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A new device to quantify tactile sensation in neuropathy
W R Kennedy1, M M Selim, T S Brink
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. kenne001@umn.edu
Neurology
|May 11, 2011
Summary
The Bumps test offers a quick and sensitive way to measure tactile sensation in finger pads, aiding in the early detection and staging of peripheral neuropathy. This inexpensive method shows promise for clinical use and monitoring disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy affects tactile sensation, necessitating sensitive diagnostic tools.
- Early detection and staging are crucial for effective management and clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive method for quantifying tactile threshold of finger pads.
- To enable early detection and staging of peripheral neuropathy.
- To provide a tool for use in clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- The Bumps test, a novel device with a checkerboard-like surface, was used to assess tactile detection thresholds.
- 166 healthy controls and 103 patients with or at risk for neuropathy participated.
- Correlation with Meissner corpuscle (MC) density was examined via skin biopsy.
Main Results:
- Mean bump detection threshold for controls was 3.3 ± 0.10 μm, significantly lower than patients with neuropathy (6.2 ± 0.35 μm).
- A proposed threshold demonstrated 71% sensitivity and 74% specificity for impaired sensation.
- Higher detection thresholds correlated with decreased Meissner corpuscle density.
Conclusions:
- The Bumps test is a rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive method for quantifying tactile sensation.
- It holds potential for early diagnosis, staging of tactile deficits, and monitoring neuropathy progression.
- This method can be valuable in clinical settings and research studies.
