The Vibratron II provides a non-invasive means of measuring the sensitivity to vibration of large nerve fibers of a patient's fingers and toes. Reliable quantitative measurements are achieved with a test that takes only minutes to administer. A two-alternative forced choice procedure is used to determine the degree of sensitivity for comparison to normals.
LIGHTWEIGHT, STURDY EQUIPMENT
Vibratron II consists of a small controller and two separate vibrating rods. Vibration amplitude, which is continuously adjustable, is displayed on the front panel.
There are two ranges. For fine control, 0 - 6.5 vibration units corresponds to 0 - 20 microns. For low resolution, 6.5 - 19.9 vibration units corresponds to the 0 - 200 microns. A table and a formula are provided for conversion of vibration units to microns.
Set up is accomplished in minutes and the equipment is easy to use. The system is therefore practical for both field studies and clinical testing.
The Vibratron II has been chosen by many large pharmaceutical companies for drug studies; by government agencies for studies into the effect of exposure to industrial solvents and dioxin, and by researchers and organizations studying diabetics.
Possible Environmental Applications
- Screening of multiple subjects for effects of exposure to neurotoxins - toxic dump sites, industrial accidents, solvents in chemical plants.
- Evaluating workers for job related cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Clinical applications
- Early detection and monitoring of sensory loss resulting from diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism.
- Early detection of sensory loss resulting from drug therapy.
- Evaluation of nerve recovery after cessation of drug therapy or other treatment.
- Evaluation of nerve recovery after hand surgery.
The Testing Procedure
During testing, the subject is asked to touch each vibrating rod in turn with a finger or toe and is then required to decide which of the rods is vibrating. The location of the vibration stimulus and the intensity sequence are under experimental control and are determined by a testing algorithm.
