Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Sharp Sensation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient's eyes closed, touch the skin with a clean sharp object (a disposable neurological pin or a freshly broken wooden applicator), interspersing dull touches, and ask the patient to report 'sharp' or 'dull.' Compare sides and regions. Use a fresh pin for each patient and do not draw blood.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Peripheral Neuropathy

Decreased or absent sharp (pin-prick) sensation in a stocking-glove distribution
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Abraham A, Alabdali M, Alsulaiman A, Albulaihe H, Breiner A, Katzberg HD, Aljaafari D, Lovblom LE, Bril V. The sensitivity and specificity of the neurological examination in polyneuropathy patients with clinical and electrophysiological correlations. PLoS One. 2017;12(3):e0171597. PMID: 28249029.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Diagnoses

Peripheral Neuropathy

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
Light Touch Sensation
Rule in:NHCauda Equina Syndrome, IEPeripheral Neuropathy
Rule out:NHCauda Equina Syndrome, IEPeripheral Neuropathy
🎬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
Vibratory Sensation
Rule in:HPeripheral Neuropathy, IELarge-fiber Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, IELarge-fiber Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes