Apparatus and methods for determining in vivo response to thermal stimulation in in an unrestrained subject

US5025796A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services STA WA COD 06 · US

Inventors

• Kenneth Michael Hargreaves · San Antonio, US
• Ronald Dubner · Washington, US
• Fred Brown · Anaheim, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 1, 1988
• Grant date: Jun 25, 1991
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2503/42
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for discerning a peripherally-mediated response to thermal simulation caused by a drug in an unrestrained subject is disclosed whereby it can be determined if the drug acts substantially like the placebo. Also disclosed is a method of determining the response to thermal stimulation caused by a drug in an unrestrained subject by determining the difference between the drug withdrawal latency time period and the placebo withdrawal latency time period. Also disclosed is a method of discerning a peripheral response to thermal stimulation in an unrestrained subject by comparing the withdrawal latency time period of one site with that of a second site.