Autonomic Function Testing

Autonomic function testing is the category of electrodiagnostic and clinical neurophysiology testing that is employed in the evaluation of sympathetic and parasympathetic neural pathways. Examining the integrity of these pathways is necessary in objectively evaluating many neurologic and cardiac conditions like orthostatic hypotension, recurrent syncopal episodes, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Neurologists often time need to evaluate the functions of the thinly myelinated and non-myelinated small nerve fibers. These population of fibers cannot be assessed by routine nerve conduction studies or electromyography. The presence of autonomic dysfunction is a key criterion for the diagnosis of a life threatening condition like multiple system atrophy that distinguishes it from other more benign parkinsonian syndromes.

Listen in as Mohamed Kazamel, MD, discusses the new autonomic function testing offered at UAB and why it is important for a differential diagnoses.