Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for many automatic functions of living. These include heart rate, breathing, digestion, blood pressure, and more. Problems with the autonomic nervous system can cause symptoms that disrupt your daily functioning.
An autonomic assessment is a specialized testing process that can identify autonomic nervous system issues called autonomic neuropathy. There are many conditions that can cause autonomic neuropathy, including diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and certain infections.
This article will explore how autonomic assessments work and how they can help get to the root of autonomic neuropathy. Understanding this condition can help you find effective, holistic treatment to manage this condition and reduce symptoms.
Reach out to the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about autonomic assessment or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to help you function and feel your best.
What is an Autonomic Assessment?
Autonomic testing is a non-invasive process that can measure how a person’s nervous system is functioning. It evaluates how effectively the nervous system regulates blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, and other automatic functions.
Autonomic assessment occurs through different types of testing. A medical practitioner will select the correct type of testing based on each person’s symptoms. Automatic assessment can help a practitioner understand the underlying neurological causes of a person’s symptoms and create an effective treatment plan.
What is an Autonomic Assessment Used For?
An autonomic assessment can identify a condition called autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy can have a range of symptoms. It presents differently depending on what part of the nervous system is affected.
Here is an overview of some of the ways autonomic neuropathy may present.
Bladder and urinary symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy may affect the bladder and urinary tract in different ways. People may experience:
- Urine leakage
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty with urination
These symptoms may arise from nerve damage related to autonomic neuropathy. Undergoing an autonomic assessment can help to identify the source of these symptoms.
Stomach and gastrointestinal symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy can cause GI and digestive problems, including:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Feeling full after small amounts of food
- Abdominal bloating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Appetite loss
Damaged nerves in the stomach and GI tract can contribute to symptoms that may disrupt daily functioning. An autonomic assessment can help to identify the source of these symptoms and lead to effective treatment.
Sexual symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy can affect sexual functioning. People may experience:
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Erectile dysfunction
An autonomic assessment can determine if autonomic neuropathy is behind changes in sexual functioning and other problems.
Cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms related to heart and lung functioning. These include:
- Elevated heart rate
- Shortness of breath with increased activity
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Weakness
If you experience these or other cardiovascular symptoms, you must undergo testing to determine the underlying cause. An autonomic assessment can identify autonomic neuropathy and help to determine which course of treatment will be most effective.
Other symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy may cause other disruptive symptoms throughout the body. These include:
- Inability to recognize low blood sugar due to lack of physical cues
- Dizziness when standing
- Fainting due to sudden reduction in blood pressure
- Sweating too much or too little
- Exercise intolerance, which causes your heart rate to stay consistent instead of rising during physical activity
- Slow pupil reaction, which prevents your eyes from adjusting from dark to light effectively
It is essential to consult with a medical provider about new or worsening symptoms you notice. A trained medical practitioner can use specific testing methods to evaluate for autonomic neuropathy.
What to Expect During Autonomic Testing
People experiencing new or worsening symptoms may benefit from an autonomic assessment. This type of testing can determine if autonomic neuropathy is responsible for the symptoms they are experiencing and guide treatment.
Knowing what to expect during autonomic testing can help you feel more confident throughout the process. Here is an overview of what to expect during different types of autonomic assessment.
Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Relex Test (QSART)
The QSART is a type of autonomic testing that evaluates the function of nerves related to sweating. During this type of assessment:
- The practitioner places electrodes on the person’s leg, foot, and arm. The electrodes contain a substance that causes perspiration.
- A mild electrical current is passed through the electrode. This can cause people to experience a tingling or warm sensation.
- A computer analyzes data to evaluate how the sweat glands and nerves respond to electrical stimulation.
People should plan on spending around an hour participating in the QSART.
Tilt Table Test
A tilt table test evaluates the effect of posture changes on blood pressure and heart rate. During this assessment:
- The participant lies flat on a motorized table equipped with a footrest.
- The practitioner will use soft safety straps to secure the participant on the table.
- The practitioner places electrodes on the person’s chest and attaches blood pressure cuffs on an arm and finger.
- In some cases, placing an IV line to administer medications or fluid during the test may be necessary.
- The participant lies flat on the table for approximately 15 minutes.
- The practitioner then tilts the table to a near-standing position. The person will remain in this position for a maximum of 45 minutes.
- The practitioner will assess heart rate and blood pressure during and after the change of position.
This test provides a non-invasive, safe way to evaluate blood pressure and heart rate during position changes. If lightheadedness or fainting occurs during the test, the practitioner can return the table to its flat position.
Deep Breathing Test and Valsalva Maneuver
These forms of assessment measure heart rate and blood pressure while performing specific types of breathing.
During both tests, the practitioner attaches electrodes to the participant’s chest. They also place a blood pressure cuff on the participant’s finger.
In the Deep Breathing test:
- The participant breathes slowly and deeply for a minute.
- The practitioner records the participant’s blood pressure and heart rate during the test.
In the Valsalva Maneuver:
- The participant breathes forcefully through a mouthpiece. Their nose will be pinched shut during the test to prevent nasal breathing.
- The practitioner will record blood pressure and heart rate data throughout the test.
These forms of assessment can give the practitioner valuable insight into damage to nerves related to breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and more.
Thermoregulatory Sweat Test (TST)
The Thermoregulatory Sweat Test can provide information about how effectively a person sweats in reaction to a warm environment. During this assessment:
- The practitioner applies a special powder to the participant’s skin.
- The participant remains in a room that gradually becomes warmer and more humid.
- The powder changes color in response to increased sweating.
- The practitioner evaluates the pattern of sweating to determine if the person sweats effectively.
The TST can provide information about the nerves related to a person’s sweat response. While people may feel uncomfortable because of the heat and humidity in the test environment, it is a generally non-invasive and safe way to test for impaired nerve functioning.
Bladder Ultrasound
A bladder ultrasound is a test that can check for autonomic nerve impairment in the bladder. During the test:
- The participant will urinate to empty the bladder.
- The participant will lie on a table with clothing that allows for lower abdominal exposure.
- The practitioner spreads a gel over the skin of the lower abdomen.
- The practitioner uses a transducer over the abdomen.
- The transducer sends sound waves into the abdomen, which produces an image on a monitor.
The practitioner can use this procedure to evaluate how effectively a person can determine if their bladder is full or empty. It can provide valuable information to help a practitioner explore and treat disruptive urinary symptoms.
Your medical practitioner will let you know what to do to prepare for your autonomic assessment. You may need to:
- Avoid caffeine for up to 8 hours before your test
- Avoid alcohol for 12 hours before the test
- Avoid smoking for 3 hours before the test
- Stay hydrated by drinking noncaffeinated beverages
You may need to stop taking certain medications before undergoing an autonomic assessment. Consult your medical provider for information about preparing for your specific type of testing.
What Happens After an Autonomic Assessment?
If your test results suggest a problem with your neurological functioning, your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan to address your symptoms. Your treatment plan may include medications, holistic therapies, and lifestyle changes.
If the tests are inconclusive, you may require additional testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Learn More Now
If you have symptoms that affect your functioning, an automatic assessment can help you get to the root of the problem. Discovering the underlying cause of your symptoms can lead to effective, holistic treatment.
Contact the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about autonomic assessment or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working alongside you on your journey to better health.