Axillary temperature differences in hemiplegia.

Axillary temperatures were compared in 30 hemiplegic patients. The temperature in the unaffected axilla was greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees C higher in 25 patients, and was greater than or equal to 0.5 degrees C higher in 14 patients. In 4 patients, there was an axillary temperature difference of greater than or equal to 1 degrees C. Axillary temperature readings should always be taken from the normal arm in hemiplegic patients.