Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Light Touch Sensation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient's eyes closed, lightly touch the skin with a wisp of cotton wool or a fingertip, applying a brief stimulus to different areas, and ask the patient to say 'yes' and indicate where each time they feel it. 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 1 of 2 findings

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Saddle anesthesia (reduced perianal/perineal sensation)
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Dionne N, et al. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2019. PMID: 31132655.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Systems / Regions

Neurological

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, HUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, SHHypothyroidism +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, NHS1 Radiculopathy +4 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, HUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, SHC5-C6 Radiculopathy +3 more
Rule out:SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, MHPeripheral Neuropathy, IEC5 Myelopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Patellar Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Knee jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, HUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, SHL3-L4 Radiculopathy +4 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, IEFemoral Nerve Injury +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Proprioception Toe Test
Rule in:HPeripheral Neuropathy, SHPeripheral Neuropathy (Large-fiber) or Dorsal Column Pathology
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Sharp Sensation
Rule in:HPeripheral Neuropathy
Rule out:SHPeripheral Neuropathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Vibratory Sensation
Rule in:HPeripheral Neuropathy, IELarge-fiber Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, IELarge-fiber Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes