View source for Wartenberg wheel

{{Short description|Medical device for neurological use}}
[[Image:Wartenbergwheel.jpg|upright=1.2|right|thumb|A Wartenberg wheel]]

A '''Wartenberg wheel''', also called a '''Wartenberg pinwheel''' or '''Wartenberg neurowheel''', is a [[medical device]] for [[neurological]] use. The wheel was designed to test [[nerve]] reactions ([[stimulus (physiology)|sensitivity]]) as it rolled systematically across the [[Human skin|skin]].<ref>Lehrner J., e.a.: ''Klinische Neuropsychologie: Grundlagen - Diagnostik - Rehabilitation'', Springer, 2005, S. 135, {{ISBN|3-211-21336-8}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=p2aHbCP2E9cC&dq=Sensibilit%C3%A4tspr%C3%BCfung+Wartenberg&pg=PA135 here online]</ref> A Wartenberg wheel is generally made of [[stainless steel]] with a handle of approximately {{convert|18|cm|in|0}} in length. The [[wheel]], which has evenly spaced radiating sharp pins, rotates as it is rolled across the flesh. A disposable [[plastic]] version is available. Because of hygienic concerns, these devices are rarely used for medical purposes.<ref>Kornhuber E., e.a.: ''Die neurologische Untersuchung'', Birkhäuser, 2005, p. 16, {{ISBN|3-7985-1444-5}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=fP15QJ4aWw8C&dq=Sensibilit%C3%A4tspr%C3%BCfung+Wartenberg&pg=PA16 here online]</ref>

[[Robert Wartenberg]], namesake of the Wartenberg wheel, is sometimes incorrectly credited as its inventor.<ref name="JAMA-Wartenberg-1937">{{cite journal |last1=Wartenberg |first1=Robert |title=A Pinwheel for Neurological Examination |journal=Journal of the American Medical Association |date=October 16, 1937 |volume=109 |issue=16 |pages=1294|doi=10.1001/jama.1937.02780420054022 }}</ref> According to Wartenberg himself, the device was in widespread use in Europe when he lived in Germany.<ref name="JAMA-Wartenberg-1937"/> While he did not invent it, he found it "an indispensable part of the outfit for everyday neurologic practice," and recommended its use to his colleagues in the US.<ref name="JAMA-Wartenberg-1937"/>

The Wartenberg wheel is also used as a sensation [[sex toy]], and is often used to tickle a person (also called a ‘lee, short for “ticklee”) in the act of [[tickle fetishism]]. It is sometimes used in other settings while connected to a [[violet wand]] electrical device.<ref>[[Matthias T. J. Grimme]]: ''Das SM-Handbuch.'' Charon-Verlag 2002, {{ISBN|3-931406-01-6}}</ref> 

Clothing pattern-making can use a version of the Wartenberg wheel, called a [[Tracing wheel|pounce wheel]], to transfer markings from paper to fabric. Pounce wheels resemble standard Wartenberg wheels in shape but have wooden or plastic handles.

== See also ==
{{Commons category}}
* [[Spur|Rowel spur]]
* [[Tracing wheel]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Phillip Miller, Molly Devon, William A. Granzig: ''Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism.'' Mystic Rose Books 1995, {{ISBN|0-9645960-0-8}}

{{Medical instruments and implants |state=expanded}}

[[Category:Medical equipment]]
[[Category:BDSM equipment]]
[[Category:Neurology]]


{{medical-equipment-stub}}