Premium
Quantitative measurement of cutaneous perception in diabetic neuropathy
Author(s) -
Vinik Aaron I.,
Suwanwalaikorn Sompongse,
Stansberry Kevin B.,
Holland Marie T.,
McNitt Patricia M.,
Colen Lawrence E.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880180603
Subject(s) - sensation , peripheral neuropathy , medicine , quantitative sensory testing , diabetic neuropathy , stimulus modality , perception , sensory threshold , thermal sensation , audiology , modalities , sensory system , peripheral , physical medicine and rehabilitation , skin temperature , diabetes mellitus , dermatology , psychology , neuroscience , endocrinology , thermal comfort , social science , physics , sociology , thermodynamics , cognitive science
Abstract To determine the diagnostic value of various cutaneous sensory modalities in diabetic neuropathy, we studied cutaneous perception at the dominant hallux of 113 subjects (32 normal healthy controls and 81 diabetic subjects). The cutaneous sensory perception tests included warm and cold thermal perception, vibration, touch‐pressure sensation, and current perception testing (CPT). The sensitivity of each modality when specificity is held greater than 90% was as follows: warm = 78%, cold = 77%, vibration = 88%, tactile‐pressure = 77%, 5‐Hz CPT = 52%, 250‐Hz CPT = 48%, and 2000‐Hz CPT = 56%. Combination thermal and vibratory gave optimum sensitivity (92–95%) and specificity (77–86%). We conclude that vibratory and thermal testing should be the primary screening tests for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Other modalities may be of use only in specific situations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.