[Current clinical and electrophysiological methods in the assessment of dysautonomia]

The aim of study was to present clinical and electrophysiological methods of assessment of dysautonomia and to evaluate usefulness of these methods. We evaluated clinical symptoms of dysautonomia by Questionnaire of Autonomic Disorders, which allows the qualitative and quantitative analysis of clinical dysautonomia. We used two noninvasive methods of electrophysiological evaluation: R-R interval variation test (RRIV) and sympathetic skin response (SSR). In assessment by our questionnaire all patients studied had clinical symptoms and signs of dysautonomia. We examined 15 patients with clinical conditions accompanied by dysautonomia. The SSR were abnormal in 4 patients (increased latency or absence of response from one limb or increased latency in upper and lower limb). The results of RRIV were abnormal in 8 patients at rest and during deep breathing. Both, SSR and RRIV, were abnormal in 3 patients. The clinical examination and electrophysiological tests are useful for the assessment of the involvement of autonomic nervous system: The battery of tests is necessary for a complete evaluation of dysautonomia in different diseases.