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<h1>Autonomic Testing</h1>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What is autonomic testing?</h2>
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<p>Autonomic testing helps find out if your <a data-tid="4242" href="https://medlineplus.gov/autonomicnervoussystemdisorders.html">autonomic nervous system (ANS)</a> is working as well as it should. Your ANS controls body functions that happen automatically (without you thinking about them). These functions include your breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, and digestion. If there are problems with the function of your ANS, it's known as <a data-tid="4242" href="https://medlineplus.gov/autonomicnervoussystemdisorders.html">autonomic neuropathy</a>.</p>
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<p id="isPasted">Autonomic neuropathy damages the nerves that control your internal organs. This can lead to problems with your:</p>
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<ul>
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<li><a data-tid="6452" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hearthealthtests.html"></a><a data-tid="147" href="https://medlineplus.gov/arrhythmia.html">Heart rate</a> and blood pressure</li>
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<li><a data-tid="29" href="https://medlineplus.gov/digestivediseases.html">Digestive system</a></li>
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<li><a data-tid="164" href="https://medlineplus.gov/bladderdiseases.html">Bladder</a></li>
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<li>Sex organs</li>
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<li><a data-tid="1344" href="https://medlineplus.gov/sweat.html">Sweat glands</a></li>
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<li>Eyes</li>
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<li><a data-tid="1264" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hypoglycemia.html">Blood glucose</a></li>
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</ul>
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<p>The most common causes of autonomic neuropathy include <a data-tid="1465" href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticnerveproblems.html">diabetes</a>, <a data-tid="154" href="https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html">autoimmune diseases</a>, some types of medicines, and certain infections, such as <a data-tid="1" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hiv.html">HIV</a>.</p>
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<p>Autonomic testing can show which part of your ANS is affected and how seriously it's affected. This can help your health care provider develop the most effective treatment strategy for you.</p>
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<p>Other names: tilt table test, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), thermoregulatory sweat test (TST), passive head-up tilt test, head-upright tilt test</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What is it used for?</h2>
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<p>Autonomic testing is used to check for problems with your autonomic nervous system (ANS).</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Why do I need autonomic testing?</h2>
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<p>You may need this test if you have symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, sometimes referred to as dysautonomia. Symptoms will vary depending on which part of your nervous system is affected.</p>
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<p><strong>Stomach and gastrointestinal symptoms can include:</strong></p>
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<ul>
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<li><a data-tid="200" href="https://medlineplus.gov/constipation.html">Constipation</a></li>
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<li><a data-tid="211" href="https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html">Diarrhea</a></li>
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<li><a data-tid="489" href="https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html">Nausea and vomiting</a></li>
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</ul>
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<p><strong><a data-tid="164" href="https://medlineplus.gov/bladderdiseases.html">Bladder</a> and urinary symptoms can include:</strong></p>
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<ul>
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<li>Difficulty urinating</li>
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<li><a data-tid="114" href="https://medlineplus.gov/urinaryincontinence.html">Leaking urine</a></li>
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<li>Urinating more often than usual</li>
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</ul>
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<p><strong>Heart and lung symptoms can include:</strong></p>
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<ul>
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<li>Rapid heart rate</li>
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<li><a data-tid="3077" href="https://medlineplus.gov/breathingproblems.html">Shortness of breath</a> with activity or exercise</li>
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<li><a data-tid="216" href="https://medlineplus.gov/dizzinessandvertigo.html">Dizziness</a></li>
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<li><a data-tid="1481" href="https://medlineplus.gov/fainting.html">Fainting</a></li>
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<li>Weakness</li>
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</ul>
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<p><strong>Other symptoms can include:</strong></p>
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<ul>
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<li>Too much or not enough sweating</li>
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<li>Sexual problems; such as <a data-tid="118" href="https://medlineplus.gov/erectiledysfunction.html">erectile dysfunction</a> in men and vaginal dryness in women</li><li>The pupils of your eyes being slow to adjust to changes in light and darkness</li><li>Getting <a data-tid="1264" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hypoglycemia.html">low blood glucose</a> and not knowing it (since you may not have the symptoms)</li>
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</ul></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What happens during autonomic testing?</h2>
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<p>There are different types of autonomic tests. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may perform one or more of the following tests:</p>
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<p><strong>Deep Breathing Test and Valsalva Maneuver.</strong> These tests measure your <a data-pid="2181" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrocardiogram/">heart rate</a> and <a data-pid="27501" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/measuring-blood-pressure/">blood pressure</a> while doing certain types of breathing.</p>
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<ul>
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<li>For <strong>both tests</strong>, your provider will place electrodes on your chest and a small blood pressure cuff on your finger.</li>
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<li><strong>For a deep breathing test</strong>, you will take slow, deep breaths for one minute.</li>
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<li><strong>For the Valsalva maneuver</strong>, you will breathe out forcefully through a mouthpiece while your nose is pinched shut.</li>
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<li>The electrodes and cuff will record your heart rate and blood pressure.</li>
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</ul>
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<p><strong>Tilt Table Test.</strong> This test measures your blood pressure and heart rate as you change your posture and position to find why you have had lightheadedness or fainted. During the first part of the test:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>You will lie flat on a motorized table that has a footrest.</li>
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<li>Soft safety straps will be placed across your body.</li>
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<li>Your provider will put electrodes on your chest and blood pressure cuffs on one of your arms and a finger. An intravenous (IV) line may also be placed in your arm or hand to inject medicine or fluids if needed.</li>
|
||
<li>You will remain flat on the table for about 15 minutes.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider will tilt the table to 30 degrees for two to three minutes, then 45 degrees for two to three minutes, and then to an an almost standing position for up to 45 minutes.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider will check your blood pressure and heart rate.</li>
|
||
<li>If the test causes you to faint, the table will be quickly returned to the flat position.</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>You may have to do the second part of the test if your blood pressure doesn't lower during the first part of the tilt table test. During the second part of the test:</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>Your provider will give you medicine that makes your heart beat faster to see how your body reacts.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider will tilt the table to 60 degrees for up to 15 minutes and monitor your blood pressure.</li>
|
||
<li>If your blood pressure lowers, the test will end sooner than 15 minutes.<br/>
|
||
</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>The test takes from 30 to 90 minutes.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART).</strong> This test measures the function of the nerves that control sweating. During the test:</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>You will remove your shoes and socks.</li>
|
||
<li>You will sit or lie flat on an exam table.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider will clean and dry your skin and then place electrodes on the part of the body where are doing the test. This is usually on your foot, wrist, and leg. The electrodes will contain a substance that stimulates sweating.</li>
|
||
<li>A mild electrical current will be sent through the electrodes. You might feel a warm, tingling sensation as this is done.</li>
|
||
<li>A computer will analyze how your nerves and sweat glands react to the electrical current.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider may move the electrodes and repeat these steps on different body parts.</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>The test takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>Thermoregulatory Sweat Test (TST).</strong> This test measures how well your body sweats in a warm environment. During the test:</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>A special powder will be applied to your skin.</li>
|
||
<li>You will lie in a special room that is slowly heated up to stimulate sweating. The heat and humidity may be a little uncomfortable.</li>
|
||
<li>The powder will change color as you sweat.</li>
|
||
<li>The pattern of your sweat can show if you are sweating normally.</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>The test takes usually takes 40-65 minutes to complete.</p>
|
||
<p><strong>Bladder <a data-pid="3501" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sonogram/">Ultrasound</a>.</strong> This test is used to check for problems with your bladder, which is controlled by autonomic nerves. The ultrasound is done after you urinate to see how much urine is left in the bladder. During the test:</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>You will lie on a table with your lower abdomen exposed.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider will spread a special gel on the skin over that area.</li>
|
||
<li>Your provider will move a wand-like device, called a transducer, over the area.</li>
|
||
<li>The device sends sound waves into your body.</li>
|
||
<li>The waves are recorded and turned into images on a monitor.</li>
|
||
</ul></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?</h2>
|
||
<p>Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare, but many autonomic tests require the following preparations:</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>Don't eat or drink anything with <a data-tid="1456" href="https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html">caffeine</a> for eight hours before your test.</li>
|
||
<li>Keep well hydrated with noncaffeinated beverages the day before your test.</li>
|
||
<li>Don't drink <a data-tid="1558" href="https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html">alcohol</a> for 12 hours before your test.</li>
|
||
<li>Don't <a data-tid="108" href="https://medlineplus.gov/smoking.html">smoke</a> or use tobacco products for four hours before your test.</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>Check with your provider about how to prepare for your test. They will also let you know if you need to stop taking any medicines before your test.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Are there any risks to the test?</h2>
|
||
<p>Some people faint during a tilt table test. If that happens, you will immediately be tilted back to a normal position. During and after a tilt table test, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or weakness. Weakness may last a few hours, but other symptoms usually go away quickly.</p>
|
||
<p>There are no known risks to having an ultrasound.</p>
|
||
<p>You may have some skin irritation from the electrodes used in a sweat test.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What do the results mean?</h2>
|
||
<p>If any of your autonomic test results were <strong>not normal</strong>, it likely means that there is a problem with your ANS. To make a diagnosis, your provider will also consider your medical history, symptoms, and results from your physical exam. Sometimes they will order more tests, especially if the cause of your ANS problem is unknown.</p>
|
||
<p>If another disease is causing your ANS problems, treating that disease may help. Otherwise, treatment focuses on helping with your symptoms. This could include medicines and/or lifestyle changes.</p>
|
||
<p>If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-refs mp-content"><h2>References</h2>
|
||
<ol>
|
||
<li>American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association, Inc.; c2024. Tilt-Table Test. [reviewed 2023 Aug 18; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/tilt-table-test" target="bibliowin">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/tilt-table-test</a></li>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Dysautonomia; [reviewed 2023 Sep 11; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 20 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15631-autonomic-neuropathy-or-autonomic-dysfunction-syncope-information-and-instructions#diagnosis-and-tests" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15631-autonomic-neuropathy-or-autonomic-dysfunction-syncope-information-and-instructions#diagnosis-and-tests</a></li>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART); [reviewe4 2024 Mar 7; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16398-quantitative-sudomotor-axon-reflex-test-qsart" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16398-quantitative-sudomotor-axon-reflex-test-qsart</a></li>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Tilt Table Test; [reviewed 2023 Mar 1; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 13 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17043-tilt-table-test" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17043-tilt-table-test</a></li>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Valsalva maneuver; [reviewed 2022 Jun 9; cited 2024 May 21]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23209-valsalva-maneuver" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23209-valsalva-maneuver</a></li>
|
||
<li>Illigens BM, Gibbons CH. Sweat testing to evaluate autonomic function. Clin Auton Res [Internet]. 2009 Apr [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 13 screens]. 19(2):79-87. Available from: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046462" target="bibliowin">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046462</a></li>
|
||
<li>Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University; c2024. Health: Tilt Table Testing; [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/tilt-table-testing" target="bibliowin">https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/tilt-table-testing</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Autonomic neuropathy: Diagnosis and treatment; [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autonomic-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369836" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autonomic-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369836</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Autonomic neuropathy: Symptoms and causes; [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autonomic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20369829" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autonomic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20369829</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Tilt table test: Overview; [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tilt-table-test/about/pac-20395124" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tilt-table-test/about/pac-20395124</a></li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2024. Autonomic Neuropathies; [updated 2023 Jul; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/autonomic-nervous-system-disorders/autonomic-neuropathies" target="bibliowin">https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/autonomic-nervous-system-disorders/autonomic-neuropathies</a></li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2024. Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System; [updated 2023 Jul; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/autonomic-nervous-system-disorders/overview-of-the-autonomic-nervous-system" target="bibliowin">https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/autonomic-nervous-system-disorders/overview-of-the-autonomic-nervous-system</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: autonomic nervous system; [cited 2024 May 21]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/autonomic-nervous-system" target="bibliowin">https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/autonomic-nervous-system</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: neuropathy; [cited 2024 May 21]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/neuropathy" target="bibliowin">https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/neuropathy</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Autonomic Neuropathy; [reviewed 2018 Feb; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/autonomic-neuropathy" target="bibliowin">https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/autonomic-neuropathy</a></li>
|
||
<li>Novak P. Quantitative autonomic testing. J Vis Exp. 2011 Jul 19 [cited 2024 May 21]; [about 31 screens]. (53):2502. doi: 10.3791/2502. PMID: 21788940; PMCID: PMC3196175.</li>
|
||
<li>NYU Langone Health Center [Internet]. New York: NYU Langone Hospitals; c2024. Diagnosing Autonomic Disorders; [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://nyulangone.org/conditions/autonomic-disorders/diagnosis" target="bibliowin">https://nyulangone.org/conditions/autonomic-disorders/diagnosis</a></li>
|
||
<li>Sánchez-Manso JC, Gujarathi R, Varacallo M. Autonomic Dysfunction. [Updated 2023 Aug 4; cited 2024 May 17]; [about 8 screens]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430888/" target="bibliowin">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430888/</a></li>
|
||
<li>Srivastav S, Jamil RT, Zeltser R. Valsalva Maneuver. [Updated 2023 Aug 21; cited 2024 May 21]; [about 3 screens]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537248/" target="bibliowin">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537248/</a></li>
|
||
<li>Verywell Mind [Internet]. New York: About, Inc.; c2024.Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System; 2023 May 10 [cited 2024 May 17]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-autonomic-nervous-system-2794823" target="bibliowin">https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-autonomic-nervous-system-2794823</a></li>
|
||
<li>Waxenbaum JA, Reddy V, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Autonomic Nervous System. [Updated 2023 Jul 24; cited 2024 May 21]; [about 8 screens]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539845/" target="bibliowin">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539845/</a></li>
|
||
</ol></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
</div>
|
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|
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|
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|
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<h2>Related Health Topics</h2>
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<ul class="relatedmp">
|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/autonomicnervoussystemdisorders.html">Autonomic Nervous System Disorders</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticnerveproblems.html">Diabetic Nerve Problems</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/fainting.html">Fainting</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lowbloodpressure.html">Low Blood Pressure</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/neurologicdiseases.html">Neurologic Diseases</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/sweat.html">Sweat</a></li>
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<section><div class="side-section">
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<h2>Related Medical Tests</h2>
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|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrocardiogram/">Electrocardiogram</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/measuring-blood-pressure/">Measuring Blood Pressure</a></li>
|
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|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sonogram/">Ultrasound</a></li>
|
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"description": "Autonomic testing helps find out if your autonomic nervous system (ANS) is working as well as it should. Your ANS controls body functions that happen automatically (without you thinking about them). These functions include your breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, and digestion. If there are problems with the function of your ANS, it's known as autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy damages the nerves that control your internal organs. This can lead to problems with your: Heart rate and blood pressure; Digestive system; Bladder; Sex organs; Sweat glands; Eyes; Blood glucose; The most common causes of autonomic neuropathy include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, some types of medicines, and certain infections, such as HIV. Autonomic testing can show which part of your ANS is affected and how seriously it's affected. This can help your health care provider develop the most effective treatment strategy for you. Other names: tilt table test, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), thermoregulatory sweat test (TST), passive head-up tilt test, head-upright tilt test",
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