Feasibility of using the Neuropen for temporal summation testing

Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of measuring pinprick temporal summation (TS) with the Neuropen, a cheap and accessible device. Methods: Ten asymptomatic participants underwent TS testing using the Neuropen and answered a tolerability questionnaire. Results were compared against reference values, averaging three and five TS tests. Tolerability was assessed qualitatively. Results: The TS results were similar to reference values, with less overall variability. Averaging three versus five tests produced similar results with high correlation. The mean unpleasantness score was low. Conclusion: The Neuropen appears to be suitable for eliciting TS, using an average of three measurements, and has acceptable tolerability. This pilot study was used to inform the use of the Neuropen for measuring TS in subsequent clinical studies.