Goldscheider Method

GOLDSCHIDER METHOD (Goldscheider) for studying sensitivity is based on the observation that by means of artificial painful stimuli, one can induce hyperalgesic areas on the skin, whose structure makes it possible to establish special zones. To cause pain, G. applies clamps with which a fold of skin is grasped and compressed. After some time, in the surrounding area of the compressed fold, hyperalgesia develops, especially for pressure. This hyperesthetic field does not have a concentric shape but shows on the extremities longitudinal, and on the trunk belt-like boundaries. By applying painful stimuli at different places on the body, G. found that the resulting zones are located and spread in a specific and regular manner, so that the following main facts can be established. 1. Each spinal skin area has a specific structure. It consists of two symmetrically located parts, divided by a segmental median line; both symmetrical areas in terms of the state of sensitivity represent corresponding fields, so that hyperalgesia of one corresponds to hyperalgesia of the other. 2. In this way, it is possible to establish the boundaries of individual segments, which cannot be determined at all by other methods or can only be determined approximately. G.'s scheme differs from others mainly in those places where significant uncertainties are noted in demarcation. G. m. for studying temperature, vibrational, and joint sensitivity see Sensitivity.

GOLTS with a compressed fold develops hyperalgesia, especially for pressure. This hyperesthetic field does not have a concentric shape but shows on the extremities longitudinal, and on the trunk belt-like boundaries. By applying painful stimuli at different places on the body, G. found that the resulting zones are located and spread in a specific and regular manner, so that the following main facts can be established. 1. Each spinal skin area has a specific structure. It consists of two symmetrically located parts, divided by a segmental median line; both symmetrical areas in terms of the state of sensitivity represent corresponding fields, so that hyperalgesia of one corresponds to hyperalgesia of the other. 2. In this way, it is possible to establish the boundaries of individual segments, which cannot be determined at all by other methods or can only be determined approximately. G.'s scheme differs from others mainly in those places where significant uncertainties are noted in demarcation. G. m. for studying temperature, vibrational, and joint sensitivity see Sensitivity.