Disclosed are methods and medical device systems for automated delivery of therapies for pain and determination of need for and safety of treatment. In one embodiment, such a medical device system may comprise a sensor configured to sense at least one body signal from a patient; and a medical device configured to receive a first sensed body signal from the sensor; determine a patient pain index based at least in part on said first sensed body signal; determine whether said patient pain index is above at least a first pain index threshold; determine a safety index based at least in part on a second sensed body signal; select a pain treatment regimen based on at least one of said safety index and or a determination that said pain index is above said first pain index threshold; and deliver said pain treatment regimen.

Disclosed are devices and systems designed to assist an examiner in assessing the level of pain sensitivity in a patient, along with methods of using of the devices and/or systems. The device contains a tip for applying pressure to a point of the patient's body; a pressure sensor used to measure the pressure; a displacement sensor used to measure the depth of probing; and an optional third sensor used to measure temperature. The device can therefore simultaneously measure the pressure applied by the probe and the distance travelled by the tip of said probe (i.e. the displacement achieved). The device can be included in a system, which receives the data from the aforementioned sensors, and the patient's perceived pain value on a scale of 1-10. These values can be analyzed over time (i.e. over multiple applications of the device) to permit the examiner to use the data obtained to assess potential changes in the level of pain or discomfort and/or amount of healing of the patient.

A dental tool electrically powered by a power source includes: a handpiece having at least one switch; and a probe attachable to the handpiece so as to define a probe tip, the dental tool being operable to maintain the probe at its probe tip at a specifiable temperature. At least one of the handpiece and the probe includes a thermoelectric device, the dental tool being operable to maintain the probe at said probe tip at a specifiable temperature in response to user actuation of the at least one switch. Optionally, a second handpiece having an electrically conductive enclosure houses a second switch held by the patient. A method of conducting a dental test on a tooth of the patient includes: generating a sensory stimulus at the probe tip when the probe tip is in contact with the tooth; and receiving an actuation by the patient of the second switch.

To provide objective indications of the progression of peripheral neuropathy of patients, a transmitter apparatus is utilized to produce reproducible pulse signals to specified locations on the human body to determine a minimum level of stimulation necessary to elicit a consciously detectable sensation through the generation of a series of pulse signals of varying intensities, and the recordation of the number of pulse signals felt by the patient. Moreover, the nerve velocity of the patient is additionally determined for a patient via the transmitter apparatus and a receiver apparatus detecting body-signals passing along a nerve within the patient and corresponding to the pulse signals applied to the patient. The results of these tests are recorded over time, thereby enabling generation of patient-specific models indicative of the progression of the patient's peripheral neuropathy over time.

Provided are a pain measuring device and a main measuring method. More particularly, the pain measuring device may control a temperature provided from a temperature stimulator, receive, from a user input portion, a user input for recording a level of stimulation according to the temperature, obtain, from a camera, image data representing a change in an external shape of a user according to the stimulation, obtain, from a sensor, biodata representing a biological change of the user according to the stimulation, and obtain information about a level of pain experienced by the user according to the stimulation based on data corresponding to the user input, the image data, and the biodata.

This disclosure proposes a technique for finding and treating areas of tooth decay primarily below the gum line using protuberances provided in a length of modified dental floss. The length of modified dental floss is provided with protuberances which can be used to detect areas of tooth decay by the roughness and sensitivity felt as the length of modified dental floss glides over the area of tooth decay. Specially designed posts are used to anchor the ends of the length of modified dental floss in order to be able to apply greater force during flossing, and free up fingers that would normally have the dental floss wrapped around them, to guide the floss to the right locations for flossing.

According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a method for determining a nociceptive withdrawal reflex threshold of a person, the method comprising: applying a plurality of stimulations to a person with different stimulation intensity levels in accordance with a stimulation intensity algorithm, wherein the plurality of stimulations comprises at least one stimulation having an intensity level provoking a spinal cord withdrawal reflex in the person, recording electromyographic data representative of muscle activity of the person in response to each stimulation of the plurality of stimulations, and processing the stimulation intensity levels and the electromyographic data according to a threshold calculation algorithm to calculate a measure of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex threshold of the person. There is also provided a corresponding system.

Disclosed herein is a device for repeatably and accurately measuring the threshold sensitivity of the skin on a body part or surface such as the plantar surface of the foot. The machine uses a monofilament pressure test, where a monofilament is applied to the surface of the skin until it buckles at a corresponding force. The device may measure a broad range of pressures and responsive sensation in the patient using multiple applications of the monofilament. The patient indicates a positive or negative response, based on whether the patient sensed the monofilament pressure. The machine may include a foot clamping assembly, a support chassis, a linear motion translation assembly for locating the monofilament at a given position for testing, and a camera for taking images used to identify testing locations and report results. Methods of use and testing protocols are also described herein.

Methods and apparatuses for use in screening for and assessing neuropathies, such as severe diabetic neuropathies of the feet, also known as Loss of Protective Sensation (“LOPS”). The methods and apparatuses described herein employ a kit including one or more of an insert having at least one testing instrument attached thereto, the at least one testing instrument comprising at least a holder and a monofilament; an enclosure including inner compartments for holding and securing the insert; a folder having one or more pockets for securing the insert and one or more of a mirror, a packet and other material, such as instructions. The apparatuses safely secure and protect the testing instrument(s) so that the risk of breaking or otherwise damaging the testing instruments during storage and/or shipping is significantly reduced. The methods and apparatuses are easy and low cost to manufacture, easy to use, scalable, and allow users to self-screen/test for, among other things, severe diabetic neuropathies of the feet.

A palpometer device for assisting an examiner to evaluate deep pain sensitivity in a patient includes a housing supporting an axially displaceable spring-biased probe having a proximal end extending from an axial bore in a proximal axial face of the housing, and adapted for abutting contact with the patient. Within the housing, the spring-biased probe incorporates an annular flange for engaging one end of a bias spring coaxially disposed within the housing. The bias spring is disposed coaxially about the probe to resist axial displacement of the housing towards the proximal end of the probe upon manual application of a bias force to the housing, when the proximal end of the probe is in contact with a patient's body.