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Tests to quantitatively evaluate the autonomic nervous system
What are the most common tests to quantitatively evaluate the autonomic nervous system?
- Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) is used to evaluate the sympathetic cholinergic nerves that innervate the sweat glands.
- Variability of heart rate to deep breathing and Valsalva maneuver are used to assess the cardiovagal component of the autonomic nervous system.
- Beat-to-beat changes of blood pressure during Valsalva maneuver and tilt-up test screen the adrenergic component of the autonomic nervous system.
Sources
Benarroch EE: Postural tachycardia syndrome: a heterogeneous and multifactorial disorder. Mayo Clin Proc 87:1214, 2012.
