Rapid screening for peripheral neuropathy: a field study with the Optacon.
The modified Optacon, a simple battery-powered device that measures fingertip vibration sensation, was used by para-professionals to screen 257 acrylamide-exposed individuals. Consistent data were obtained on repeated testing of individuals, and there was an age-related linear decrease in vibration sensitivity within the population. Subclinical peripheral neuropathy was detected in two individuals, one acrylamide-related and the other nutritional-alcoholic. This study establishes the use of the modified Optacon as a screening device for some types of peripheral nerve dysfunction.
D000178:Acrylamides; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000295:instrumentation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000592:standards; D009462:Neurology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors
D000178:Acrylamides