Dermatomes Flashcards
Are Dermatomes testing a Nerve Root or a Peripheral Nerve? What is it called?
It is testing a Nerve Root, therefore it is called RADICULOPATHY
What is a dermatome?
Segmental innervation of skin supplied by one nerve root.
Dermatomes from adjacent nerve roots often overlap and manifest as Anesthesia (lessened sensation), Paresthesia (tingling) or complete loss of sensation.
Instructions when testing Dermatomes
- . Say “ Sometimes I’ll touch you, sometimes I won’t. I will be using this pin wheel. This is sharp and this is dull” Test of unaffected area.
- Begin by closing eyes.
- Start touching bilaterally, starting on good side.
- Ask “What am I touching? Is this sharp or dull?”
C1
Vertex skull
C2
Temple
Forehead
Occiput
C3
Entire Neck
Posterior cheek
Temporal region to inferior mandible
C4
Should
Clavicle
Upper scapula
C5
Deltoid
Entire arm to base of thumb
C6
Anterior arm
Radial side of hand to thumb and index finger
C7
Lateral arm and forearm to index, long and ring finger
C8
Medial arm and forearm to long, ring and little finger
T1
Medial side of forearm to base of little finger
L1
Back
Over trochanter
Groin
L2
Back
Front of thigh to knee
L3
Upper buttock
Front of thigh to knee
Medial lower leg