Our skin contains millions of nerve endings and touch sensors that collect information about different sensations - like temperature, pressure, vibration, pain and send it to the brain for processing and reaction. But it’s when our sensory system goes wrong that we learn most about how our senses help us understand the world around us.

Neurologist, Dr Guy Leschziner, talks to Alison, whose nervous systems goes haywire after she eats delicious seafood whilst on holiday in Fiji. She discovers her fish is contaminated with ciguatera poison, turning her sense of temperature upside down, so cold becomes hot and the cold floor tiles burn the soles of her feet.

We hear from Dawn, whose damaged nerve triggers excruciating pain down the side of her face – illustrating how our senses can trick us about the source of our agony.

We meet Paul, who’s broken every bone in his body, yet never feels a jot of pain. His rare genetic condition, congenital insensitivity to pain, means his brain never receives signals warning of damage to his flesh and bones. And whilst a pain-free life might sound appealing, we find out it has serious physical and psychological consequences.

And through Rahel we learn about a lesser-known touch sensation, called proprioception. When it’s not working, it affects our coordination. And for Rahel, that means she struggles to stay upright when it’s dark.

Presenter: Dr Guy Leschziner
Producer: Sally Abrahams Show less