Technology Review:
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| Key words: neurometer® • current perception threshold |
Developed by the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM) Equipment and Computer Committee (1993-1996): George D. Baquis, MD; William F. Brown, MD, FRCP(C); Joseph T. Capell, MD; Vinay Chaudhry, MD; Didier Cros, MD; Bernard R. Drexinger, MD; Jeffrey B. Gelblum, MD; James M. Gilchrist, MD; Andrew J. Gitter, MD; Andrew J. Haig, MD; Wayne A. Hening, MD, PhD; Kenneth H.Z. Isaacs, MD; Daniel H. Lachance, MD; Robert L. Magnuson, MD; John M. Ravits, MD; James J. Rechtien, DO, PhD; Joseph J. Sciortino, MD; James F. Selwa, MD, MBA; Robert W. Shields Jr., MD; A. Robert Spitzer, MD; Frederick M. Vincent, MD; and David Walk, MD. Additional assistance provided by John C. Kincaid, MD, 1997-1998 AAEM Equipment and Computer Committee Chair.
Introduction
The American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM) undertook this technology review based on AAEM member inquiries received in the Executive Office regarding the Neurometer® Current Perception Threshold (CPT). The Neurometer® CPT is a device for evaluating and quantifying sensory function which has been available in the medical market place for some years. The AAEM is currently undertaking a review of the general topic of quantitative sensory testing (QST), and technology reviews of other specific methodologies and instruments are anticipated in the future.
The Neurometer® CPT is a transcutaneous electrical stimulator which delivers sinusoidal electrical stimuli via surface electrodes at frequencies of 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz, and at a current intensity range of 0.01 to 9.99 milliamperes. It is the only commercially available instrument applying this technology to the evaluation of sensory nerve function. Patients are asked to identify the presence or absence of the stimulus through a forced choice protocol. After an initial tentative threshold is determined, stimuli are presented that vary around the presumed threshold to confirm threshold stability and replicability. To prevent guessing, results are verified with placebo stimulation. The placebo stimulation is given by turning off all current without informing the patient and presenting these absent stimuli. Therefore, determination of threshold requires consistent patient response. The threshold of perception is the measured response. The testing procedure requires a brief time to perform (the promotional literature suggests 15 to 20 minutes), uses few consumable supplies, and will print out results in a standard format. The instrument weighs 12 pounds (including rechargeable batteries) and includes software for the analysis of information.
© 1999 American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
