Dermatomes

Question 1

Are Dermatomes testing a Nerve Root or a Peripheral Nerve? What is it called?

Answer 1

It is testing a Nerve Root, therefore it is called RADICULOPATHY

Question 2

What is a dermatome?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Instructions when testing Dermatomes

Answer 3

1. . 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.
2. Begin by closing eyes.
3. Start touching bilaterally, starting on good side.
4. Ask “What am I touching? Is this sharp or dull?”

Question 4

C1

Answer 4

Vertex skull

Question 5

C2

Answer 5

Temple
Forehead
Occiput

Question 6

C3

Answer 6

Entire Neck
Posterior cheek
Temporal region to inferior mandible

Question 7

C4

Answer 7

Should
Clavicle
Upper scapula

Question 8

C5

Answer 8

Deltoid

Entire arm to base of thumb

Question 9

C6

Answer 9

Anterior arm

Radial side of hand to thumb and index finger

Question 10

C7

Answer 10

Lateral arm and forearm to index, long and ring finger

Question 11

C8

Answer 11

Medial arm and forearm to long, ring and little finger

Question 12

T1

Answer 12

Medial side of forearm to base of little finger

Question 13

L1

Answer 13

Back
Over trochanter
Groin

Question 14

L2

Answer 14

Back

Front of thigh to knee

Question 15

L3

Answer 15

Upper buttock
Front of thigh to knee
Medial lower leg

Question 16

L4

Answer 16

Inner buttock
Outer thigh
Inside of leg
Dorsum of foot
Big Toe

Question 17

L5

Answer 17

Back of side of thigh
Lateral aspect of leg
Dorsum of foot
Inner hand of sole and first, second, and third toes

Question 18

S1

Answer 18

Buttock
Back of thigh
Lower leg

Question 19

S2

Answer 19

Buttock
Back of thigh
Lower leg

Question 20

S3

Answer 20

Groin

Inner thigh to knee

Question 21

S4

Answer 21

Perineum
Genitals
Lower Sacrum