Neurosciences

Target Audience: Neurologists and primary care physicians
Disclosure: Dr. Kazamel has no financial relationships related to the content of this activity to disclose. There is no commercial support for this activity.

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Autonomic Function Testing

Learning Objective / Overview: 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.

Accreditation statement:The University of Alabama School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Alabama School of Medicine designates this online enduring material activity for a maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.