2022 Workshop Handout Bundle-Autonomic Testing Using Live Demo

Autonomic Testing Using Live Demo

Pdf Summary

Autonomic testing is an important tool in evaluating autonomic function. It complements the neurologic-autonomic history and examination and helps in the diagnosis and management of various autonomic disorders. The tests covered in this presentation are the ones required to fulfill the requirements of the currently available Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes on autonomic function. These tests mainly focus on non-invasive and quantitative methods. <br /><br />The laboratory evaluation of autonomic failure is indicated in cases of suspected generalized autonomic failure, which can be due to multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, and autonomic neuropathies. The most common autonomic neuropathies include diabetic autonomic neuropathy, amyloid neuropathy, Sjogren’s syndrome, and autoimmune autonomic neuropathies. The diagnosis of these disorders is important as it can affect prognosis. Limited autonomic failure, such as distal small fiber neuropathy, can manifest in various clinical syndromes like syncope, painful feet, and postural tachycardia syndrome.<br /><br />Autonomic testing can also help differentiate benign autonomic disorders from life-threatening ones, diagnose the postural tachycardia syndrome, monitor the progression of autonomic failure, evaluate the response to therapy, and address research questions.<br /><br />The presentation describes the aims of autonomic testing, routine tests of autonomic function, and their interpretation. The quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) is described in detail as it evaluates postganglionic sudomotor function non-invasively and quantitatively. It is an important tool in diagnosing and monitoring distal small fiber neuropathy.<br /><br />Other tests mentioned include heart rate response to deep breathing, Valsalva ratio, and beat-to-beat blood pressure response to the Valsalva maneuver and tilt-up. These tests help assess cardiovagal function and adrenergic failure.<br /><br />The presentation concludes by mentioning the equipment required for autonomic testing and referencing normative data for interpretation.<br /><br />Note: The summary highlights the main points discussed in the document. It does not provide detailed information or explanations on autonomic testing.

Keywords

autonomic testing

evaluating autonomic function

diagnosis

autonomic disorders

non-invasive methods

autonomic failure

distal small fiber neuropathy

postural tachycardia syndrome

cardiovagal function

adrenergic failure