Sensory diagnosis and testing Flashcards
Sensory testing allows the therapist a method of assessing the function of the client’s ____
nervous system
Sensory testing is a predictor of ___
motor function
Sensory impairment is a predictor of ___
functional performance
Sensory impairment is a predictor of
injury risk
Sensory nerves are clustered in the __, ___, ___, and ___
face, hands, feet, and genitalia
• Sensory nerves are concentrated in the ___ cortex, ____ gyrus, and the ____ lobe (this distribution is commonly described using a homunculus)
sensorimotor
postcentral
parietal
Causes of sensory impairment include
Mechanical injuries and disease processes
Some mechanical injuries that can cause sensory impairment are?
Fractures-
• laceration of spinal and peripheral nerves (complete disruption)
• Nerve trauma-stretch or crush injuries (complete or incomplete disruption)
• Amputation (complete disruption)
• May result in phantom limb sensation
• Laceration (complete or incomplete)
• Cortical Injury- Hitting their head.
• Electrical / thermal injuries
• Chemical injuries
• Burns
• Drug toxicity
Some disease processes that can cause sensory impairment are?
Diabetes- complications include damage to sensory organs (eyes) neuropathy and impaired cellular functioning
• Cardiovascular disease- stroke is a significant source of sensory impairment
• Tumors and neuromas- can cause abnormal patterns of sensory impairment
Spinal cord injuries result from the disruption of?
nerve signals between the brain and the peripheral nervous system
• Impaired sensation from a SCI characterized by “pins and needles”, tingling is called
(Paresthesia)
A loss of sensation resulting from a SCI is called
(Anesthesia)
The tests for proprioception and kinesthesia are performed ___ when possible.
bilaterally
Light touch is critical for?
protection from injury
Impairment of this light touch sensation increases risk of?
mechanical injury to the affected limb (wheelchairs, doorways, bedrails, compression injury)
The “normal” client can detect very small differences in thermal input as small as __ degrees.
0.5
Stereognosis cannot be assessed if _____is absent!
motor control
The two point discrimination test helps to identify
innervation density
Fingertips norm for two point discrimination for adults is:
3-5cm for adults 18-70
5-6cm for ages 70+
Middle and proximal phalanges two point discrimination norm for adults is:
5-9cm for adults 18-70
10- 12cm for adults age 70+
Intense pain at the site in response to the tuning fork vibration can be a positive sign for
fracture.
