Dermatome Map
The Dermatome Map depicts the spinal nerve distribution across the body. Download this PDF to help you learn more about the patient's clinical condition.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
What is a Dermatome Map?
A Dermatome Map is a clinical guide that shows the dermatome areas supplied by a single spinal nerve. Traumatic injury to a nerve root can lead to symptoms affecting the entire body through its corresponding dermatome. From the Spinal cord, 31 pairs of spinal nerves 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 human 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 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.
Printable Dermatome Map
Download this Dermatome Map and assess your client’s spinal injury.
How to use this Dermatome Map template
Step 1: Download the PDF
Once the template is downloaded, decide whether to print it or use it digitally. The PDF is editable, so it can also be used on gadgets. Most clinics use tablets to document or store patient information.
Step 2: 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 3: 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 client's information is well noted.
Step 4: 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 5: Store the template properly
Ensure the template is complete and store it in a folder with the patient's other documents if they had any previous consultations.
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 corresponding dermatomes affected, which causes the patient's situation.
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 this printable Dermatome Map (PDF)?
This Printable Dermatome Map is a good guide for medical professionals. Most of these professionals work closely 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
Although it is not limited to these practitioners, it is good to know that the examiners or any professional who works 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. It serves many medical 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 helps assess the condition of each specific dermatome and helps understand the condition better. Once the source of the complaint is located, it will reveal 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 with specific sensation issues may reveal much about the patient's condition.
Delineates sensation
A dermatome map may help standardize 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.
Why use Carepatron as your practice management software?
Understanding dermatomes and their specific locations on a map is crucial in the medical profession as it helps diagnose conditions related to nerve roots and spinal nerves. Carepatron stands out as the preferred practice management software for dermatome mapping due to its comprehensive features tailored to healthcare needs:
- Telehealth: Carepatron facilitates remote consultations, allowing healthcare providers to assess patients' dermatomal issues virtually, especially relevant for patients with limited mobility due to problems like spinal cord injury.
- Appointment scheduling: The software streamlines the booking process for patients requiring regular assessments of specific nerve roots or dermatomes, ensuring timely care.
- Resources: Carepatron offers a repository of educational materials and resources on dermatomes, aiding healthcare professionals in staying informed and providing accurate patient information.
- Progress notes: Healthcare providers can document sensory symptoms and impairment scales associated with dermatomal conditions, ensuring continuity of care and tracking progress over time.
- Patient portal: Patients can upload documents and access appointment schedules.
The user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it the ideal choice for healthcare professionals seeking efficient management of dermatome-related conditions such as peripheral nerve injuries. Carepatron helps you formulate accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of sensory symptoms spanning one or more dermatomes, from the upper neck to the lower abdomen, by enabling precise mapping of dermatomes and facilitating communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Commonly asked questions
Dermatomes are areas of skin, but the disorders that afflict them usually result from deeper problems in the body. The issues affect the dermatomes because the spinal nerves or spinal cord in that area are affected. The following situations, such as infections, injuries, ischemia, myelomeningocele, spina bifida, spine tumors or cancer, and cysts or fluid-filled cavities, can lead to this type of harm or outcome.
Numerous tests, such as imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI scans, as well as nerve impulse assessments like cisternogram scans and electromyogram (EMG) tests, can detect or address problems with your spinal nerves and their associated dermatomes.
The underlying issue and conditions will determine the best course of treatment for disorders that impact your spinal nerves and their dermatomes. The ideal person to tell you about the various therapies and their advice is a healthcare professional because the treatment options might vary considerably.
