Method: German QST protocol of 13 tests was used to measure three divisions of the trigeminal nerve bilaterally in healthy controls. Testing employed controlled thermal, tactile and painful stimuli applied to the gingiva (intraoral), face (extraoral) and hand (control site).
Result: To date, QST has been conducted on the hand, 6 extraoral and 4 intraoral sites in three trigeminal divisions in 11 controls (6 Female, aged 42-62), (5 Male, aged 21-73). Mean values for each parameter, averaging right/left for extraoral(EO) V1, V2, V3, then intraoral(IO) V2, V3, were: Cold Detection Threshold (CDT):EO -1.9,-2.0,-2.1 C; IO –13.3, -12.6 C;Warm Detection Threshold (WDT): EO 2.4, 25, 2.7 C; IO 12.9,12.8; Cold Pain Threshold (CPT):EO 17.6, 18.1, 13.6 C, IO 7.3,8.0; Heat Pain Threshold (HPT): EO 43.5, 41.7, 44.5, IO 46.8,46.5; Mechanical Detection Threshold (MDT): EO 1.6, 1.2, 2.3 mN, IO 28,2, 21.5; Mechanical Pain Threshold (MPT): EO 37.8, 28.6, 30.7, IO 136, 92mN; Windup Ratio (WUR): EO 2.3, 2.3, 2.4; IO 3.4, 2.6; Vibration Detection threshold (VDT): EO 5.8, 5.2, 5.8, IO 6.9, 6.8; Pressure pain threshold (PPT): EO 240,164,191, IO 75.1, 81.7 kPs. Sample normative ratio of extraoral/intraoral MDT was for V2: 0.04; V3, 0.11; for MPT: V2, 0.21; V3 0.34, all showing intraoral less sensitive than extraoral.
Conclusion: Normative values and ratios for all 13 tests were generated. Differences between extraoral trigeminal divisions for most parameters were minimal, although the midface (V2), was most sensitive for 5 of 11 parameters.