Weber Two-Point Discrimination Test

Original Editor - Chelsea Mclene

Top Contributors - Chelsea Mclene, Aminat Abolade and Kim Jackson  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Two point discrimination is the ability to discern that two nearby objects touching the skin are truly two distinct points, not one. It is often tested with two sharp points during a neurological examination [1][2] and is assumed to reflect how finely innervated an area of skin is. In clinical settings, two-point discrimination is a widely used technique for assessing tactile perception.[3] It relies on the ability and/or willingness of the patient to subjectively report what they are feeling and should be completed with the patient’s eyes closed.[1] 

Method[edit | edit source]

The examiner uses a paper clip, two point discriminator, or calipers[4] to apply pressure on two adjacent points in longitudinal direction or perpendicular to the long axis of the finger.[5] The minimal distance with which the patient can distinguish between two stimuli is found by moving from proximal to distal. This distance is called threshold for discrimination. The area being tested must not be seen by the patient and the patient must concentrate on feeling the points. For accurate results, the hand must be immobile on a hard surface and it must be ensured that the two points are simultaneously touching the skin. The patient is asked to report whether one or two points was felt. The smallest distance between two points that still results in the perception of two distinct stimuli is recorded as the patient's two-point threshold.[6] Performance on the two extremities can be compared for discrepancies. Although the test is still commonly used clinically, it has been roundly criticized by many researchers as providing an invalid measure of tactile spatial acuity, and several highly regarded alternative tests have been proposed to replace it.

There must be no skin blanching as it indicates too much pressure being applied. There may be an increase or decrease in the distance between the points depending on the patient's response. Starting distance between the points can be easily distinguished. If the patient is hesitant to respond or becomes inaccurate, the patient is required to respond accurately on several trials before the test can be repeated.

Normal discrimination distance recognition is less than 6mm, but it varies from person to person. This test is best for hand sensation involving the static holding of an object between the finger and thumb requiring pinch strength.[7][8]

[9]

[10]

Normal and impaired performance[edit | edit source]

Body areas differ both in tactile receptor density and somatosensory cortical representation. Normally, a person should be able to recognize two points separated by 2 to 8 mm on fingertips. On the lips, it is 2 to 4 mm, and on the palms, it is 8 to 12 mm and 30–40 mm on the shins or back.[11][12] The posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway is responsible for carrying information involving fine, discriminative touch. Therefore, two-point discrimination can be impaired by damage to this pathway or to a peripheral nerve.[6][2]

Two Point Discrimination Value[edit | edit source]

  • Normal <6mm
  • Fair 6-10mm
  • Poor 11-15mm
  • Protective where only one point is perceived.
  • Anesthetic where points are not perceived.[13]

Weber's two-point discrimination test is the most common method used to of assess sensibility of the upper extremity. The amount of force applied between one and two points easily exceeds the resolution or sensitivity threshold for normal sensation. Tremendous variance in pressures applied resulted in poor levels of interrater reliability. This perhaps explains some of the lack of agreement in reporting discriminatory function. The number of correct responses required may vary slightly from examiner to examiner.[14]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Blumenfeld, Hal (2010). Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc. pp. 71–72. ISBN .
  2. 2.0 2.1 Bickley, Lynn; Szilagui, Peter (2007). Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking (9th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN . ASIN B0028IKRYG
  3. Shooter D. Use of two‐point discrimination as a nerve repair assessment tool: preliminary report. ANZ journal of surgery. 2005 Oct;75(10):866-8.
  4. Finnell JT, Knopp R, Johnson P, Holland PC, Schubert W. A Calibrated Paper Clip Is a Reliable Measure of Two‐point Discrimination. Academic emergency medicine. 2004 Jun;11(6):710-4.
  5. Two point discrimination. Science direct. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/two-point-discrimination#:~:text=Two%E2%80%90point%20discrimination%20is%20a,pain%20fibers%20rather%20than%20touch. [last accessed 25/01/2021]
  6. 6.0 6.1 O'Sullivan, Susan (2007). Physical Rehabilitation Fifth Edition. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company. pp. 136–146. ISBN .
  7. G.Lundborg, Birgitta Rosen. The two point discrimination test, The Journal of Hand Surgery British & European Volume 29(5):418-22
  8. Boldt, R., Gogulski, J., Gúzman-Lopéz, J. et al. Two-point tactile discrimination ability is influenced by temporal features of stimulationExp Brain Res 232, 2179–2185 (2014).
  9. Example vedios. Two point discrimination tests. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f488-BNid8 [last accessed 25/01/2021]
  10. kuhealthproffesions. 2 point discrimination. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB4gCv42ETw [last accessed 25/01/2021]
  11. Vriens JP, Van der Glas HW. Extension of normal values on sensory function for facial areas using clinical tests on touch and two-point discrimination. International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery. 2009 Nov 1;38(11):1154-8.
  12. Weinstein S. Intensive and extensive aspects of tactile sensitivity as a fuction of body part, sex and laterality. In: Kenshalo DR, ed. The skin senses. Springfield: Charles C.Thomas; 1968. p. 195-222.
  13. Dellon AL, Mackinnon SE, Crosby PM. Reliability of two-point discrimination measurements. The Journal of hand surgery. 1987 Sep 1;12(5):693-6.
  14. ScienceDirect.U pper Extremity Assessment and Splinting. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780801675225500101 [last accessed 23/03/2021]