How does the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator (APSS) work?
The APSS consists of a flexible fiber optic endoscope tube, connected to an air pulse generator. When the tube is placed through the nose into the middle of the throat, pulses of air, varying in duration and intensity, are delivered to elicit an involuntary throat reflex. By using the APSS, clinicians can easily determine which side of the throat is numb and simply have the patient turn his or her head so that the incoming food is exposed to the side of the of the throat with normal sensation.
