Cardiovascular autonomic testing in extrapyramidal disorders

Abstract

Various diagnostic tests are available to demonstrate autonomic failure in extrapyramidal disease. Autonomic function tests can identify parasympathetic and sympathetic dysfunction. While specialized tests are only available in autonomic labs, routine tests such as 24h ambulatory blood pressure measurements can be broadly used in clinical practice eg. as screening tests. In this review, we briefly introduce functional cardiovascular autonomic testing and propose a workup plan for patients with extrapyramidal disease. In all patients with extrapyramidal disease, screening for autonomic dysfunction should be performed. In the case of pathological findings, detailed autonomic testing should be considered with repeated measurements at follow up visits.