Laser test for identification of latent tremor at alcohol and drug addiction

Introduction Distinctness of tremor in abstinent disorders at alcohol and drug addiction are polymorphous in expressiveness degree, localization, typical dynamics of growing from latent, subclinical to big swing tremor of fingers. Aims and objectives To elaborate the differentiated diagnosis method for tremor in drug addicts to solve examination and medical problems in clinical narcology. Method The new method of expert diagnosis of latent tremor in narcology with complex examination of the respondent's capacity to complete test tasks for the precisement of purposeful sensorimotor movements and operations coordination with laser test was introduced. Laser beam pointer visual manual guidance at 2–3meter distance standard target and the beam fixation at the centre ("top ten") reveals the patient's capacity within 5–10seconds. Laser light spot trembling appearance out of "top ten" circle while twice-thrice completing the test is considered the positive result and tremor severity is evaluated depending on the beam vibration amplitude. Results Twenty-five alcohol and 25 drug addicts were examined. Visually, tremor presence and severity coincided with testing results entirely. Ability to keep beam in "top ten" area demonstrated tremor absence; laser spot vibration over "top ten"–the latent tremor; laser spot trembling within circles 9–10 – the moderate tremor; within the 6th–4th circles – medium severity; from 3rd–1st and 0th circle – the severe tremor is identified. Conclusions The method allows to increase the diagnosis efficiency and tremor identification at narcological diseases that gives opportunity to solve definite differential diagnostic problems in the expert centers for intoxication states examination.