Abstract: A method of measuring the itch sensitivity of a skin surface of a subject patient comprises applying a unitarily formed elongated stimulating monofilament having a curved, textured stimulating tip at a free end thereof to contact the skin surface of the subject patient. The stimulating monofilament is dragged both distally and proximally across the skin surface, and a degree of itch rating of the subject patient is recorded. An apparatus for delivering such pressure-induced sensations to a subject skin surface includes a handle having a distal portion for applying a stimulus and a proximal portion grippable by a user. The apparatus further includes a plurality of heads coupled to the distal portion of the handle, and a plurality of elongated stimulating monofilaments of varying diameters each attached to a respective one of the plurality of heads for contacting the subject skin surface.

Abstract: A method of measuring the itch sensitivity of a skin surface of a subject patient comprises applying a unitarily formed elongated stimulating monofilament having a curved, textured stimulating tip at a free end thereof to contact the skin surface of the subject patient. The stimulating monofilament is dragged both distally and proximally across the skin surface, and a degree of itch rating of the subject patient is recorded. An apparatus for delivering such pressure-induced sensations to a subject skin surface includes a handle having a distal portion for applying a stimulus and a proximal portion grippable by a user. The apparatus further includes a plurality of heads coupled to the distal portion of the handle, and a plurality of elongated stimulating monofilaments of varying diameters each attached to a respective one of the plurality of heads for contacting the subject skin surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for the determination of corneal thresholds, for example the corneal center, through the use of air flow to specific corneal sites, comprises a "stimulate" air flow path leading from an air compressor through a stimulate nozzle to the cornea for stimulation, and a "non-stimulate" air flow path leading from the air compressor to a calibrate nozzle, so that the force in the stimulate nozzle may be set before stimulation. A further "exhaust" air flow path is provided quickly to exhaust air from the stimulate nozzle to provide a sharp turn-off of the force of the air flow applied to the optic cornea, thereby obtaining a substantially rectangular stimulation characteristic. The nozzle is wide and flat with a dimple or recess formed substantially at or near the center thereof where air exits therefrom, so that the force and extent of air needed to stimulate the cornea is limited.