Anorectal Tonometer for Neurological Testing

This invention is an anorectal tonometer intended to measure rectal tone in adults and newborns caused by Cauda Equina Syndrome. CES is not the only thing that can affect the spinal cord; any spinal condition that affects the involuntary nervous system could affect rectal tone. Other conditions this device can be used for include emergency room assessment of spinal cord injuries and intra-operatively during spinal cord surgeries to monitor neural control of the sphincter. Rectal tone often changes during pregnancy and the return of normal function can be studied and monitored to better help women recover from child birth.

Background:
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) occurs when the Cauda Equina nerve fibers become irritated by pressure or inflammation. The treatment for Cauda Equina is immediate surgical intervention. The absence or reduction of rectal tone is used in the diagnosis of several neurological conditions including CES. This device can be used to assess any spinal condition that affects the involuntary nervous system, which in turn affects rectal tone.

Applications:

• Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)
• Monitoring spinal conditions that affect the involuntary nervous system
• Monitoring rectal tone in pregnant and postpartum women
• Emergency assessment
• Routine diagnostic tool
• Research database
• Intra-operative monitor 

Advantages:

• Allows quantitative measurement of rectal tone
• Any medical professional could easily perform examinations
• Designed to keep doctor away from anus, in order to work in other areas
• The sensor is very small (comparable or smaller than the human finger)