Sensory loss confined to a single nerve distribution is most consistent with which condition?

• A. Cervical radiculopathy
• B. Peripheral neuropathy
• C. Central cord syndrome
• D. Diffuse myopathy

Answer: (B)

A sensory loss confined to a single nerve distribution points to a lesion of a peripheral nerve rather than the spinal cord or brain. When a peripheral nerve is damaged, the loss of sensation follows that nerve’s specific cutaneous territory, producing a focal, mononeuropathic pattern. This contrasts with cervical radiculopathy, where a nerve root lesion yields a dermatomal pattern that can be broader and accompanied by neck pain, motor changes in a myotome, or altered reflexes. Central cord syndrome would cause more widespread bilateral deficits and mixed sensory/motor loss due to spinal cord injury, not a single nerve map. Diffuse myopathy primarily affects proximal muscles with little to no sensory loss. Thus, focal sensory loss in one nerve distribution is most consistent with a peripheral nerve involvement.