A Novel Thermal Tactile Stimulator Device for Quantitative Sensory Testing

We propose a thermal stimulator device as a quantitative sensory testing (QST) tool that aims at measuring sensory perception thresholds of a subject for temperature submodality using direct feedback from the subject. This noninvasive, inexpensive, and easy to use thermal stimulator device uses Peltiers for cooling/heating of a platform with compartments for fingertips. Its app asks the subject gradually more difficult questions to establish detection thresholds such as which fingertip is stimulated with a higher temperature or with a higher duration. It also uses circulation of water for better control of the temperature, which helps the device deliver thermal stimuli at different temperatures quickly while eliminating temperature irregularities on the surface of the platform to be touched via fingertips. When used in combination with other QST devices targeting other submodalities such as vibration, the proposed tool can help assess neurologic symptoms and can be used in telemonitoring systems, return to duty/play protocols in military and sports to avoid repeated concussions that increase the risk of more serious cortical neuropathies.