Auxiliary Tests of Autonomic Functions

SUMMARY: The autonomic nervous system is a complex neural network that controls several organ systems. Its assessment includes a detailed history of autonomic functions, clinical examination, and autonomic tests. Most widely used is a battery of tests that assess cardiovascular reflex autonomic and sudomotor tests, which include deep breathing (assesses parasympathetic function), Valsalva maneuver, tilt test (both assess parasympathetic and adrenergic functions), and sudomotor testing for the evaluation of postganglionic sudomotor fibers. These basic tests represent a foundation of autonomic testing. Nevertheless, the autonomic nervous system also controls organ systems not directly assessed by basic tests. This review describes a number of auxiliary autonomic tests that can be used in addition to basic autonomic tests or can be used independently to explore particular autonomic functions or to answer a specific clinical question. The auxiliary tests described in this review evaluate cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, eye, and exocrine functions. These tests are cold pressor test, sustained handgrip maneuver, reverse tilt test, venoarteriolar reflex, laser Doppler flare imaging, microneurography, neck suction, lower body negative pressure, venous occlusion plethysmography, pharmacologic assessment of postganglionic sympathetic outflow, plasma norepinephrine, sympathetic skin response, video cinefluoroscopic swallowing test, esophageal manometry test, small bowel manometry test, wireless motility capsule test, urodynamic studies, penile plethysmography, intracavernosal papaverine injection, infrared video pupillography, corneal confocal microscopy, pupillary response to dilute pilocarpine and hydroxyamphetamine, Schirmer test, tear osmolarity test, and salivary secretion test. The protocol of each test is described in detail. This review can be used as a quick reference for the auxiliary autonomic tests.