Autonomic Function Testing

Autonomic nervous system is a network of nerve fibers which modulate and maintain several bodily functions. Dysfunction of these nerve fibers can lead to

• Unexplained drop in blood pressure or heart rate causing giddiness

• Alterations of sweating

• Constipation

• Urinary retention

• Erectile dysfunction

• Visual disturbances

Autonomic system dysfunction is a frequent phenomenon among patients with common illnesses like diabetes mellitus, chronic alcohol intake, Parkinson’s disease, Sjogren’s syndrome and GBS as well as in rare conditions like Multiple System Atrophy and Pure Autonomic Failure. Diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction and its optimum management can have significant impact on a patient’s lifestyle. 

Unlike large peripheral nerves which  are readily accessible for testing with routine nerve conduction studies, autonomic nerve fibers are small and hence very difficult to assess in a objective manner. Requirement of sophisticated equipment, maintenance of the right environmental conditions and adherence to complex protocols has limited the widespread availability of tests for autonomic function. We are the first and only center in Mumbai and Maharashtra and one of the few centers in India to provide a standardized and comprehensive battery of autonomic function tests.