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Autonomic function testing assesses the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, bladder and sexual function. Unlike peripheral nerves, the autonomic nervous system cannot be directly evaluated. Tests examine the autonomic nervous system’s control over various body systems, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and sweating.
This test evaluates the response of blood pressure and heart rate to changes in posture and position. Recordings are taken while lying flat and tilted upright. Straps help to support the person on the table. Tilting continues until the person experiences symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or near fainting. As soon as symptoms appear, the table is tilted back, and the person is returned to lying, where symptoms improve.
Additional tests of the autonomic nervous system include measuring changes in blood pressure and heart rate in responses to breathing exercises. Breathing rate and carbon dioxide production may also be measured.
Glyceryl trinitrate, carotid sinus massage, and other relevant provocative manoeuvres may be performed. These tests are designed to try and provoke your symptoms in a controlled environment.
Sweat tests such as the Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) and Thermoregulatory sweat test (TST) are not available in New Zealand.
Gastric-emptying tests evaluate digestive issues such as slow digestion and delayed emptying of the stomach (gastroparesis). These tests are usually performed by a doctor who specialises in digestive disorders (gastroenterologist) and are not performed at Riddiford Neurology.
