Tests & Appointments
To schedule the following non-invasive clinical tests, please call 312.227.3300.
Autonomic Balance Analysis: Heart Rate Deep Breathing
Through a short series of guided, repeated deep inspirations and exhalations, cardiovagal function can be determined.
- Valsalva Ratio: Through a guided forceful exhalation against a fixed resistance (Valsalva maneuver), concomitant measures of heart rate and blood pressure can determine cardiovagal, adrenergic and baroreflex function.
- Pulse Wave Velocity Analysis: Non-invasive evaluation of large and small vessel vascular stiffness through peripheral (digit) tonometry measures the transmitted pressure wave following a systolic contraction.
Tilt Testing
Evaluation of the inter-relationship of breathing, regional blood flow, heart rate and blood pressure in transition from lying supine to the upright position (head up tilt) and back to the supine position can determine mechanisms of orthostatic intolerance.
Thermoregulatory Chamber Sweat Test
Evaluation of both pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic sudomotor function over the anterior surface of the entire body to identify focal neuropathies using color change powder. This testing is also informative for any children who have difficulty tolerating heat (reflecting possible anhidrosis) or who sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis). Simultaneously, ThermalPrint testing evaluates vasomotor disparities at baseline and in response to a heated environment.
Q-SWEAT
With topically placed, quarter-sized capsules (on the forearm, leg, and foot), a tiny electrical current is used to determine the functional integrity of the post-ganglionic sympathetic sudomotor axon.
Pupillometry
Using a hand held device each eye is evaluated before and after a brief light source to generate measures of sympathetic and parasympathetic function specific to the eye. Baseline measures are particularly valuable for children participating in sports and at risk for head injury or for children with photophobia, receiving medications that might impact pupillary responsiveness or with aim to objectively quantitate autonomic dysregulation of all potentially affected systems.
Respiratory & Autonomic In-Laboratory Sleep Physiologic Recording
Continuously attended recording, with hands-on and audiovisual surveillance, the continuous waveform acquisition recording montage includes: respiratory inductance plethysmography of chest and abdomen, ECG, heart rate, oral/nasal end tidal carbon dioxide, hemoglobin saturation (SpO2), pulse waveform, EEG, EOG, and EMG, finger digit blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, mean), and intermittent left ear and room temperature. Waveforms are reviewed in a breath-by-breath and beat-to-beat manner to determine cardiorespiratory dysregulation.
Noxturnal Portable In-Home Monitoring
Small, portable, lightweight wireless monitor provides overnight continuous recordings of respiratory inductance plethysmography of chest and abdomen, ECG, SpO2 and pulse rate in the comfort of home. Waveforms are reviewed in a breath-by-breath and beat-to-beat manner to determine cardiorespiratory dysregulation.