Neurological Screen

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Introduction

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Reflexes

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Sensation

Dermatomes

Dermatomes are areas of the skin whose sensory distribution is innervated by a specific nerve root. Assessment of dermatomes involves bilateral comparison of light touch discrimination. During dermatome testing the examiner should alter or remove the pressure applied to one side to determine whether the patient can distinguish changes in pressure.

Myotomes

Myotomes represent a group of muscles that are innervated from a single specific nerve root. Essentially, myotomes are the motor equivalent to dermatomes. Myotomes may be assessed for various muscle groups of the upper and lower extremities. Myotome testing is performed through sustained isometric contraction of a specific muscle. Common muscles tested during myotome assessment are listed below.

Nerve Root	Movement
C2	Neck Flexion
C3	Neck Extension
C4	Neck Lateral Flexion
C5	Shoulder Abduction
C6	Elbow Flexion
C7	Elbow Extension
C8	Thumb Extension
T1	Finger Abduction
L2	Hip Flexion
L3	Knee Extension
L4	Ankle Dorsiflexion
L5	Big Toe Extension
S1	Ankle Plantarflexion

Resources

References