Interoception in Neurological Disorders: A scoping review

Abstract Background. Interoception, defined as the multidimensional process of sensing, interpreting, and integrating internal bodily signals, is essential for homeostasis and self-awareness. Emerging evidence suggests that interoceptive dysfunction may be implicated in several neurological disorders through central and peripheral mechanisms. Objectives. This scoping review aims to map and synthesize the existing literature on interoceptive functioning in neurological disorders and its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms, while also identifying the measures used to assess interoceptive states, and exploring the clinical relevance of interoceptive alterations in neurological disorders. Methods. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies will be screened independently by multiple reviewers using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Data will then be extracted, organized, and synthesized to address the research questions.