New screening device for assessment of peripheral neuropathy

Screening for the onset of toxic and entrapment neuropathy is a major concern in occupational medicine today. Current perception thresholds may be used as a measure of the integrity of the peripheral nervous system. A new transcutaneous nerve stimulator was used to evaluate current perception thresholds in 54 normal persons and 33 diabetic subjects. Current perception thresholds in the normal volunteers with no evidence of peripheral neuropathy were found to vary significantly with the frequency and location of the stimulation, as well as age. The test identified the diabetic peripheral neuropathy with an overall sensitivity of 94%. This new diagnostic technique is quick, simple to perform, noninvasive and nonaversive and provides a sensitive quantitative measure of sensory function. This diagnostic stimulator will be useful for screening occupationally related toxic and entrapment neuropathies in which sensory impairment is an early finding.