Localization: Clues from the Examination
| Distribution | Localization |
|---|---|
| Hemisensory | Parietal, subcortical, thalamic, none (functional) |
| Crossed (ipsilateral face and contralateral body) | Brainstem |
| Sensory level | Spinal cord |
| Suspended, dissociated sensory level (pain and temperature only) | Central cord |
| Crossed sensory level (ipsilateral weakness and posterior column loss, contralateral pain and temperature loss) | Hemi-cord (Brown Séquard) |
| Dermatomal | Spinal nerve root(s) |
| Saddle | Cauda equina |
| Patchy, single limb | Plexopathy |
| Glove and stocking | Generalized peripheral neuropathy |
| Discrete (non-dermatomal) area in single limb | Single peripheral nerve, central (usually cortical) |
| No sensory loss | Muscle, NMJ, motor neuron, motor cortex |