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[Measuring vibration sense in childhood. Normal values and initial experiences in polyneuropathies]
C Meister1, L Molinari, L Thun-Hohenstein
1Universitäts-Kinderklinik Zürich.
Summary
This study establishes normal vibration threshold values in children, finding them age-dependent but not sex-dependent. These reference values aid in diagnosing pediatric polyneuropathies like Friedreich's ataxia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Establishing normative data for sensory function in pediatric populations is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders.
- Polyneuropathies often manifest with sensory deficits, necessitating reliable assessment tools in children.
Purpose:
- To determine normal vibration threshold (VT) values in children and adolescents.
- To assess the utility of vibrometry in diagnosing pediatric polyneuropathies.
Summary:
- Vibration thresholds were measured in 106 children (5.5-19 years) using a handheld vibrameter at carpal, tibial, and tarsal sites.
- Normal VT values correlated with age, ranging from 0.4 to 1.10 microns.
- Patients with Friedreich's ataxia and hereditary sensory-neuropathy exhibited significantly elevated thresholds, up to 100 times higher than controls.
Impact:
- Provides age-specific reference ranges for vibration thresholds in children.
- Highlights the diagnostic value of vibrometry for pediatric polyneuropathies.
- Suggests vibrometry is a reliable method for children over 5 years, outperforming tuning fork tests.