Congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA)

Abstract

s a rare neurological disorder of the nervous system with no cure. It is an autosomal recessive disorder - a genetic mutation in an autosome (a non-sex chromosome) that only occurs when either both parents are affected or are carriers of the recessive genes which are then passed on homozygously to the child. It is commonly accompanied by hyperactivity and anhidrosis. CIPA results in the patient’s inability to sense extreme coldness, heat, or pain and even nerve related sensations such as hunger and the need to urinate . The lack of pain patients experience often leads to self- mutilation, bone fractures and eye Damage.1