DEVICES AND METHODS FOR APPLYING STIMULATION IN THE ASSESSMENT OF CONSCIOUSNESS

A device applies standardized central and peripheral stimuli to a patient for assessment of consciousness. The device is hand-held and includes a first stimulus element for application of peripheral stimuli to a digit (e.g., a finger or a toe) of the patient and a second stimulus element for application of central stimuli to the patient, enabling practitioners to rapidly switch between peripheral and central stimulus application. The device can generate a standardized electrical stimulus, thermal stimulus, and/or mechanical stimulus for application for improved accuracy when assessing consciousness of the patient by methods such as the Glasgow Coma Scale. In another aspect, the device applies standardized stimuli at an appropriate intensity to elicit a response without causing tissue damage.