International archives of occupational and environmental health
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Jan 2002
ReviewNeurological diagnosis--aspects of quantitative sensory testing methodology in relation to hand-arm vibration syndrome.
The objectives are to summarise the fundamental neurophysiological base for quantitative sensory testing (QST), and to discuss associated methodological and practical aspects necessary to consider with respect to applicability and reliability as a screening or diagnostic aid for vibration-induced sensory neuropathy. ⋯ QST is in general easy to perform, usually not associated with pain (except thermal pain), suitable for screening and can readily be conducted in the field. QST is, however, known to be susceptible to the effects of multiple covariates and test methodologies. It is thus important that the relative influence on test results from all significant covariates are identified, and to standardise test methodology accordingly before QST can become a reliable and useful tool for diagnostic and screening purposes in the field of vibration-induced sensory neuropathy. The sensitivity, specificity and reliability of different methods for QST for this type of disorder is still very much unknown. Lack of normative values, standardisation of methods and of a "gold standard" for the presence of sensory neuropathy are some reasons.
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Jan 2002
Thermotactile threshold testing for the evaluation of sensory nerve function in vibration-exposed patients and workers.
The aim of the present study was to ascertain the usefulness of thermotactile testing under the measuring conditions clarified by our previous study in the evaluation of vibration-induced neuropathy. ⋯ Thermotactile threshold testing under the present measuring conditions can be useful for evaluating small sensory nerve fibre dysfunction in vibration-exposed subjects, and the neutral zone may be a sensitive indicator in vibration-exposed workers who may have slight or mild nerve impairments.