Quantitative sensory nerve conduction threshold (sNCT) evaluation of the trigeminal nerve at the mental foramen area.

摘要

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is a need for a quick, objective, quantitative sensory test of the mandibular inferior alveolar nerve to assess sensory dysfunction due to trauma, infection, or disease. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the reliability and reproducibility of a commercially available electrodiagnostic quantitative sensory nerve conduction threshold (sNCT) evaluation testing method and established normative values for future evaluation of nerve dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rapid current perception threshold (R-CPT) values were obtained with Neurometer CPT/C, an electrodiagnostic sNCT device that administers an alternating constant-current sinusoid waveform stimulus at either 2000 Hz (H) (Hertz [cycles/second]), 250 Hz (M), or 5 Hz (L) at intensity levels ranging from 0.001 to 10 mA. Thirty-four healthy subjects were tested then retested by the same operator from 7 days to 153 days. R-CPT evaluation was performed over the mental foramen bilaterally with dual disposable gold-plated electrodes and a hypoallergenic electrode gel held in place using nonconductive adhesive tape. Two consecutive identical R-CPT measures were obtained for each stimulation frequency for determination of the final R-CPT value. RESULTS: On the left side, there was no difference between the first and second test (P > .05). On the right side, there was a statistical difference between the first and second test for L, M, and H, but the confidence interval is very narrow and the differences are not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: From the values obtained, R-CPT testing was reliable for the quantification of sensory function in healthy individuals.