Light touch sensory testing - Injury to the CNS (UL or LL)

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

The ability to perceive the sensation of light touch

Question 2

How do you know whether the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Normal = normal and equal sensation in all areas of limb
Abnormal = sensation in global areas affected - absent, diminished or heightened sensation

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out (application) the technique?

Answer 3

1) Patient comfortable, explain procedure, informed consent
2) Give patient example of what is normal - use tufted cotton wool in an unaffected area
3) ask patient to close eyes
4) compare right to left distal to proximal in circumferential pattern
5) “could you say yes when you feel the cotton wool?”
6) record sensation as either normal impaired or absent
7) document

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

Assessment focused on corresponding area of homunculus where lesion has occurred

Question 5

Precautions / contraindications

Answer 5

Open wounds

Question 6

What should be documented?

Answer 6

Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Normal response to control light touch on unaffected area?
Worked proximally to distally circumferentially down limb
Any impairment in sensation? If so where and where does this correspond to?
Check for adverse affects
Sign