A NON-INVASIVE METHOD TO ASSESS SYMPATHETIC ACTIVITY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (8) , 333-337
Abstract
Reflex adjustments of blood flow through the skin are mediated largely by the sympathetic nervous system and play a fundamental role in the regulation of body temperature. Since blood flow in the digits is almost entirely through skin vessels, surface temperature measurements and digital plethysmography are useful methods of studying thechanges in digital blood flow. Sweating is also primarily controlled by the sympathetic system and can be monitored by measuring the electrical resistance of the skin. A noninvasive test to assess sympathetic activity is described compariosn the findings in normal subjects and patients with arterial diseases, vasospasm and diabetes. Digital arteries obstructed by diseases or clot can be delineated from obstruction due to vasospasm, and diabetic neuropathy can be objectively identified. Follow-up studies in more than 1200 patients have demonstrated that an accurate prediction of the outcome of sympathectomy or nonoperative treatment can be made after assessing the results of this safe and inexpensive noninvasive test.