrosis.

What are some examples of congenital disorders?

Congenital anomalies can contribute to long-term disability, which may have significant impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems, and societies. The most common, severe congenital anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome.

What is congenital analgesia?

Congenital Analgesia: Introduction. Congenital Analgesia: A rare congenital condition where a person has no pain sensation – the patient is unable to feel physical pain. Patients can be prone to severe injuries as they are unable to detect if they’ve been injured or have a broken bone. More detailed information about the symptoms , causes,…