Introducing a device for measuring pain intensity

IntroductionOne of the common methods for assessing pain severity and threshold in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is using monofilaments. However, temperature and humidity of the environment can affect the bending and therefore, the accuracy of the monofilaments.ObjectivesConsidering the afore-mentioned points, researchers of the present study attempted to design a digital device for assessing pain severity and threshold with characteristics such as accuracy, reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use.MethodsThe device is made up of 2 parts of body and probe, the body includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) with touch screen and internal memory for recording the performed tests. Its accuracy in measurement is about 100 mg and it can show a maximum of 1000 g. The device can record the maximum force inflicted on the desired organ and can be connected to the computer and data can be printed out.ResultsFor evaluating the patient’s pain severity, a force will be inflicted on the intended organ of the patient and when a pain equal to the original pain of the patient is felt and the patient responds to the performed stimulation and moves the intended organ, the maximum force is recorded.ConclusionThis test is performed 5 times and the mean inflicted force is recorded. This device has been registered in the Iranian office of intellectual and mental property under the number 87068. In addition, it has been chosen as the favorite invention in the festival of inventions of the Iranian national elite s foundation (in 2015).

Keywords:

Pain threshold , Digital LCD , DFU , Monofilament