Examination of the autonomous (vegetative) nervous system
Diagnostics to help understand the body's invisible regulation mechanisms
The autonomous, or vegetative, nervous system is one of the most important systems for regulating our body. It conducts visceral function continuously and seamlessly – breathing, heart rate, digestion, sweating, regulating blood pressure and temperature, hormonal balance and more. Its balanced functioning is a prerequisite for good feeling, energy and stable health.
At the NeiroMed clinic, the autonomous nervous system examinations are conducted with modern, safe and accurate hardware that allows the assessment of both sympathetic and parasympathetic reactions – hence the ability to activate and relax the body in different situations.
Why do you need an examination of the autonomic nervous system?
Such diagnosis is important if there are non-specific complaints the cause of which cannot be detected by other examinations, such as:
- Palpitations or shortness of breath without cardiologic pathology
- Excessive sweating, especially at night or in stressful situations;
- Paling, blushing, instability, dizziness
- Headache, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks
- Dry mouth or eyes, increased salivation
- Indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation for no apparent reason
- Unusual impairment of urination or sexual function.
These symptoms can be manifestations of vegetative nervous system dysfunction associated with overload, stress, metabolic disorders or systemic diseases.
How is the examination going?
The examination is carried out under the supervision of staff experienced in the clinic and measures different physiological parameters at different positions and loads of the body:
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate in the lying and standing position
- Respiratory control (inhalation/exhalation) and their effect on autonomous parameters;
- Pupil reactions, skin temperature, sometimes sweating activity.
The procedure is:
- non-invasive,
- painless,
- without any risks or side effects.
Duration of examination
~ 20-30 minutes
Preparation
For the most accurate data, we recommend that you: Do not use caffeine (coffee, energy drinks); Refrain from alcohol and smoking; Do not take sedative or stimulant medicines unless prescribed by a doctor; You must eat before the examination, but not too much.
Feelings
The examination is painless
Restrictions
Our specialists will provide the exact instructions for conducting the examination before the visit, according to your situation.
Results
The examination shall be performed by a nurse, the result shall be evaluated by a certified neurologist. Responses are prepared within 1-2 business days.
What diseases are characterised by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system?
Autonomous dysfunction can be both a primary illness and a secondary disorder at other pathologies, such as:
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetic neuropathy)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Sjögren’s syndrome, vasculitis);
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Oncological diseases and chemotherapy;
- Hormonal and metabolic disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism)
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease);
- Chronic stress or anxiety disorder.
What is the autonomous nervous system?
The autonomous, or vegetative, nervous system works independently of human will and regulates our body’s internal environment — organ and gland function, metabolism and response to stress.
It is divided into two parts:
- Sympathetic nervous system – “fight or flight” mode, activates the body in situations of load, hazard or stress;
- The parasympathetic nervous system – a “rest and regeneration” mode, calms down, slows down, promotes digestion, sleep and recovery.
Changes in that balance can lead to a wide range of symptoms, helped to discover by an examination of the vegetative nervous system.