Sensory loss will vary depending on the level and severity of injury. Spinal cord injury usually causes full or partial loss of sensation below the injury site.
A sensory examination is completed through the testing of a key point in each of the 28 dermatomes on the right and left sides of the body. At each of these points, two sensations are examined: sensitivity to pinprick and sensitivity to light tough. In addition to bilateral testing of these 28 key points, the external anal sphincter is tested for sensation to determine the completeness/incompleteness of the injury.
Abnormal sensations and neuropathic pain may be experienced. Neuropathic pain is often described as “burning” or “pressure” involving areas that have little or no sensation.
