Sensory Examination

Question 1

All the parts of this examination?

Answer 1

Light touch
Pin prick
Vibration
Proprioception

Question 2

Light touch sensation

What needs to be done before testing?

What tracts is it testing? - 2

Answer 2

Test it on sternum first and patient needs to close their eyes.

Dorsal columns
Spinothalamic tract

Question 3

Pin prick sensation (superficial pain)

What tract is it testing?

Where is the origin of pathology if there is loss at the:

• sensory level
• glove and stocking appearance
• dermatomal or conforming to a particular nerve

Answer 3

Spinothalamic tracts

Sensory level - spinal

Glove and stocking - peripheral nerves - work your way up the arm or leg to determine where the lesion could be

Dermatomal or conforming to a particular nerve (nerve root/nerve)

Question 4

Temperature

Answer 4

Usually ask

Use tuning fork and ask patient if they can feel the cold

Question 5

Vibration

What is it testing?

Answer 5

Dorsal columns

Question 6

Proprioception

What is it testing?

What to do if patient is unable to recognise it?

Answer 6

Dorsal columns

Move to more proximal joint for both upper and lower