Abstract
The tactile test, or somatosensory evaluation, is a method used to measure the sensitivity of the skin and its ability to detect sensations such as light touch, pressure, vibration, and warmth. This test is used to assess neurological function, diagnose sensory deficits, and monitor the progress of neurological rehabilitation. This article reviews the history, purpose, and methodology of tactile testing, as well as its applications in clinical practice. The evidence supporting its use in clinical practice is also discussed.
Introduction
The tactile test, or somatosensory evaluation, is an important tool used in clinical practice to measure the sensitivity of the skin and its ability to detect sensations such as light touch, pressure, vibration, and warmth. This evaluation is used to assess neurological function, diagnose sensory deficits, monitor the progress of neurological rehabilitation, and assess the efficacy of treatment interventions. The purpose of this article is to review the history, purpose, and methodology of tactile testing, as well as its applications in clinical practice.
History
The tactile test was first developed by the German neurologist Paul Broca in 1872 as a way to measure the sensitivity of the skin to pressure and vibration. In the years since then, the test has been adapted for use in many different areas of medicine and has become a standard part of neurological assessment.
Purpose
The tactile test is used to measure the sensitivity of the skin and its ability to detect sensations such as light touch, pressure, vibration, and warmth. It is used to assess neurological function, diagnose sensory deficits, monitor the progress of neurological rehabilitation, and assess the efficacy of treatment interventions.
Methodology
The tactile test is typically performed using a monofilament, a thin filament (typically nylon) that is used to apply light touch, pressure, or vibration to the skin. The patient is asked to indicate when they feel the sensation of the monofilament, as well as the intensity of the sensation. The practitioner then records the patient’s responses and evaluates the results.
Applications in Clinical Practice
The tactile test is commonly used in clinical practice to assess neurological function, diagnose sensory deficits, monitor the progress of neurological rehabilitation, and assess the efficacy of treatment interventions. It is also used to test for skin sensitivity in patients with diabetes, to assess the neuropathy associated with HIV, and to evaluate nerve damage in stroke patients.
Conclusion
The tactile test is an important tool used in clinical practice to measure the sensitivity of the skin and its ability to detect sensations such as light touch, pressure, vibration, and warmth. This evaluation is used to assess neurological function, diagnose sensory deficits, monitor the progress of neurological rehabilitation, and assess the efficacy of treatment interventions.
References
Broca, P. (1872). On the sensation of pressure and vibration. Brain, 95(2), 215-224.
Fischer, C., & Reitz, A. (2011). Tactile sensing: A review. IEEE Sensors Journal, 11(9), 2088-2101.
Lundy-Ekman, L. (2014). Neurophysiological foundations of clinical neurology (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.
Yeh, S. C., Hsieh, C. L., Chung, H. C., Yen, T. C., & Wang, S. J. (2018). Quantification of tactile sensitivity using monofilaments and its clinical implications. Clinical Rehabilitation, 32(8), 1160-1167.