Dynamic 2-point discrimination

What do you start with?

8mm

how should you move?

proximal to distal

normal score

4 to 60 yo: 2-4 mm

older than 60: 4-6 mm

procedure

• Use a device such as the Disk-Criminator or a Boley gauge with blunt testing ends (see Fig. 23.11).

• Begin with a distance of 8 mm between points.

• Randomly select one or two points. Move slowly from proximal to distal on the distal phalanx, moving longitudinally along either the radial or the ulnar aspect of the fingertip so that the adjacent digital nerve is not stimulated (see Fig. 23.12). The pressure applied is just enough for the skin to be deformed.

• If the client responds accurately, decrease the distance between the points and repeat the sequence until you find the smallest distance that the client can perceive accurately.

• If the client responds inaccurately, increase the distance between the points and repeat the sequence until you find the smallest distance that the client can perceive accurately.

The client responds accurately to

7 of 10 applications on any one given set distance on the gauge or tool.