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Abstract
The Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Test (WEST) is performed using a calibrated monofilament
esthesiometer. This study was designed to establish normal values for the WEST when
testing digit tip sensibility and to assess whether factors such as age, gender, and
side affect normal WEST values. In order to establish normal values, the WEST was
performed on 120 subjects who had no clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy or
subjective changes in digit tip sensation. Subjects also completed a questionnaire
and underwent neurometric testing of the median nerve and a brief clinical examination.
The results of the study indicate that age had a significant effect on WEST values
(p = 0.0002) and that there was an interaction effect for age and gender (p = 0.018). There are strong correlations between the WEST values for individual digits
for a given subject and between WEST and electroneurometer values. Normal values for
the WEST should be interpreted with regard to age and gender. These normal values
(defined as the values for 80% of the population of each category) based on the sample
used for this study are as follows: for men and women 55 years of age or younger,
0.035 g; for women older than 55 years, 0.15 g; for men older than 55 years, 0.385
g.
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Copyright
© 1998 Hanley & Belfus, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
