This prevalence of orthostatic intolerance is approximately 1 out of every 5 persons in the United States. This core is focused on autonomic physiology and has developed tests and instruments that evaluate the spectrum of autonomic disorders. The purpose of the Autonomic Physiology Core is to assist investigators in the conduct of research studies in orthostatic intolerance and autonomic failure. The core will quantitate the severity and distribution of autonomic failure (sudomotor, adrenergic, cardiovagal) and monitor the effect of therapy or change in autonomic deficits over time.
The core has facilities to evaluate and quantitate autonomic function. Specifically we can quantitate cardiovagal, postganglionic sudomotor, and adrenergic functions. We can also undertake measurements of plasma catecholamines and DHPG, microneurographic, and plethysmographic recordings. We have a number of instruments that will evaluate autonomic symptoms.
The laboratory is staffed by eight technicians/coordinators with the knowledge to perform and support a wide variety of physiologic and diagnostic testing.