Thumb Ulnar Digital Nerve Exam

  • Sensation is usually tested with light touch or two point discrimination.
  • Always test sensation with the patient's eyes closed.
  • Always compare the sensation in the area of injury to an uninjured area or to the opposite side.
Diagrams & Photos
  • Testing sensation (light touch) on the ulnar aspect of the palmar thumb.
    Testing sensation (light touch) on the ulnar aspect of the palmar thumb.
  • Anterior (palmar or volar) Sensation by Nerve: 1 = median nerve; 2 = dorsal radial sensory nerve; 3 = ulnar nerve; 4 = lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 5 = medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 6 = radial dorsal antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 7 = medial brachial cutaneous nerve; 8 = intercostobrachial nerve; 9 = axillary nerve (superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve.
    Anterior (palmar or volar) Sensation by Nerve: 1 = median nerve; 2 = dorsal radial sensory nerve; 3 = ulnar nerve; 4 = lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 5 = medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 6 = radial dorsal antebrachial cutaneous nerve; 7 = medial brachial cutaneous nerve; 8 = intercostobrachial nerve; 9 = axillary nerve (superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve.
  • Motor, sensory and triceps reflex exam for C6 Root
    Motor, sensory and triceps reflex exam for C6 Root
Key Points
  • Sensory testing in children can be difficult.
Grading of Muscle Strength
Exam References
Anatomic Abbreviations
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