Which of the following is NOT part of sensory testing for light touch?

Which of the following is NOT part of sensory testing for light touch?

• A. Patient closes eyes
• B. Gently brush patient with cotton ball
• C. Compare bilaterally to the other side
• D. Test proprioception at the ankle

Answer: (D)

Light touch sensory testing evaluates superficial skin sensation using a gentle, non-nociceptive touch. To perform it reliably, you have the patient close their eyes so they can’t rely on vision, you apply a light brush with a cotton ball (or fingertip) to the skin, and you compare sensation on corresponding areas on both sides to detect any unilateral loss. This modality specifically assesses cutaneous contact sensation and symmetry across the body. Proprioception at the ankle, by contrast, checks joint position sense and movement awareness, which is a different sensory pathway and requires moving the ankle or repositioning it and asking the patient to identify the position, often with eyes closed. So proprioception testing is not part of light touch sensory testing.

Light touch sensory testing evaluates superficial skin sensation using a gentle, non-nociceptive touch. To perform it reliably, you have the patient close their eyes so they can’t rely on vision, you apply a light brush with a cotton ball (or fingertip) to the skin, and you compare sensation on corresponding areas on both sides to detect any unilateral loss. This modality specifically assesses cutaneous contact sensation and symmetry across the body.

Proprioception at the ankle, by contrast, checks joint position sense and movement awareness, which is a different sensory pathway and requires moving the ankle or repositioning it and asking the patient to identify the position, often with eyes closed. So proprioception testing is not part of light touch sensory testing.