Tests to assess autonomic nervous system function

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The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts, the sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system, which regulates physiological processes. To evaluate the autonomic nervous system as well as diagnose the severity of the autonomic dysfunction of the patient, the doctor will perform tests to evaluate the function of the autonomic nervous system through electromyography.

1. What is the autonomic nervous system?

Autonomic nervous system is also known as autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. These two nervous systems work in opposition to each other and have the effect of regulating physiological processes and maintaining the balance of the environment inside the body.
When there is a disease, the autonomic nervous system will cause impairments and can affect any system in the patient's body.
1.1 What is autonomic nervous disorder?
Autonomic nervous disorder is when the nerve that controls a person's self-control is damaged, affecting organs and automatic functions in the body, leading to abnormal problems such as on heart rate, blood pressure, temperature control, sweating, digestive dysfunction, bladder function,...

1.2 Causes of autonomic dysfunction
Diabetes is the most common cause of autonomic dysfunction in patients. In addition, other causes also increase the risk of disorders:
Side effects when using some other drugs to treat other diseases are harmful to the nerves People with cancer, undergoing treatment may have autonomic nervous disorders. mainly due to radiation therapy, due to the use of therapeutic drugs, the use of antidepressants, some cardiovascular drugs. Neck surgery causes nerve damage Parkinson's disease Infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria Genetic disorders Psychophysiological disorders due to mental trauma, masturbation,... 1.3 Manifestations of autonomic nervous disorder
Patients with autonomic nervous disorder cannot control themselves with clinical manifestations:
Shortness of breath, rapid chest breathing, chest tightness Digestive disorders Cold hands and feet Rapid pulse Constipation

2. Tests to assess autonomic nervous system function

To assess the level of activity, the level of the autonomic nervous system, the patient will be tested to assess the function of the autonomic nervous system by non-invasive survey method using an electromechanical machine installed neurovegetative survey software.
According to research, tests to evaluate autonomic nervous system function are relatively effective, being able to detect abnormalities before patients show clinical symptoms. Here are some of the autonomic nervous system function tests that are now widely used in the world:
2.1 Test to assess heart rate response with deep breathing method
This is a test to evaluate function of the parasympathetic nerve through the X nerve. through the X nerve to see the response of heart rate and breathing.
Technique:
Ask the patient to lie in a supine position, previously resting for at least 5 minutes. The technician places 2 electrodes to record the electrocardiogram. In the first 1 minute, the patient is lying down and breathing normally. then ask to inhale deeply for 5 years and exhale for 5 seconds. Do this continuous inhalation and exhalation 6 times. Note: Breathe in completely through your nose, with your mouth closed.
2.2 Test to assess the response of blood pressure and heart rate when the patient changes position
This is a test to evaluate sympathetic and parasympathetic function in the patient.
Technique:
Ask the patient to lie on his back, connect a monitor to measure and record heart rate and blood pressure. Rest 5-10 minutes before measuring to allow the heart rate to stabilize, then ask the patient to stand up on their own or to tilt the head of the bed at an angle of about 60 degrees. Based on the measurement of blood pressure and heart rate when lying down and when standing up, compare the difference in the index. 2.3 Test to assess blood pressure response to isometric exercise
This technique is used to assess cardiovascular sympathetic function.
Have the patient hold the sphygmomanometer for 3 to 5 minutes to maintain a pressure equal to 30% of the patient's strongest hand pressure
2.4 Blood pressure response test with cold receptors
This is a test to Assess cardiovascular sympathetic function by: Place an ice pack on the patient's hand for 90 seconds. Find out the magnitude of the difference in blood pressure during cold stimulation compared with normal rest.

In summary, tests to evaluate autonomic nervous system function are not only simple, non-invasive, but still highly effective in assessing mild or severe severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients, but also can detect abnormalities early before clinical symptoms appear in patients. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the leading prestigious hospitals in the country, trusted by a large number of patients to perform tests to assess autonomic nervous system function. Not only the physical system, modern equipment: 6 ultrasound rooms, 4 DR X-ray rooms (1 full-axis machine, 1 light machine, 1 general machine and 1 mammography machine) , 2 DR portable X-ray machines, 2 multi-row CT scanner rooms (1 128 rows and 1 16 arrays), 2 Magnetic resonance imaging rooms (1 3 Tesla and 1 1.5 Tesla), 1 room for 2 levels of interventional angiography and 1 room to measure bone mineral density.... Vinmec is also the place to gather a team of experienced doctors and nurses who will greatly assist in diagnosis and detection. early signs of abnormality in the patient's body. In particular, with a space designed according to 5-star hotel standards, Vinmec ensures to bring the patient the most comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.

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