EXAM 2 Flashcards
what are the two major categories/groups of senses?
somatic senses
special senses
what are somatic senses?
usually single receptors in the skin (cutaneous) or muscle
what are special senses?
more elaborate sensors (ex: in the eye or ear)
what fibers detect light touch?
what tract?
A beta fibers
A delta fibers
anterior spinothalamic tract
what fibers detect pain?
A delta fibers
C fibers
what fibers detect temperature?
A delta
C fibers
what fibers detect proprioception
A beta fibers
what is sensory testing used for in PT?
as a part of neurological examination or screening
gives info regarding status of neurological system for primary senses as well as those under cortical control
(PT guided towards area of focus by pt’s medical history)
how is PRIMARY sensation evaluated?
having pt identify various sensory stimuli
what are the 4 primary sensations?
superficial (light) touch
superficial pain (sharp sensation)
temperature and deep pressure
vibration
what is cortical discrimination?
sensory functions test cognitive ability INTERPRET sensations associated
what is cortical discrimination often associated with?
coordination abilities
what type of lesion would be suspected if there was inability to perform cortical discrimination tests?
lesion in the cortex or the posterior columns of the spinal cord
more typically for head/brain injuries or space-occupying lesions (CNS cancers)
what are some of the tests for cortical discrimination?
stereognosis two-point discrimination graphesthesia point location proprioception
what is stereognosis
ability to identify by touch manipulation alone
what will deficits in cortical discrimination alter?
balance, coordination, fine motor skills
what are some considerations for safety with cortical discrimination?
gait
transfers
functional mobility
selection of assistive devices
why test sensation?
- identify various sensory stimuli (intact, impaired/diminished, absent)
- for differential diagnosis
- assess type and amount of sensory impairment for clinical decision-making
- identify risk factors for safety
- monitor changes in sensory status
what types of patients often have sensory problems?
MS DM spinal cord injury radiculopahty and peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes CVA traumatic brain injury CP elderly burns scar tissue/skin grafts
what are some of the principles of clinical sensory testing?
- position pt comfortably
- explain and demonstrate what you will be doing
- test DIRECTLY on skin (NOT through clothing)
- have pt close eyes
- test normal sensation first, then move toward impaired or absent sensation
- map out the impaired area(s) (helps distinguish between dermatomal vs peripheral nerve involvement)
- clean all equipment before using on another pt
how can you test light touch?
use cotton ball
how can you test sharp/dull?
use a safety pin or other sharp instrument, and a dull instrument
what tract is light touch carried on
anterior spinothalamic tract
what tract is sharp/dull sensation carried on
lateral spinothalamic tract
how can you test temperature sensation?
water in test tubes of differing temperatures
used crushed ice and water if available, and hot tap water
what tract is temperature carried on?
lateral spinothalamic