Esthesiometer

Esthesiometer (pronunciation: es·the·si·om·e·ter, /ɛsˌθi ziˈɑ mɪ tər/) is a medical instrument used to measure the sensitivity of the skin to touch. It is often used in neurological examinations to assess the sensory function of a patient.

Etymology

The term "esthesiometer" is derived from the Greek words "aisthesis" meaning "sensation" and "metron" meaning "measure".

Usage

An esthesiometer is used by neurologists and other medical professionals to determine the degree of sensitivity or insensitivity in different parts of a patient's body. This can help in diagnosing various neurological conditions such as neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The instrument typically has two points which can be moved closer or further apart. The patient is asked to indicate when they can no longer distinguish the two points as separate, giving an indication of their sensory perception.

Types of Esthesiometers

There are several types of esthesiometers, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal esthesiometers.

Mechanical esthesiometers are the most common type and use pressure to measure sensory perception.
Electrical esthesiometers use a small electrical charge to stimulate the skin and measure sensory perception.
Thermal esthesiometers use changes in temperature to measure sensory perception.

Related Terms

Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
Neuropathy: A term that refers to general diseases or malfunctions of the nerves.
Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord.
Stroke: A medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death.