What Do Dermatomes Tell Us

Dermatomes are important because they can help to assess and diagnose a variety of conditions. For instance, symptoms that occur along a specific dermatome may indicate a problem with a specific nerve root in the spine.

What do dermatomes show?

Dermatomes are areas of skin that send signals to the brain through the spinal nerves. These signals give rise to sensations involving temperature, pressure, and pain. The part of a nerve that exits the spinal cord is called the nerve root.

Why is dermatome assessment important?

Purpose. Testing of dermatomes is part of the neurological examination looking for radiculopathy as sensation changes within a specific dermatome may help in determining the pathological disc level.