The TSA-II NeuroSensory Analyzer is the essential tool for evaluation of nerve impairment in clinical practice, research and pharmacological trial settings. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) of the thermal modalities is the only clinical test for quantitative assessment of small-caliber (A-Delta and C-fiber) sensory nerve function, the primary transmitters of pain sensation.

Principle of Operation
The TSA-II NeuroSensory Analyzer is a precise, computer-controlled device capable of generating and recording a response to a highly repeatable thermal (and vibratory) stimuli, i.e., warmth, cold, heat-induced pain or cold-induced pain. The test procedure itself is similar to that employed in such routine tests as eye and hearing examinations, where the patient is asked to respond to a visual or auditory stimuli.

Utilizing a device called a "thermode" which is placed on the patient's skin, the TSA-II is capable of heating or cooling the skin as needed. The patient is asked to respond to these temperature stimuli by pushing a response button. A sensory threshold is recorded and compared to an age-matched normal population value by the computer. A deviation from the normal range can indicate the existence of peripheral nerve disease or damage due to injury or toxic exposure. Testing comparing contra-lateral body sites and longitudinal (or serial) evaluation before and after therapy are also routinely employed. A test result printout provided and is available in a variety of graphical formats, i.e., Single Test Result, Contralateral Comparison, Outcome Trend and Pre-Post Intervention.

 

TSA-II Features and Benefits

	Versatile, easy-to-use. WINDOWS-based operating program
	Automated test procedure requiring no special technical expertise
	Test typically takes only 10-30 minutes
	Selection of 8x11" printouts with color graphics capability with automated data summary comments
	Automated comparison with age-matched normative data
	Contralateral Comparison, Outcome Trend and Pre-Post Intervention reports
	Data management for over 30,000 tests with data export function (e.g. to Excel).
	6 different test methods, i.e., Limits, Levels, Forced Choice Suprathreshold and Manual
	Factory installed default protocols for immediate clinical use
	New open-architecture Thermal Pain Stimulator (TPS) software for advanced research use
	Randomized and null (dummy) stimulus options for single & double blind procedures
	Wide temperature range 0 - 53°C
	Choice of thermode stimulators in variety of sizes (2x2mm to 30x30mm) and configurations to support a variety of clinical settings and needs, such as our Pelvic Floor, Intra-Oral and fMRI Thermodes
	Analog output of temperature data (optional)
	Combine with the VSA-3000 Vibratory Sensory Analyzer for comprehensive assessment of peripheral nerve function