Axillary temperature differences in hemiplegia

Abstract

Axillary temperatures were compared in 30 hemiplegic patients. The temperature in the unaffected axilla was ≥0·2°C higher in 25 patients, and was ≥ 0·5°C higher in 14 patients. In 4 patients, there was an axillary temperature difference of ≥ 1'C. Axillary temperature readings should always be taken from the normal arm in hemiplegic patients. © 1980 The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine.