Concepts of Providing Standardized Sensory Testing Protocols in Developed and Developing Countries.

A brief introductory comprising 3x5min talks will be conducted first. The workshop includes 4 stations. The aim is to provide solutions and strategies to frequent problems which may occur in the process of sensory testing. Per station 15-20 participants could be accommodated, adding to a total of 60-80 participants for the workshop. 1. Participants will be introduced to different methods of thermal sensory testing, including the assessment of thermal detection and pain thresholds as well as alternatives to the gold-standard. 2. The second part of sensory testing includes the assessment of sensory function via pinpricks, von-Frey-Filaments, pressure algometers and tuning forks. The relevance in clinical and scientific use will be discussed. 3. The aim of the third station is to provide a platform, which promotes scientific exchange. The faculty will provide challenging cases as well as engage participants in discussions on how to prevent pitfalls in QST assessment and interpretation. 4. The application of bedside tools may prevent many problems, the conventional QST protocol may include. Still, some limitations do apply, as acquisition of parameters differs. Therefore, this station intends to present two different bedside-QST-batteries which provide parameters suitable for a standardized sensory testing and stratification according to QST clusters.