Dermatome Map

What Is A Dermatome Map?

A is a clinical guide that shows the dermatome areas supplied by a single spinal nerve. From the Spinal cord, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that branch out roots to the skin. These areas have two-way functions; they deliver and receive sensational signals to the brain.

The 31 pairs of spinal nerves are spread out in your body based on the region of the spinal cord they are connected to. These dermatomes are divided into five groups:

• Cervical nerves. These nerves originate from the neck and are numbered C1 through C8 in pairs.
• Thoracic nerves. These nerves originate from the spine going up to the torso and are number T1 through T12 in pairs.
• Lumbar nerves. These nerves originate from the spine up to the lower back and are numbered L1 through L5 in pairs.
• Sacral nerves. These nerves are like the lumbar nerves; they are connected with the sacrum, one of the bones found in the pelvis, and numbered S1 through S5 in pairs.
• Coccygeal nerves. This pair of nerves are located at the buttocks or from the coccyx or tailbone area.
  

The Dermatome Map follows a different pattern depending on the region where the spinal nerve is located. The locations of the dermatome reveal essential information that would help the diagnosis of the patient’s condition.

How To Use This Dermatome Map Template?

Step One. Download the PDF. 

Once the template is downloaded, decide whether to print it or use it digitally. The PDF is editable so that it can also be used on gadgets. Most clinics use tablets to document or store patient information. 

Step Two. Examine the patient. 

While the patient is being screened for pain or nerve damage, it is essential to keep the template close to identify where the patient may describe a strange or abnormal sensation. 

Step Three. Fill out the Template.

Mark the regions where the patient will be delineating an area. List all possible causes of this in the spaces for better documentation. Ensure that the information of the client is well noted. 

Step Four. Read the findings. 

Analyze the regions that were identified to have peculiar sensations. Draw information from the dermatomes that were found to be painful or damaged. This will then be referred for a specific examination for a thorough diagnosis. 

Step Five. Store the Template properly. 

Ensure that the template is complete and store it in a folder with all of the other documents of the patient if they had any previous consultations. 

Dermatome Map Example (Sample)

This map helps understand the patient's condition by looking through the area of the dermatomes the patient is concerned about. This dermatome map example helps guide clinicians on the dermatomes that are affected, which causes the patient's situation.‍

Download this Dermatome Map Example (Sample) here:

Who Can Use these Printable Dermatome Maps (PDF)?

This Printable Dermatome Map is a good guide for many medical specialists. Most of these professionals are closely working with physical therapy or neurology.

Here are the lists of the healthcare practitioners that may utilize this guide:

• Clinicians
• Clinical Neurologists
• Physical Therapists
• Physiotherapists 
• Neurologists
• Psychiatrists

Although it is not limited to these practitioners, it is good to know that the examiners or any professional who work closely with any physical injury that may cause neurological conditions may find this helpful template. It also helps medical students understand dermatome maps and be able to use this in practical examinations. It helps in the subjects of anatomy, neurology, and also in psychiatry.

Why Is This Template Popular With Clinicians?

This guide can be utilized in different practices. In the branches of medicine, it serves many purposes, especially in becoming a navigator of the root cause.

Clinicians have the following reasons why the Dermatomes Map serves them a lot of purposes: 

A reliable examination tool. 

In examining the patient, this tool help assess the condition of each dermatome and help understand the condition better. Once the source of the complaint is located, it already reveals much information to the clinician on how to proceed with the treatment. 

Great clue locator. 

The specific regions of each division of the dermatome indicate the possible conditions a patient is experiencing based on the tested sensation of the particular area being examined. For instance, when a dermatome is being screened for its sensation, say the torso area, the dermatome that is found to have specific sensation issues may reveal a lot about the patient's condition. 

Delineates sensation. 

A dermatome map may help in standardizing the way how the patient communicates the pain or the sensation.  

Assists in psychological health. 

Once a dermatome area is found to have a specific condition or found to have damage, it is highly expected to direct or identify a poor psychological state. Those with osteoarthritis, neck pain or spinal concerns are reportedly or more likely to have a psychological issue. 

Benefits Of A Dermatome Map 

Better Accessibility 

Our Dermatome Map is both accessible in printed and digital formats. It can be accessed through PDF Viewer software and can also be downloaded. The file is already editable, so filling it out will be highly efficient. 

A great diagnostic tool

An easy access tool helps in easier administration of the screening. Since the PDF file can be accessed digitally, the dermatomes identified with sensation loss or function loss can easily be marked. 

An efficient sensation map 

Since it is easy to fill out, the sensation to each dermatome can also be lodged for better documentation. The map can specify the condition more organized way and find a better diagnosis of the condition the fastest way. 

Mental Health Assistant

Since the Dermatome map is all about spinal nerves, it also identifies the neurological and psychological conditions of the patient. More than determining the patient's physical condition, the dermatome map also provides clues about the patient's mental health. 

Easy to Use 

Our Dermatome Map makes it convenient for clinicians and other healthcare providers. Since it is accessible, its navigation and advanced digital capabilities make it user-friendly when administered through digital tools. Plot and note! That’s all it takes. 

Why Use Carepatron For Dermatome Map Software?

Carepatron is a platform for healthcare professionals to manage their clients. It enables you to manage appointments, online billing, payments efficiently, documentation of patient notes, and other tasks. The Dermatome Map template on Carepatron gives you more control over the form's format and content, as well as the ability to store completed forms in an online database accessible from anywhere. Hundreds of other templates are available in the Carepatron template library, covering a wide range of forms, notes, and worksheets you may require when interacting with your patients.