Grayson West
Pain teaches us what not to do, right? Now, picture growing up without that voice in your head. People with Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP) live in the world differently, often facing dangers that slip past unnoticed. Let’s explore the unexpected and sometimes risky realities of what it truly means to feel nothing at all.
They May Not Cry Tears
Some people with CIP, especially those with familial dysautonomia (Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type III), don’t shed tears. Their tear glands misfire due to faulty nerve signals. Without moisture, eyes risk damage, so they rely on artificial tears and routine eye checkups.
They Can Feel Touch But Not Pain
Despite not feeling pain, they can still sense touch and feel temperature. That’s because their sensors for pressure and heat work fine. However, pain signals travel through specific nerves called A-delta and C fibers, and in CIP, those particular pathways simply don’t deliver the message.
The Problem Starts In Their Genes
CIP begins in their DNA. Mutations in genes like SCN9A or PRDM12 interfere with sodium channels that help nerves send signals. So, when something hurts, the brain never hears about it. Scientists are now using this insight to develop safer pain-blocking drugs.
They Usually Hurt Themselves Without Knowing
This condition also makes people injure themselves without realizing it. Because pain signals don’t register, things like burns or broken bones may go unnoticed. Without that pain-based warning, injuries can worsen over time, which increases the chances of serious infections or delayed treatment.
They Don’t Sweat And Can Overheat
Those with the most severe form of CIP, called Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA), lose their ability to sweat. Since sweating cools the body, especially in babies, overheating becomes a serious risk. To manage this, people with CIPA use cooling gear or avoid high temperatures.
Fever Is Their Only Warning Sign
Because CIP blocks pain signals, internal issues like infections develop quietly. Fever becomes the only outward clue that something’s off. Instead of relying on complaints, caregivers watch for heat spikes or subtle mood changes. Routine checkups are essential for spotting hidden illnesses before they turn severe or life-threatening.
They Still Feel Sadness And Fear
It’s easy to assume people with CIP are numb to everything, but that’s not true. Emotional pain takes a different route in the brain, through areas like the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. So even without physical pain, sadness and empathy still come through clearly.
Their Childhoods Are Full Of Hidden Risks
Since children with CIP don’t feel pain, they miss the usual lessons it teaches, like avoiding hot stoves or sharp corners. Parents mainly use visual cues and protective gear to teach safety. As years pass, this lack of pain feedback can slow how children learn to judge danger.
Doctors Don’t Always Spot It Early
A child who never cries after getting hurt might raise eyebrows. Often, CIP gets mistaken for neglect or behavioral issues. But once genetic tests and nerve conduction studies are done, the diagnosis becomes clear. Catching CIP early helps doctors prevent bigger injuries and tailor care to their needs.
There Is No Cure, Only Care
CIP has no cure, so managing it is all about prevention. Tools like helmets and temperature monitors keep people safer day-to-day. Regular checkups help catch hidden injuries. And long-term care includes watching bone health and staying ahead of infections before they turn serious.