What term is used to describe a therapy that induces a loss of sensation?

The term that describes a therapy inducing a loss of sensation is an "anesthetic." Anesthetics are substances that temporarily block the ability to feel pain or other sensations. They are commonly used in medical procedures to ensure patients remain comfortable and pain-free during surgeries or other interventions.

Anesthetics work by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses, either locally (in the case of local anesthetics) or throughout the entire body (in the case of general anesthetics). This is essential in clinical practice, as it allows for a wide range of procedures to be performed without distress to the patient.

Other terms listed do not fit the definition of inducing a loss of sensation. Anodyne refers to something that relieves pain, but it does not imply a complete block of sensation. Neurologic pertains to the nervous system as a whole but does not indicate a state of anesthesia. Hypnotic refers to substances that induce sleep or a trance-like state, which is not directly related to the loss of sensation. Hence, anesthetic is the most accurate term in this context.