Abstract: A non-invasive quantitative somatosensory apparatus is provided for evaluating erectile dysfunctions and involves the applications to the glans penis of two different temperatures. If the patient is unable to differentiate the difference in temperature, a diagnosis of neurologic dysfunction can be made with greater than 90% reliability. The apparatus of this invention provides a relatively simple device to assess a patient's neurological response to therapies.

Abstract: A non-invasive quantitative somatosensory apparatus is provided for evaluating erectile dysfunctions and involves the applications to the glans penis of two different temperatures. If the patient is unable to differentiate the difference in temperature, a diagnosis of neurologic dysfunction can be made with greater than 90% reliability. The apparatus of this invention provides a relatively simple device to assess a patient's neurological response to therapies.

Abstract: A non-invasive quantitative somatosensory method is provided for evaluating erectile dysfunctions and involves the applications to the glans penis of different temperatures in increments of about 1° C. until the patient can correctly identify which temperature starting at an ambient temperature was warmer for at least two consecutive times. The method of this invention provides a relatively simple procedure to assess a patient's neurological response to therapies. Incremental decreases in temperature can also be used to assess a patients's neurological response. The method of this invention can also be supplemented, if desired, by determination of the spatial perception threshold and/or the application of pressure, i.e., the sensitivity to touch determination to provide a two-point determination.