Introduction
The examination and evaluation of somatosensation is indicated for a wide variety of conditions that affect the PNS, CNS, or both. The health care practitioner will need to decide to what extent the tests and measures of somatosensation are indicated based upon the patient’s history and a screen of somatosensation during the review of systems. Data may be gathered from the patient, caregivers, family members, medical records, and other sources. Based on this information, the health care practitioner will:
- Decide if additional tests and measures are indicated
- Identify which specific tests and measures will be performed
- Use examination findings to identify the distribution of any sensory deficits
- Peripheral nerve distribution
- Dermatomal distribution
- Central nervous system distribution
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