When Do You Need an Autonomic Nervous System Test?

Have you been referred by your physician for an autonomic nervous system test? Our expert radiologists with REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, provide this test and send the results to your physician. This test can help determine if you have early damage to your autonomic nerves. 

Read on to learn more.

Why is my autonomic nervous system function important?

Your autonomic nerves regulate many functions in your body that happen without any effort on your part. These nerves are a part of your amazing bodily systems and control the following: 

• Body temperature
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Digestion
• Urination
• Bowel movements

In other words, your autonomic nervous system (ANS) is essential to your heart, blood vessels, lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, sexual organs, and temperature. 

What causes damage to my autonomic nervous system? 

Certain diseases can cause damage to ANS. Diabetes is by far the most common, but certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Parkinson’s, and others can also lead to nerve damage. 

Did you know that one out of four people with diabetes don’t know they have diabetes? Diabetes can lead to other serious health complications including heart attack, stroke, and more. 

One common problem with diabetes is peripheral nerve damage. If you have damage in your peripheral nerves, which are part of your ANS, you could develop a foot or leg ulcer, which is an open wound that’s hard to heal. Nerve damage can lead to amputations in diabetic patients. Your doctor wants to head off more serious health problems if you have diabetes, are pre-diabetic, or show signs of other diseases. 

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy 

If you have unexplained symptoms in any of the bodily functions involving your ANS, your doctor may want you to have an ANS test. Symptoms can occur in various parts of your body depending on the location of your damaged nerves, including: 

Pain in extremities

Do you have unexplained pain or numbness in your feet and/or hands? The peripheral nerves in your hands and feet are part of your autonomic nervous system. 

Digestive system

Do you have a variety of digestive problems that haven't been resolved? Perhaps you have diarrhea or constipation frequently. You may feel nauseous or have heartburn after eating. 

Heart

These symptoms include feeling faint when you stand up, having high blood pressure, and/or experiencing an excessively rapid heart rate when resting or exercising. 

Urinary system

A more than usual number of urinary tract infections can be a sign of ANS damage. If you have trouble when urinating, nerves in your bladder could be affected. 

Lungs

Do you have a hard time catching your breath? Are you winded when going up a flight of stairs? Nerves in your respiratory system could be damaged. 

Sexual dysfunction

If you’re a man or woman who has sexual problems and other causes have been ruled out, ANS damage could be the cause. 

Why is an autonomic nervous system test important? 

An autonomic nervous system test can detect early damage to your autonomic nerves. Researchers have discovered that sympathetic nerves, part of the autonomic nervous system, can actually recover if the damage is discovered early, when it’s still reversible. 

This test is completely painless, quick, and noninvasive. By measuring the response of your sweat glands in this simple procedure, your doctor can judge the health of your entire ANS. 

Call our office or book an appointment online with REDI Diagnostics Corp today if you need an autonomic nervous system test.