The thermal test is used for the assessment of thermal sensitivity of a human subject. In order to do so, the subject is comfortably seated and a thermal electrode is placed on the skin (hand, limb, chest,…). Stimuli delivered by the apparatus are short and may range from very cold (a few °C) to very hot (about 50°C). An associated thermocouple gives simultaneously the skin temperature of the observed skin area.
The volunteer is asked to give a response (by pressing a key) each time he or she feels the expected feeling (slightly warm or cold, neither warm nor cold, very warm or cold,…). This response leads to the interruption of the stimulus. Several successive stimuli are necessary to set a threshold value.
This test allows to explore the structures and pathways implicated in thermal and pain sensitivity. It is harmless and can be frequently repeated.
