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Semin Neurol 2003; 23(4): 407-422
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817725
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Testing the Autonomic Nervous System

Phillip A. Low
  • Department of Neurology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 April 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Noninvasive, well-validated clinical tests of autonomic function are available and are in relatively wide use. These comprise an evaluation of sudomotor, cardiovagal, and adrenergic functions. These tests are very useful and have resulted in the recognition of milder degrees of autonomic failure and the presence of orthostatic intolerance that previously were missed. An extensive normative database and commercial equipment is available. The main limitations of the tests relate to the fact that they evaluate mainly the function of target tissues so that the status of autonomic reflexes are inferred. The tests can be affected by medications. There are more invasive, more time-consuming, or less validated tests of autonomic function that can directly record from sympathetic nerve fibers (microneurography) and mesenteric bed to study cerebral vasoregulation and the status of the veins.

KEYWORDS

QSART - cardiovagal - adrenergic - orthostatic hypotension - tilt

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