Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Surgery and Behavioral Testing in the Tibial Neuroma Transposition Model in Rats
Published on: January 6, 2023
Distal site testing of sympathetic skin response (big toe) in diabetic polyneuropathy
Juan Idiaquez1, Ricardo Fadic, Cecilia Necochea
1Hospital Naval, Universidad de Valparaíso Subida Alessandri s/n, 4 Norte 1093 depto, 22 Viña del Mar, Chile. idiaquez@123.cl
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine whether the sympathetic skin response (SSR) recorded from the big toe is more sensitive than standard SSR recorded from the sole for the detection of sudomotor fiber dysfunction in diabetic neuropathy. We recorded big toe SSR (SSRBT) and plantar SSR (SSRP) in 17 diabetic patients with non-disabling neuropathy (group A), 13 patients with disabling neuropathy (group B) and 30 age-matched normal controls. With regard to controls, SSRP amplitude was reduced only in group B. In contrast, SSRBT amplitude was reduced in both groups of patients (p<0.0001). In 8 patients in group B, SSRBT was not recordable while the SSRP still persisted. Our results suggest that SS-RBT is a more sensitive test than SSRP in detecting distal sudomotor failure in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Related Concept Videos
Pulse Assessment Sites
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Diabetic Neuropathy
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...

