Electrogustometry

Abstract: The construction of an apparatus for electrical taste stimulation for clinical use is described. Investigations were carried out on 140 normal persons to determine the gustatory thresholds by an electric stimulus on the right and left sides of the anterior and posterior parts of the tongue. The results show that the thresholds in all age groups vary within very wide ranges, while there is no significant difference in thresholds determined on the right or left sides of the tongue. The method would appear to yield better results than does a semi-quantitative test using taste solutions of different concentrations.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to measure taste thresholds among cancer patients under chemotherapy compared to controls. The study was performed with 110 cancer patients and 170 healthy subjects of similar age distribution were included in the study. The electrogustometric detection threshold was evaluated as the lowest current intensity perceived by the subject in three tongue sites independently with a constant current generator. Taste thresholds for all cancer patients demonstrated significantly higher values compared to controls. Cancer patients treated by chemotherapy demonstrated a temporary taste sensitivity deficit. Associated with the illness due to the treatment, this deficit explains the patients complaining of “abnormal or bad tastes”, which results in food aversion and has a negative impact on nutritional status and quality of life. In order to prevent the risk of anorexia and the enhanced morbidity related to this deficit, treatment should include relevant information to the subject for anticipating objective taste modifications and a psychological follow-up during the actual change of taste quality perceptions in everyday life.