The Wartenberg pinwheel is primarily a medical device used by healthcare professionals to assess nerve function and sensory perception. It is systematically rolled across the skin to evaluate a patient's ability to feel sharp stimuli.

Neurological Testing:

Neurologists use the pinwheel to test for nerve reactions and sensitivity, which is vital for diagnosing conditions such as neuropathy (nerve damage, often associated with diabetes), carpal tunnel syndrome, or spinal cord injuries.

Sensory Mapping:

By rolling the wheel over specific areas of the body (dermatomes), clinicians can map out areas of decreased sensation (hypoesthesia) or heightened sensitivity (hyperesthesia) to pinpoint the location and severity of nerve damage.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:

Physical therapists may use the pinwheel to stimulate nerve function and monitor a patient's progress during rehabilitation for conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis.