Biothesiometry as a Diagnostic Tool in Assessing Sexual Disorders

Introduction:

Biothesiometry is a diagnostic test used for assessing peripheral nerve function and damage, especially in diabetic neuropathy. It measures the individual’s perception of vibration sensation in the lower extremities or other parts of the body. During this test, a vibrating probe is administered to the specific points where the person indicates when he could feel that sensation. The outcomes help assess the degree and progression of nerve damage.

It is essential to note that a biothesiometer is a complicated and specialized diagnostic tool that requires certified and experienced healthcare providers to handle, conduct, and interpret the results more accurately.

What Is Biothesiometry?

Biothesiometry is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool in medicine that helps quantify the perception and feeling of vibration through the measurement of its threshold (the weakest stimulus that any organism could sense). So, it helps to quantitatively measure the loss of vibration perception threshold (VPT).

It is designed to measure both individual settings and large patient screenings. The operating device is simple, with reliable outputs that vary only in steps. This successive result makes the biothesiometry test simpler, faster, and easier. The step outputs include 15 volts, 20 volts, 25 volts, and 50 volts.

What Is Biothesiometry Used For?

Biothesiometry has applications in neurology and electrophysiology. So, it is used for diagnosing various conditions, including diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction. The vibration perception threshold could be higher than the average range in these conditions. This test also contributes to its numerical nature, which helps in staging the progression of diseases and complications.

The potential uses of biothesiometry are as follows.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy generally refers to nerve damage caused by diabetes. This damage occurs because high blood glucose levels and high fat (triglyceride) levels in the blood from diabetes over a prolonged period can damage the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy most commonly affects the lower extremities and feet.

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of diabetic neuropathy one has. Biothesiometry is a simple aid used for diagnosing and managing diabetic neuropathy because of the loss of vibration perception threshold.

• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: One of the most common types of diabetic neuropathy. This condition affects the lower extremities and feet first. Then it is followed by the hands and arms. The signs and symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy get worse at night. The symptoms include numbness and a diminished ability to sense temperature changes and feel pain. Biothesiometry yields the most reliable results in the case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A systemic study review validates that HBA1c strongly correlates with the vibration perception threshold. The study adds that biothesiometry serves as a predictor for foot complications following diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

• Pediatric Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is thought to be a significant microvascular complication of Type 1 diabetes. A systematic review of screening pediatric patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy says that biothesiometry and certain fine microfilaments were the only diagnostic methods that yielded high sensitivity and specificity outcomes.

• Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant concern among males. Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called impotence, is a condition characterized by difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. It is connected to problems with self-image and sexual functions. Biothesiometry can also be used to diagnose erectile dysfunction.

How Is Biothesiometry Used as a Diagnostic Tool in Assessing Sexual Disorders?

Sexual function involves a range of interactions, including physical, interpersonal, and psychological factors. The nervous system plays an essential role in sexual function. Sexual disorders can occur due to underlying nervous system causes. Similarly, there are several neurological causes of erectile dysfunction.

This cause includes multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, and nerve injuries. So, nerve damage capsules cause erectile dysfunction in men. Moreover, nerve damage is considered a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Biothesiometry is a device that helps identify the presence and extent of peripheral nerve damage. Though Biothesiometry does not have a significant role in diagnosing sexual disorders, it could help determine nerve damage and its progression in nerve-related sexual conditions like erectile dysfunction.

How Does Biothesiometry Work?

This biothesiometry test is done using a device called a biothesiometer. This device is a handheld probe connected to a display unit through wire work. The probe is a vibrating part that helps deliver controlled vibrations of specific intensity and frequency. There are two types of biothesiometer, namely digital and analog. These commercially available devices present readings on a dial or screen.

Biothesiometry functions by measuring a significant element called the vibratory perception threshold (VPT) for assessing peripheral nerve function. This diagnostic test typically concentrates on the vibration perception in the feet in cases of diabetic neuropathy and the penis in cases of erectile dysfunction. It can also be used on other body parts based on the condition to be addressed.

How Does Biothesiometry Help Assess Sexual Disorders?

The healthcare providers perform the biothesiometry test in the following ways.

• Firstly, the person can sit or lie down in a relaxed position.

• The probe is then placed on specified points on the feet in cases of diabetic neuropathy and the penis in cases of erectile dysfunction.

• The person indicates to the doctor when they perceive the sensation of vibration.

• This threshold of perception is addressed and recorded as a vibratory perception threshold.

• So, a biothesiometer device measures the vibration amplitude required for the person to perceive it.

• The higher VPT values represent reduced sensitivity to the vibration.

• Therefore, the higher VPT value might suggest the presence of peripheral nerve damage or neuropathy.

• In erectile dysfunction, the higher VPT value indicates the presence of nerve damage.

• The VPT values are recorded accordingly. The recorder's VPT values are then compared to the reference ones.

• This comparison could help identify the extent of peripheral nerve dysfunction and track its progression.

Conclusion:

While a biothesiometry diagnostic test is chiefly used to determine peripheral nerve function, this test is not designed specifically for assessing sexual disorders except erectile dysfunction. Sexual disorders involve a complicated interplay, including physical, interpersonal, and psychological determinants. So, diagnosing sexual disorders requires a comprehensive evaluation, such as history taking, hormone level assessments, psychological evaluation, radiographic imaging studies, and certain questionnaires. But, a biothesiometry diagnostic test could help determine the degree and severity of peripheral nerve damage in sexual disorders, particularly erectile dysfunction.