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Testing of Autonomic Function

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Neuromuscular Disorders in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Autonomic testing is important in the diagnosis of small-fiber involvement in the diagnosis of a neuropathy and evaluation of syncope and orthostatic intolerance. These studies are also useful in assessing disorders with suspected central autonomic dysfunction such as multiple system atrophy or Lewy body disease. Autonomic studies are often helpful in identifying dysautonomia in patients with impotence, constipation, or incontinence and in painful disorders as seen in the complex regional pain syndrome. This chapter covers autonomic studies in details including cardiac responses to Valsalva maneuver and deep breathing, sudomotor studies, tilt table testing, skin blood flow assessment, and pupillometry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Neuromuscular and Autonomic Center, Music and Medicine Center, Sentara Health Care Norfolk, VA, USA

    Kamal R. Chémali MD

  2. Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin/Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Thomas C. Chelimsky MD

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  1. Kamal R. Chémali MD
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  2. Thomas C. Chelimsky MD
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Correspondence to Kamal R. Chémali MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Bashar Katirji

  2. Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Henry J. Kaminski

  3. University School of Medicine Department of Neurology, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Robert L. Ruff

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Chémali, K.R., Chelimsky, T.C. (2014). Testing of Autonomic Function. In: Katirji, B., Kaminski, H., Ruff, R. (eds) Neuromuscular Disorders in Clinical Practice. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6567-6_10

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