JP2009261779A - Method and apparatus for evaluating pain - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for evaluating a pain which allow secure evaluation for intensity of the developed pain even when a high-frequency electric current flows. <P>SOLUTION: The pain of a subject can be more properly evaluated by measuring LF/HF ratio from an amount of sweating, blood volume and pulse change as a physiological response from the subject who is given the pain and measuring gradual evaluation and linguistic evaluation of the pain as a psychological response from the subject who is given the pain, and by combining measured data as the physiological response and psychological responses SP3A and SP3B to obtain pain comprehensive evaluation data SP6 and SP7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pain evaluation method and a pain evaluation apparatus, and proposes a pain evaluation method with respect to a stimulation level given in, for example, cosmetic hair removal.

As a measurement method for the stimulus given to the subject during hair removal rotation, a method for measuring the amount of sweat of the subject is proposed (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-143968

  The depilation disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the basic idea of measuring the pain when the hair is physically pulled out. A hair removal probe (also called a needle) is inserted, and this is used as an electrode to pass high-frequency current and / or direct current through the hair follicle, thereby converting it into thermal energy inside the hair root tissue, and protein in the hair root tissue Beauty hair removal based on the basic principle of generating heat coagulation action and / or electrolyzing NaCl in hair follicles and destroying hair root tissue (hair papilla) by strong alkali action There is treatment.

  The pain given to the subject during the cosmetic electroepilation is considered to be based on the heat generated during energization of the electrocosmetic hair removal and / or the production of alkaline substances by electrolysis. In addition, since a high-frequency current is caused to flow through the hair follicle and the influence (noise) due to radio waves is large, a method that can be applied as a pain evaluation method using an electrical signal of a living body has not been proposed yet.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and proposes a pain evaluation method and a pain evaluation apparatus that can reliably evaluate the intensity of generated pain even when a high-frequency current is applied. It is what.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, as a physiological response from a subject who has given pain, sweating, blood flow, and LF / HF ratio based on heart rate variability analysis, or at least one of them are measured. As a psychological reaction from the subject who gave pain, the pain level evaluation and / or the language evaluation of pain, or at least one of them was measured and compared with the pain judgment value, respectively, or “pain response 1” or Pain evaluation data composed of binary data of “pain response 2” is generated, and pain evaluation data on the physiological response and psychological response is combined to obtain comprehensive evaluation data of pain.

  According to the present invention, the pain given to the subject can be more appropriately evaluated by combining the measurement data as the physiological response and the psychological response to obtain the comprehensive pain evaluation data.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Basic concept of pain evaluation (1-1) Pain giving procedure FIG. 1 shows a processing procedure for pain evaluation.

  When entering the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0, first, in step SP1, the examiner sets a pain applying condition in the pain evaluation system by the pain applying condition setting means.

  For example, in the case of performing cosmetic hair removal rotation, a rotator as an examiner sets an energization method and an energization level for the rotator as a subject.

  For this setting, select the method of energizing high-frequency current (called the flash method) or the method of energizing high-frequency current and direct current (called the blend method) as the energization method. In addition, the energization level (energization current value and energization seconds) is set.

  In subsequent step SP2, the examiner gives pain to the subject by the pain applying means.

  In this step, in the case of cosmetic electric hair removal, the rotator who is the examiner inserts a probe into the hair follicle of the rotator who is the subject and performs an energizing operation.

  Thus, after giving pain to the subject, the process proceeds to steps SP3A and SP3B, and physiological and psychological measurements are performed using physiological measurement means and psychological measurement means.

  Pain in cosmetic hair removal is caused by heat generated near the hair root when high-frequency current (generally 13.56 [MHz] or 27.12 [MHz] is used) is applied. In addition, the pain caused by direct current application is pain caused by an alkaline substance produced by electrolysis in the hair follicle.

(1-2) Physiological measurement (1-2-1) Sweating amount “Sweating amount” [mg / cm ² / min] in the subject's finger is measured with a sweat meter (step SP3A1).

(1-2-2) Blood Flow The “blood flow” [ml / min / 100 g] is measured from the subject's finger with a blood flow meter (step SP3A2).

(1-2-3) LF / HF ratio based on heart rate variability analysis Using an electrocardiogram device, based on the measurement of the R wave interval (RR interval), heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is performed, The “LF / HF ratio” that is the ratio of the sympathetic nerve component (LF component) to the parasympathetic nerve component (HF component) is obtained (step SP3A3).

  This LF / HF ratio represents a response from the autonomic nerve function.

  Since the autonomic function (LF / HF ratio) reaction based on the electrocardiogram can evaluate the autonomic nervous function based on the measured amount before and after energization, it can be measured without being affected by noise generated during energization.

  These physiological measurements (measurement of LF / HF ratio based on sweat volume, blood flow volume and heart rate variability analysis) are all physiological quantities generated from the autonomic nerve function, and stimulate the subject from the aspect of the autonomic nerve function. Can be measured.

(1-3) Psychological measurement The response to the stimulus given to the subject is evaluated psychologically by "pain stage evaluation" and "pain language evaluation".

(1-3-1) Pain Stage Evaluation “Face Scale (FS)” is used as one of the pain stage evaluation methods (step SP3B1). Face scale (FS) is an abbreviation for FACE SCALE. As shown in FIG. 2, it is a graphical display in which pain is expressed stepwise by facial expressions.

  The face scale (FS) is a response to pain given to the subject by "0" (no pain at all, happy feeling), "1" (slight pain), "2" (mild) Up to "3" (medium pain and painful), "4" (very painful and very painful) and "5" (unbearable pain) The “step evaluation value” is to be displayed in six steps.

  In fact, in the pain stage evaluation of step SP3B1, the examiner examines the words expressed by the subject in six stages of “step evaluation values” from level “0” to “5” in order of the intensity of the pain. The measured value of the result of the inquiry to the person is input using an input means, or the subject transmits a “stage evaluation value” of pain by an electric signal for display. For example, only when the subject recognizes that the pain is “stage evaluation value” or more (for example, “4” or more), it is displayed by inputting an electric signal with a push button switch, or “0” to By pressing the selection switch displayed up to “5”, the numerical value of pain is input and displayed.

(1-3-2) Pain Language Evaluation Pain language evaluation is a pain response in the subject's language over 17 items, as shown in FIG. 3, and each response item is a language evaluation item. , “Sense”, “Emotion” and “Evaluation”, that is, three aspects (SP3B2).

  The language expressing pain in each aspect is represented by a scale of five levels from level “1” to “5” for each intensity (ie, “1” point to “5” point scale).

  The language assessment of pain is obtained as a result of an interview by the examiner with the subject.

  For the pain evaluation of the language, weights (for example, “sense”: “emotion”: “evaluation” = 1: 2: 4) are provided between items in consideration of the psychological influence of pain.

  Each item evaluation point (item point) is expressed by the product of “item stage” and “item weight”, and pain language evaluation is expressed by the sum (ie, product sum).

In this way, we proposed a method for qualitative evaluation of pain as one of language evaluations. The content of the evaluation is to evaluate the response in language to the interview with the subject from three items of pain “sense”, “emotion”, and “evaluation”, and the pain intensity of each item on a 5-point scale.
It is assumed that the subject may answer a plurality of items in the interview.

  The “Sensation” item expresses pain, such as “tingling” (or “feeling painful”), “pain to pull” (or “pain that does not go away”), “hot”, “stinging” ( Or “feeling numb”), “feeling numb” (or “feeling like gene”), and “feeling like being burned”, because it expresses the pain intensity felt by the subject in language. The words expressed by the subject are assigned five levels from the level “1” to the point “5” in the order of the pain intensity.

  In the case of this embodiment, when the expressed language is “hot” or “feeling numb” (or “feeling generous”), the pain intensity level is “1”.

  It is also assumed that the pain intensity level is “2” when “scratching” (or “breaking”).

  It is also assumed that the pain intensity level is “3” when “stab” (or “stick”).

  Also, assume that the pain intensity level is “4” when “I can do it”.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that the pain intensity level is “5” when “pulling pain” (or “pain that does not go away”).

  The “Emotion” item expresses emotions arising from pain, such as “Scared”, “Uneasy”, “Severely Dying”, “Fearful” and “Sudden”. Is expressed in words, and is evaluated in four stages from level “2” to “5” in order of the severity of emotion.

  In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that when the expressed language is “surprising”, the emotional intensity level is “2”.

  It is also assumed that the emotional intensity level is “3” when “scary” or “anxious”.

  It is also assumed that the emotional intensity level is “4” when “fearing”.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that the level of emotional intensity is “5” when it is “hard to die”.

  In addition, the “evaluation” item expresses decision making based on pain, and the patient's patience strength, such as “strong”, “distressing”, “irritated” and “unbearable” Is expressed in words, and is evaluated in four levels from level “2” to “5” in order of patience.

  In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that the level of patience is “2” when the expressed word is “irritated”.

  Also, when it is “strong”, the level of patience is “3”.

  Also, when it is “unbearable”, the level of patience is “4”.

  Furthermore, the level of perseverance level is “5” when it is “sorrowful”.

  For this language evaluation, weights are set between items in consideration of the effect of pain on the living body. For example, “sense”: “emotion”: “evaluation” = 1: 2: 4. The subject may answer more than one for each item. In this case, the highest level is used for the level of each item.

  Thus, for example, the pain points when the “feel” stage is level “4”, the “emotion” stage is level “2”, and the “evaluation” stage is level “1” are illustrated above. In the case of the weight, (“feel” = 1 × 4) + (“emotion” = 2 × 2) + (“evaluation” = 4 × 1) = 12 [points], which is the pain of “language evaluation” Let it be a point.

  Thus, the full score of the pain point by “language evaluation” is (“sense” = 1 × 5) + (“emotion” = 2 × 5) + (“evaluation” = 4 × 5) = 35 [points], and “language” “Evaluation” is evaluated as a score up to this perfect score.

  The measurement amount obtained by the physiological measurement in step SP3A and the psychological measurement in step SP3B is recorded in the recording means in step SP4.

(1-4) Setting and Evaluation of Pain Determination Value After the pain determination value is set in the next step SP5, the recorded information is subjected to pain evaluation by comparing the measured amount with the pain determination value in step SP6.

  The processing of steps SP5 and SP6 is based on the fact that the physiological amount (perspiration rate, blood flow rate, LF / HF ratio based on heart rate variability analysis) and psychological amount are linear by the subject with respect to the change in stimulation level. The response to the stimulus level (ie, "Pain Response 1" or "Pain Response 2") The evaluation of the step-like reaction caused by the stimulus is evaluated based on whether or not the pain judgment value is exceeded.

(1-4-1) Pain stage evaluation The stage evaluation by the face scale (FS), which is one method of pain stage evaluation, is performed for six stages (FIG. 2) from the “0” stage to the “5” stage. When the step evaluation value is greater than or equal to the pain judgment value “d” (for example, the face scale “4”), it is evaluated as “pain response 1”, and when it is less than the pain judgment value “d”, it is evaluated as “pain response 2”.

(1-4-2) Pain language evaluation For the language evaluation of pain, when the value of the language evaluation is a pain judgment value “e” (for example, product sum value 20) or more, it is evaluated as “pain reaction 1” and pain judgment When the value is less than “e”, it is evaluated as “pain response 2”.

(1-4-3) Amount of sweating Since the amount of sweating increases if there is pain, it is evaluated as “pain response 1” when it is greater than or equal to the pain judgment value “a”, and when less than the pain judgment value “a”, “ Pain response 2 ”.

(1-4-4) Blood Flow Since blood flow tends to decrease if there is pain, it is evaluated as “pain response 1” when the pain determination value is “b” or less, and the pain determination value “b” is If it exceeds, evaluate as “Pain Response 2”.

(1-4-5) LF / HF ratio based on heart rate variability analysis Since heart rate variability tends to increase if there is pain, the LF / HF ratio based on heart rate variability analysis is greater than or equal to the pain judgment value “c” It is evaluated as “pain response 1”, and when it is less than the pain judgment value “c”, it is evaluated as “pain response 2”.

(1-5) Comprehensive evaluation of pain Thus, “psychological evaluation” is evaluated based on pain determination values “d” and “e” by the processing of steps SP5 and SP6, and “physiological evaluation” is determined as pain determination value. After evaluating pain based on “a”, “b”, and “c”, in the next step SP7, the physiological measurement result and psychology are measured by the method shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. A comprehensive evaluation of pain is made from the results of anatomical measurement and displayed to the examiner.

(1-5-1) Item Addition Method In the “item addition method”, “◯” marks are entered for items evaluated as “pain response 1” in the pain judgment evaluation table shown in FIG.

  This pain judgment evaluation table includes items in the evaluation item column, “A sweat”, “B blood flow”, “C electrocardiogram (LF / HF)”, “D pain stage evaluation”, and “E pain language evaluation”. Display pain judgment values “a”, “b”, “c”, “d”, and “e”, respectively, and provide “pain response 1” and “pain response 2” columns as response columns. The “○” mark is entered in the evaluation item that has “Reaction 1”, and the pain intensity is displayed according to the number Y of the “◯” mark and the content of the answer.

  Thus, for the six evaluation items, when there is no “○” mark (ie, there is no “Pain Response 1” item), from the lowest score “0”, when all the evaluation items are marked with “○” It is possible to perform a 6-step evaluation up to the maximum score of “5”.

  Thus, the added response number Y becomes a pain scale (Pain Scale) representing the amount of pain as a comprehensive evaluation display of pain. The pain scale is expressed using a pain stage scale, which is expressed by PSS.

(1-5-2) Physiological Response / Psychological Response Integration Method FIG. 5 shows the pain stage scale PSS from the product of the physiological response and the psychological response. On the basis of this, “psychological evaluation and language evaluation of pain” is evaluated on a seven-level scale.

  In FIG. 5, “pain response 1” is represented by “◯” and “pain reaction 2” is represented by “x”.

  As a result, the desired pain scale is any one of the pain stage scales S0 to S6.

  Here, the item addition method of FIG. 4 described above is the sum of the responses of the physiological response and the psychological response, and does not distinguish between the physiological response and the psychological response. The physiological / psychological response accumulation method in FIG. 5 distinguishes between physiological and psychological responses, and considers the stage of pain (PSS) in the order of occurrence of physiological and psychological responses. And decide.

  S0 is a case where there is no both reactions, S1 is a case where only a physiological reaction is observed (a reaction of either sweating or blood flow), S2 is a case of only a physiological reaction (both reactions of perspiration or blood flow), S3 is a case of only a psychological reaction If S4 has both a physiological response (but no ECG response) and a psychological response, S5 has both a physiological response (but also an ECG response) and a psychological response, S6 Is when there is a response to all evaluation items.

  The psychological evaluation and language evaluation of pain in FIG. 5 are performed from the “no response” stage S0 to the “mental” stages S1 to S2, the “sensory” stage S3, the “emotional” stages S4 to S5, and the “evaluation”. The qualitative response of pain in five stages up to stage S6 is determined from the product of the physiological response and the psychological response.

  As shown in FIG. 6, pain stage scales (PSS) S0 to S6 of each stage represent the qualitative response of pain in response to stimulation (electric current in the case of cosmetic hair removal) by intensity.

  That is, for the evaluation item “ABCDE”, if the response is “xxxxxxx”, it is a stage where there is no physiological response and psychological response in the presence or absence of a stimulus, that is, a non-response stage S0. This means that the pain response is at its lowest stage.

  In addition, for the evaluation item “ABCDE”, a reaction S1 of “XXXXX” that approximates the reaction is obtained from “◯ XXX”, and a response of the test S2 of “XXXXXX” is obtained. The qualitative response indicates that it is a “mental pain response” at the stage where some of the measured physiological items are reacting even when there is no electricity.

  In addition, in the case of the stage “S3” of “XXXXXX” or “XXXXXX” or “XXXXXX” that approximates this, the response is made to all the physiological items measured by energization. Although there is no psychological reaction, this indicates that the qualitative response is a “sensory pain response”.

  In addition, the stage S4 of “× XX × XX”, “XXXXX”, and “XXXXX” that approximates the reaction from “XXXXX” is obtained, and “XXXXX” is obtained. If it is stage S5 of “○” or “× ○○○○”, this occurs in response to a part of the physiological items measured by energization, and emotionality (anxiety, fear, etc.) other than sensation as a psychological reaction ), The qualitative reaction is "emotional pain reaction".

  Furthermore, when it becomes stage S6 where the response is “XXXXX”, the response occurs in all physiological items measured by energization, and the psychological response exceeds the senses and emotions and is evaluated (“I want to quit”). In this state, the qualitative response indicates that it is an “evaluative pain response”, and this step S6 is the highest step.

  As described above, the pain stage scale PSS can evaluate a qualitative response in seven stages from the lowest stage S0 to the highest stage S6.

  For example, there were 4 items of evaluation items “A sweating”, “C electrocardiogram (LF / HF)”, “D pain stage evaluation”, and “E pain language evaluation”, and there was a response of “○” to pain response 1. If the response is “XXX”, the pain stage scale PSS at that time is in the stage of pain stage S5. Therefore, the pain caused by stimulation develops into pain of emotion (anxiety, fear, etc.) in addition to sensation. It can be evaluated that it represents the qualitative content.

(1-6) Physiological response / Psychological response integration method (simple type)
FIG. 7 shows a comprehensive evaluation of pain by a physiological reaction / psychological reaction accumulation method (simple type).

  This evaluation method is a simplified version of the physiological response / psychological response integration method of FIG. 5, and expresses the tendency of responses for physiological evaluation items A to C and psychological evaluation items D to E. This is a five-level evaluation that includes qualitative reactions.

  The physiological evaluation item uses either “A sweating” or “B blood flow” reaction, and the psychological evaluation item is either “D pain stage evaluation” or “E pain language evaluation”. Adopt the reaction.

  Thus, regarding the evaluation items of “A sweating” or “B blood flow”, “C electrocardiogram (LF / HF)”, “D pain stage evaluation” or “E pain language evaluation”, the response of “XXX” is When obtained, the pain stage scale PSS is rated as “no response” S0 stage.

  Further, when a response “◯ XX” is obtained, the pain stage scale PSS is set to the S1 stage, and the qualitative reaction is assumed to be a “mental pain response”.

  In addition, when a response of “XXX” is obtained, the pain stage scale PSS is set to S3 stage, and the qualitative reaction is assumed to be “sensory pain reaction”.

  Further, when a response of “XXX” is obtained, the pain stage scale PSS is set to S4 stage, and the qualitative reaction is assumed to be “emotional pain reaction”.

  Further, when a response “OO” is obtained, the pain stage scale PSS is set to S6, and the qualitative reaction is set to “evaluable pain response”.

  Thus, the pain scale obtained by the five-stage pain stage scale PSS of S0, S1, S3, S4 and S6 is obtained.

  For example, for the three items “B blood flow”, “C electrocardiogram (LF / HF)” and “E pain language evaluation”, when the response of the pain stage is “XX”, the pain level scale PSS of the comprehensive evaluation Is evaluated as S6.

  Thus, according to the configuration of FIG. 7, it is possible to easily evaluate the qualitative response of pain by accumulating simpler physiological and psychological responses.

(1-7) Result processing of comprehensive evaluation After obtaining the comprehensive evaluation of pain and the comprehensive evaluation result in step SP7 of FIG. 1, the examiner determines whether the applied stimulus is inconvenient for the subject in the next step SP8. Make a judgment.

  Here, when it is determined that the examiner is inconvenient, the examiner changes the pain imparting condition in step SP9, thereby performing a process for improving the inconvenience for the subject, and returns to the above-described step SP2. .

  Thus, the processing loop of steps SP2-SP3A and SP3B-SP4-SP5-SP6-SP7-SP8-SP9 is repeated for the pain setting conditions newly set again.

  Eventually, when it is determined in step SP8 that it is not inconvenient for the subject, in step SP10, the examiner records the comprehensive evaluation of pain in step SP7 on the recording device to perform data banking processing. Then, in step SP11, the pain evaluation processing procedure is terminated.

  According to the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 of FIG. 1, while measuring the response to pain given to the subject as a physiological measurement, the LF / HF ratio based on the sweat rate, blood flow, and heart rate variability analysis based on the electrocardiogram, As a psychological measure, the patient's reaction is grasped from a physiological aspect and a psychological aspect by measuring a pain stage evaluation and a pain language evaluation.

  Thus, the pain response of the subject can be grasped more appropriately.

  In addition to this, the measurement result is compared with each measurement item, that is, perspiration, blood flow, LF / HF ratio, and pain judgment value set for each pain stage evaluation and pain language evaluation. By obtaining binarized data of “response 1” or “pain response 2”, each measurement item was quantified as binarized data even though it had a multi-valued response.

  Thus, by aligning each measurement item with the binary data of “Pain Response 1” and “Pain Response 2” in common, paying attention to the fact that the subject's pain response does not change linearly, the pain response is nonlinear. By evaluating each item as changing, it was possible to sort out the conditions for comprehensive evaluation of pain from pain response.

  As a result, the pain amount of the subject can be comprehensively evaluated by simply adding the number of “pain responses 1” as in the item addition method of FIG.

  In addition, as in the physiological response / psychological response integration method of FIGS. 5 and 6, the pain level scale (PSS) is obtained by integrating (multiplying) the “pain response 1” data of all items. In addition to the amount of pain, it is possible to comprehensively evaluate not only the amount of pain but also the qualitative evaluation of pain ("psychality", "sensory", "emotion" and "evaluation" of pain).

  Furthermore, as in the physiological response / psychological response integration method (simple type) in FIG. 7, by integrating the responses for some of the physiological evaluation items and psychological evaluation items, the pain can be more easily reduced. A comprehensive evaluation can be made.

(2) Examples The above-described pain evaluation method can be applied to the cosmetic hair removal pain evaluation apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The cosmetic hair removal apparatus 2 is configured such that the examiner who is the examinee is holding the counter electrode conductor 3 against the hair follicle at the rotation site of the examinee. By inserting a cosmetic electric hair removal probe 5 provided at the tip of the probe holder 4 and turning on the operation switch 6, a high frequency current and / or a direct current is applied to the hair follicle, thereby causing hair root tissue (hair papilla). Depilatory treatment is performed by destroying.

  About the cosmetic hair removal apparatus 2 The cosmetic hair removal pain evaluation apparatus 1 is a pain (heat or pain caused by the production of an alkaline substance in the hair follicle) caused to the subject when a current is supplied from the cosmetic hair removal probe 5. Evaluate so that the amount of energization can be controlled.

  The beauty electric hair loss pain evaluation apparatus 1 inputs the sweating amount signal S1 of the subject to the measurement data input unit 21 from the sweating detection device 11 worn on the finger of the subject (the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 (FIG. 1) corresponding to step SP3A1).

  In addition, the blood flow signal S2 is obtained from the blood flow detection device 12 worn on the finger of the subject and input to the measurement data input unit 21 (corresponding to step SP3A2).

  Furthermore, the heart rate variability ratio LF / HF signal S3, which is the ratio of the sympathetic component (LF component) and the parasympathetic component (HF component), is input from the electrocardiogram device 13 connected between the wrist and foot of the subject as measurement data. To the unit 21 (corresponding to step SP3A3).

  The measurement data input unit 21 buffers and records the perspiration detection signal S1, the blood flow detection signal S2, and the heart rate variability ratio LF / HF signal, and inputs them to the pain item determination unit 22 (corresponding to step SP4).

  The cosmetic hair loss pain evaluation apparatus 1 has a pain stage evaluation detection apparatus 14, which interrogates the subject to whom the lathe is energized, and performs the face scale “6” in FIG. Listening to one of “0” to “5” and operating the input, or the patient transmits a “stage evaluation value” of pain by an electric signal to be displayed. For example, it is displayed by inputting a push button type switch by an electric signal only when the patient recognizes that the pain level is “step evaluation value” or more (for example, “4” or more), or “0” to “5”. The detection signal S4 in which the pain numerical value is input and displayed is input to the pain item determination unit 22 (corresponding to step SP3B1).

  The cosmetic hair loss pain evaluation apparatus 1 further includes a pain language evaluation detection apparatus 15, which interrogates the subject who is energized by the lathe and has 17 items as shown in FIG. 3. By listening to one of the language reactions and operating the input means, the pain language evaluation detection signal S5 is input to the weighting circuit 22A of the pain item determination unit 22 (corresponding to step SP3B2).

  The weighting circuit 22A takes into account the psychological effects of pain, while the content of the pain language evaluation detection signal is input on a 5-point scale for “sense”, “emotion”, and “evaluation”. The weights (for example, “feel”: “emotion”: “evaluation” = 1: 2: 4) are multiplied and the multiplication result is output as pain language evaluation detection information.

  Thus, the pain item determination unit 22 includes a sweating amount, a blood flow rate, and a heart rate variability ratio LF / HF as a response to the subject's pain with respect to the current level applied to the subject from the cosmetic hair removal probe 5. Pain gradual evaluation and weighted pain language evaluation information is acquired (corresponding to step SP4).

  In the case of this embodiment, the cosmetic hair removal apparatus 2 is provided with an energizing current setting signal S10 for setting an energizing current value as a stimulation condition for the subject to be rotated from the energizing current setting unit 25. The energization current set by the setting signal S10 is applied to the subject from the cosmetic hair removal probe 5 (corresponding to steps SP1 and SP2).

  The pain item determination unit 22 receives from the pain determination value input unit 26 a pain determination value “a” for perspiration, a pain determination value “b” for blood flow, a pain determination value “c” for heart rate variability LF / HF, The pain determination value “d” for the pain gradual evaluation and the pain determination value “e” for the pain language evaluation weighted by the weighting circuit 22A are input (corresponding to step SP5 of the above-described pain evaluation processing procedure RT0). Thus, the pain is evaluated by comparing the measured amount with the pain judgment value (corresponding to step SP6 of the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0).

  Thus, pain determination values a, b, and c for the perspiration amount, blood flow rate, and heart rate variability ratio LF / FH, which are physiological measurement values for the current value given to the subject as a stimulation condition in the pain item determination unit 22. Is sent to the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27, and the result of comparison between the stepwise evaluation value of pain and the language evaluation value of pain and the pain judgment values d and e, which are psychological measurement amounts, is obtained. Input to the unit 27.

  The pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27 performs pain comprehensive evaluation based on the comprehensive evaluation method selected by the evaluation method selection unit 28 (corresponding to step SP7 of the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0).

  The evaluation method selection unit 28 uses the item addition method shown in FIG. 4 as a comprehensive evaluation method, the physiological reaction / psychological reaction integration method shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, or the physiological reaction / psychological reaction integration method shown in FIG. An evaluation method selection signal S11 for designating one of (simple type) is given to the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27.

  In response to this, the pain total evaluation unit 27 calculates the number Y of “pain reactions 1” or the pain stage scale PSS according to the pain determination evaluation table of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG. By displaying on a display (such as a display or a printer), the practitioner can confirm the comprehensive judgment result of the pain caused to the subject.

  The pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27 determines whether or not the pain stage scale PSS is inconvenient for the subject based on the comprehensive evaluation result (corresponding to step SP8 of the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0).

  Thus, in this cosmetic hair loss pain evaluation apparatus 1 as well, the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 is executed, and when the pain comprehensive evaluation / display processing in step SP7 is completed, the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27 finishes the pain in the next step SP8. When it is determined whether or not the comprehensive evaluation is inconvenient for the subject, and the determination result that it is inconvenient is obtained, the process proceeds to step SP9 to change the pain imparting conditions, and then returns to the above-described step SP2 to Repeat the pain assessment process under new pain-giving conditions.

  That is, based on the pain comprehensive evaluation result, the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27 determines whether or not this is inconvenient for the subject to be rotated. Then, an energization current value change command signal S12 is given, and thereby the energization current setting change unit 30 gives an energization current change control signal S13 to the cosmetic hair removal apparatus 2.

  At this time, the cosmetic hair removal apparatus 2 changes the energization current value as a stimulus applied to the subject from the cosmetic hair removal probe 5 to an appropriate value (a loop of steps SP8-SP9-SP2 of the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0). Corresponding to).

  On the other hand, when the pain comprehensive evaluation result is valid, the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27 stores the evaluation data representing the pain evaluation result in the evaluation data storage unit 31 and registers it in the data bank (pain evaluation processing). (This corresponds to the loop of steps SP8-SP10-SP11 of procedure RT0).

  According to the above configuration, before performing the cosmetic hair removal operation on the subject with the cosmetic hair removal apparatus 2, the cosmetic hair removal pain evaluation apparatus 1 causes the subject to perform physiological and It is possible to reasonably determine whether it is appropriate or not by grasping a psychological reaction as a quantitative value.

  As a result, it is possible to adaptively change the energization current and the energization method for the subject, so that it is possible to perform a gentle and safe cosmetic electroepilation with less pain for the subject. it can.

  In addition, by this, it is possible to perform a hair removal rotation for a large number of hair follicles within a predetermined rotation time, so that both the patient and the patient can perform a hair removal rotation with greater effectiveness. Can do.

(3) Other Examples (3-1) Application to Pain Stimulation from Other Body Outside The pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 according to the present invention described above with reference to FIG. It can also be applied to pain assessment due to drugs, pressure, vibration, etc.

(3-1-1) In electrification with acupuncture, long-time rotation is performed, and the subject who feels pain is more sensitive to anxiety and withdrawal than the pain itself.

  Therefore, by using the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 according to the present invention, it is possible to perform a turning operation that stands on the side of the person to be rotated rather than the side of the operator.

  From the viewpoint of safety, it becomes a more effective pain tool for the subject.

(3-1-2) Although many methods of giving drugs to the body from the outside by injection, taking, etc. have been put into practical use, there has not been a comprehensive method for pain assessment psychologically and physiologically. Therefore, applying the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 according to the present invention brings great benefits to the patient.

  For example, application to dental treatment, application to drug use for cancer patients, application of pain assessment to use of drug after exercise, and the like can be expected for medical and health effects.

  As an application example, it is possible to establish a drug intake method (order-made intake) suitable for an individual.

(3-1-3) Application to the evaluation of pain due to pressure The evaluation of pain caused by pressure, such as the pressure received by a short-time impact and the mechanical pressure received over a long period of time, is a psychological evaluation called pain recognition. However, if the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 according to the present invention is applied, pain can be quantitatively evaluated by the “stage scale”.

  As a result, the pressure level and vibration level applied from the outside of the body can be evaluated, so that a comfortable vibration level can be applied to a person who receives pressure.

  This application can be applied to a bed that facilitates bathing and getting up, a chair suitable for personal sensibility, and a device that holds shoulders and waist.

(3-2) Application to pain occurring in the body In the internal organs and nerves, headache, abdominal pain, muscle pain, etc. caused by pain substances (for example, bradykinin) are experienced. Has been done.

  When the present invention is applied in making such an evaluation, the pain level evaluation is performed more accurately, so that the person and the medical staff can grasp the degree of pain as a common recognition.

  If this common recognition is applied, it is possible to effectively carry out care for drugs, rehabilitation, exercise amount, etc. by being able to adequately implement a method for dealing with pain.

(3-3) Multifaceted use of pain assessment Pain occurs on a daily basis in many scenes such as labor, exercise, and recreation.

  If the present invention is applied as a method for objective evaluation when pain occurs, work and health care can be carried out properly and without difficulty.

  In addition, there is an esthetic industry and a healing industry in a market that has been rapidly developed in recent years, but in esthetics, pain due to energization or laser light irradiation occurs due to hair loss or a beautiful face.

  In the healing industry, robots have come to be used, and devices and instruments represented by nursing pets, pet robots, and the like are commercially available.

  When pain occurs due to equipment or instruments, the application of the present invention can improve the equipment and instruments quickly and develop into an accident if the quantitative assessment of pain is performed accurately. Can be prevented.

(4) Modification (4-1) In the pain evaluation processing procedure RT0 in FIG. 1, one pain determination value is set in the pain determination value setting process in step SP5. Two or more pain judgment values may be used.

(4-2) In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the ratio between the sympathetic nerve component (LF component) and the parasympathetic nerve component (HF component) based on the heartbeat variability analysis is calculated using the electrocardiogram device 13. Alternatively, the pulse wave may be detected using a pulse wave detection device that detects the pulse wave from the finger of the subject, and the heart rate variability analysis may be performed using the detection result.

(4-3) In the cosmetic hair loss evaluation apparatus 1 of FIG. 8, the rotator inputs a language response obtained as a result of the interview of the rotator with the patient using the pain language evaluation detection apparatus 15 Instead of this, it is also possible to obtain a pain language evaluation detection signal by directly inputting a language by the subject using a voice input device.

(4-4) In the cosmetic electric hair loss pain evaluation apparatus 1 of FIG. 8, the energization current change control signal S13 is transmitted via the energization current setting change unit 30 based on the pain comprehensive evaluation signal S12 obtained from the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27. However, instead of this, when the pain comprehensive evaluation result of the pain comprehensive evaluation unit 27 is displayed on the display unit 29, the rotator visually confirms the manual input means according to the judgment of the rotator. The energization current control signal S13 may be input.

(4-5) In the embodiments and examples described above, the case where the LF / HF ratio based on “sweat volume”, “blood flow volume”, and “heart rate variability analysis” is applied as a physiological evaluation item has been described. However, other biometric information items that respond to pain, such as “brain potential response”, may be used.

  It can be used for quantitative evaluation of pain in the body.

It is a flowchart which shows the pain evaluation processing procedure by one embodiment of this invention. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of pain stage evaluation "face scale (FS)". It is a chart used for description of language evaluation of pain. It is a table | surface used for description of the judgment evaluation of the pain by an item addition system. It is a chart used for explanation of judgment and evaluation of pain by a physiological reaction / psychological reaction accumulation method. 6 is a chart for explaining the qualitative reaction of FIG. 5. It is a chart with which explanation of pain judgment evaluation of a physiological reaction and a psychological reaction accumulation method (simple type) is given. It is a block diagram which shows the cosmetic hair loss pain evaluation apparatus which is one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Beauty electric hair loss pain evaluation apparatus, 2 ... Beauty electric hair removal apparatus, 3 ... Counter electrode conductor, 4 ... Probe holder, 5 ... Probe for beauty electric hair removal, 6 ... Operation switch, 11 ... Sweat Detection device, 12 ... blood flow detection device, 13 ... electrocardiogram device, 14 ... pain stage evaluation detection device, 15 ... pain language evaluation detection device, 21 ... measurement data input unit, 22 ... pain item Determining unit, 22A ... weighting circuit, 25 ... energizing current setting unit, 26 ... pain judgment value input unit, 27 ... comprehensive pain evaluation unit, 28 ... evaluation method selection unit, 29 ... display unit, 30 …… Energizing current setting change unit 31 …… Evaluation data storage unit.

Claims (6)

As a physiological reaction from the subject who gave pain, the LF / HF ratio based on the amount of sweating, blood flow and pulse fluctuation analysis was measured, and as a psychological reaction from the subject who gave the pain, Measuring steps for measuring pain stage assessment and pain language assessment;
Pain evaluation data composed of binary data of “pain response 1” or “pain response 2” is generated by comparing the measurement results of the physiological response and the psychological response with pain judgment values, respectively. Pain assessment step,
A pain assessment method comprising: pain assessment data for generating pain assessment data based on pain assessment data for the physiological response and pain assessment data for the psychological response. As a physiological response from the subject who gave pain, the subject who gave at least one of the LF / HF ratio based on the amount of sweating, blood flow and heart rate variability analysis as a measurement result A psychological reaction from the measurement step of measuring at least one of pain stage evaluation and pain language evaluation,
Pain that generates pain evaluation data composed of binary data of “pain response 1” or “pain response 2” by comparing the measurement results of the physiological response and the psychological response with pain judgment values, respectively. An evaluation step;
A pain assessment method comprising: pain assessment data for generating pain assessment data based on pain assessment data for the physiological response and pain assessment data for the psychological response. In the pain comprehensive evaluation step, the qualitative contents of the pain stage are evaluated by combining the pain evaluation data regarding the physiological response and the pain evaluation data regarding the psychological reaction. Item 3. The pain evaluation method according to Item 1 or 2. As a physiological response from a subject energized with current for cosmetic hair removal, the LF / HF ratio based on sweat volume, blood flow and heart rate variability analysis is measured, and the pain is given from the subject. As a psychological reaction, measuring means for measuring pain stage evaluation and pain language evaluation,
Pain evaluation data composed of binary data of “pain response 1” or “pain response 2” is generated by comparing the measurement results of the physiological response and the psychological response with pain judgment values, respectively. Pain assessment means,
An apparatus for assessing cosmetic hair loss comprising: pain evaluation data for the physiological response and pain comprehensive evaluation means for generating comprehensive pain evaluation data based on the pain evaluation data for the psychological response . As a physiological response from a subject energized with an electric current for cosmetic hair removal, at least one of perspiration, blood flow, and LF / HF ratio based on heart rate variability analysis is used as a measurement result, and the pain As a psychological reaction from a subject who has been given a measurement means, at least one of pain stage evaluation and pain language evaluation as a measurement result,
Pain that generates pain evaluation data composed of binary data of “pain response 1” or “pain response 2” by comparing the measurement results of the physiological response and the psychological response with pain judgment values, respectively. An evaluation means;
An apparatus for assessing cosmetic hair loss comprising: pain evaluation data for the physiological response and pain comprehensive evaluation means for generating comprehensive pain evaluation data based on the pain evaluation data for the psychological response . The pain comprehensive evaluation means evaluates the qualitative content of a pain stage by combining the content of pain evaluation data about the physiological response and the content of pain evaluation data about the psychological response. Item 6. The cosmetic hair loss pain evaluation apparatus according to Item 4 or 5.

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