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Intranasal trigeminal thresholds in healthy subjects
Johannes Frasnelli1, Thomas Hummel
1Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Two methods for measuring nasal trigeminal sensation were compared. Method A, focusing on sensation, showed higher reliability and lower thresholds than Method B, which identified stimulus location.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
- Psychophysics
Background:
- The trigeminal chemosensory system plays a crucial role in protecting the respiratory tract and perceiving irritants.
- Despite its importance, the trigeminal system receives less attention than the olfactory system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the reliability and sensitivity of two psychophysical methods for assessing intranasal trigeminal detection thresholds.
- To determine which method is more objective and less confounded by olfactory perception.
Main Methods:
- Method A: Subjects focused on and reported intranasal trigeminally mediated sensations.
- Method B: Subjects identified the side of the nose receiving unilateral stimuli.
- Both methods assessed test-retest reliability and detection thresholds.
Main Results:
- Method A demonstrated higher test-retest reliability (0.81>r>0.56) than Method B (0.48>r>0.40).
- Method A yielded thresholds approximately 32 times lower than Method B.
- Women exhibited lower thresholds than men using Method A; age did not significantly affect thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Method B offers greater objectivity for assessing trigeminal detection thresholds, unconfounded by smell.
- Method A is suitable for evaluating the level and quality of trigeminal sensations, particularly in the context of odor perception.
- The choice between methods depends on the specific research question and the use of a trained panel.
