Vibrotactile and temperature sensory interaction in the human tongue

Lingual vibrotactile thresholds were used to demonstrate an interaction between the lingual senses of vibrotaction and temperture. Thresholds were obtained on 10 Ss from the anterior midline of the lingual dorsum at a frequency of 250 Hz. Five temperature conditions were tested ranging in 10 degrees C steps from 17 degrees C to 57 degrees C. Thresholds were obtained before and after the introduction of the temperature stimuli. Comparison of mean pre- and post-experimental thresholds demonstrated that temperature is a determining factor in lingual vibrotactile threshold values. The data indicated that systematic variation from normal body temperature resulted in corresponding decreases in lingual vibrotactile sensitivity. Diagnostic and clinical implications of this interaction were discussed.