Algesimetry (Dolorimetry)

Algesimetry (Dolorimetry): Measuring the threshold of pain sensitivity

In medical science, there are many methods for measuring and assessing pain, and one of these methods is algesimetry, or dolorimetry. Algesimetry is a procedure for determining a person’s individual pain sensitivity threshold. This method allows you to assess how sensitive a person is to painful stimuli and how he reacts to them.

Determination of the pain threshold is an important component of clinical practice and research, as it allows the diagnosis and assessment of pain symptoms, as well as the study of mechanisms of pain perception. Algesimetry helps doctors and researchers obtain quantitative data about a patient's pain sensitivity, which can be useful in determining the effectiveness of pain treatments and developing new pain relief methods.

One of the key tools used in algesimetry is the algesimeter. An algesimeter is a special device that is used to deliver controlled pain stimuli to a patient, such as pressure, heat or cold. These stimuli can be applied to different parts of the patient's body and the patient's response to the pain stimulus is measured and analyzed using an algesimeter.

In the process of performing algesimetry, doctors and researchers can use various techniques and protocols. One of the most common methods is the "threshold pressure" method, in which the algesimeter applies gradually increasing pressure to a specific area of ​​the patient's body until the patient feels no pain. The pressure level at which the painful stimulus became noticeable to the patient is then measured. This pressure level is the patient's individual pain sensitivity threshold.

Other algesimetry methods include the use of heat or cold stimuli, electrical stimulation, or mechanical pressure. Combining different methods can provide a more complete picture of a patient's pain sensitivity.

Algesimetry has a wide range of applications in clinical practice and research. It can be used to study pain mechanisms in various diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of medications for pain relief, and also to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy methods and procedures. For example, algesimetry may be useful in the study of chronic pain, migraine, neuropathic pain, and other conditions associated with pain symptoms.

One of the advantages of algesimetry is its objectivity. Because the measurement results are based on quantitative data, they can be more accurate and repeatable than patients' subjective reports of their pain. This allows doctors and researchers to obtain a more objective assessment of pain and treatment effectiveness.

However, it should be noted that algesimetry is only one tool for assessing pain sensitivity and does not fully reflect the entire spectrum of pain in a patient. It is important to consider that each person may have individual differences in the perception of pain, and the results of algesimetry should be considered in the context of other clinical data and the patient’s subjective sensations.

In conclusion, algesimetry (Dolorimetry) is a method of measuring a person's pain threshold using special instruments such as an algesimeter. This method has a wide range of applications in clinical practice and research, and its results can be useful for diagnosis, assessing the effectiveness of pain treatment and studying pain mechanisms. However, algesimetry should be used in combination with other methods and take into account the individual characteristics of each patient for a more complete understanding of pain perception and effective management of pain symptoms.

Algesimetric (nociometric), or pain test is a method of studying pain sensitivity using special devices. B. p. consists in determining the smallest magnitude of the force of constant or variable irritation, which causes pain. The study is carried out using integral pain monitors (algometers and algographs). The pressure or current method is used to determine the pain threshold. The pressure method includes determining the minimum force of pressure that causes pain (the absolute threshold of pain sensation, or algography, or nocigraphy); removal of local anesthesia caused by injection of novocaine from pain; removal of cold anesthesia from pain; reduction of pain thresholds for different areas of the skin. Methods of electrical stimulation include determining the current-pain threshold and, in the case of solving a problem with a low probability of error, threshold current testing (carrying out an electric current with a gradual increase in its strength at certain intervals until pain or significant tension appears