Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Light Touch Sensation
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With the patient's eyes closed, lightly touch the skin with a fingertip, applying a brief stimulus to different areas, and ask the patient to identify where they feel it each time. Compare side to side and proximal to distal. Touch rather than stroke, so that movement does not provide an extra cue.
How to Interpret
Showing 8 of 15 findings
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Saddle anesthesia (reduced perianal/perineal sensation)
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Strong
Cervical Radiculopathy
Sensory loss of thumb
Rule in
HelpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Sensory loss of middle finger
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Sensory loss of little finger
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Moderate
Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
Leg sensation abnormal
Rule in
Not helpfulNo CI
Rule out
Not helpfulNo CI
Evidence:ModerateResearch in progress
Sensory loss in the L5 distribution
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulWide CI
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Moderate
Peripheral Neuropathy
Decreased or absent light touch sensation in a stocking-glove distribution
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:ModerateResearch in progress
Radiculopathy
Dermatomal sensory loss in the arm
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Moderate
Related Bedside Tests
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Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, MHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
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Sharp Sensation
Rule in:HPeripheral Neuropathy, SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
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Gait Assessment
Rule in:VHStroke, HFalls, HVascular Parkinsonism +24 more
Rule out:SHDementia, SHVascular Parkinsonism, MHFalls +24 more
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Patellar Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Knee jerk
Rule in:VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, VHPeripheral Neuropathy, IECerebellar Disease +5 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Neuropathy, ICLumbosacral Radiculopathy, IECerebellar Disease +5 more
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Babinski Reflex
aka Plantar reflex
Rule in:VHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, VHVascular Parkinsonism, HMultiple System Atrophy +4 more
Rule out:SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, MHMultiple System Atrophy, NHVascular Parkinsonism +4 more
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Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
Rule out:MHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more