The autonomic nervous system (ANS) manages the involuntary functions that are quite important for the overall body. Monitoring ANS means you are diagnosing the body's functions, which you do not directly control. That is why we need an accurate and precise autonomic nervous system testing machine that does this for us. This blog shares our top 5 picks so you can monitor your body's health with accuracy.
What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
Our whole body's nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and the network of nerves that spread the whole body. The brain and spinal cord come under the central nervous system, and the rest of the nerve network is called the peripheral nervous system. One of the types of peripheral nervous system is an autonomic nervous system or ANS, which controls the body functions that are involuntary, or in simple words, are not controlled by our will. These functions include breathing, heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, sexual arousal, etc.
What Autonomic Nervous System Machine Does
The functions of the body that ANS controls are assessed by performing an autonomic nervous system test. The machine does a series of tests to measure parameters such as heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, and sweat gland activity. Testing these parameters helps identify ANS disorders like diabetic neuropathy, cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN), hypertension, and sympathetic and parasympathetic imbalances. Identification of autonomic parameters helps in the early detection of several disorders and the management of complications.
Top 5 Autonomic Nervous System Testing Machines
ANS testing machines use different technologies to conduct a series of tests and then conclude the results based on the reading of different markers. This is the basic principle of autonomic nervous system testing equipment, but there are different manufacturers, and each uses different technologies or combinations of technologies to make this analysis more accurate. Let's take a look at different ANS machines:
1. TM Flow Machine
TM means Telemedicine, and this machine uses advanced technologies to identify dysfunctions in the autonomic and vascular systems. Its main components are  (measures the Ankle-Brachial Index), SWEATC (uses galvanic skin response technology to measure sudomotor function), and LD-OXI2 ( measures photoplethysmography to assess HRV and endothelial function). TM flow test measures these parameters using electrodes and sensors and shows very high accuracy compared to all other tests.
Features
Non-invasive, rapid, and precise
Easily Interpretations
Has wireless technologies and a user-friendly interface
Accurate heart rate variability analysis
Early detect cardiac autonomic neuropathy and other ANS dysfunctions
Identifies the risk of heart attack and stroke
Early detection of small fiber neuropathy
2. VitalScan ANS+
It performs two tests, i.e., HRV and CART (cardiac autonomic reflex tests). These tests are known for identifying hidden medical illnesses. Like the TM flow machine, it can diagnose CAN and other ANS dysfunctions early.
Features
Assess primary health risk factors
Diagnose autonomic neuropathy
Quick Detection and Early Indication
Measures heart rate variability
3. ANSAR ANX 3.0
ANSAR ANX 3.0 is also a non-invasive testing machine that includes a Zoe Medical PPM2 patient monitor, cart, laptop, and printer. It uses the HRV method to assess both branches (sympathetic and parasympathetic) of ANS.
Features
Non-invasive
Interpret data through easy-to-use software
Measures heart rate variability
Detect Imbalance in ANS branches
4. WR Medical Autonomic Testing
It includes Q-Sweat (measure the quantity of sweat), beat-to-beat blood pressure analysis, and HRV test. It also comes with a head-up tilt table and software for interpretation.
Features
Non-invasive and easy to perform
Can create a Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS)
In one report, cardiovagal, sudomotor, and adrenergic results are shown.
5. SudoScan
SudoScan measures sweat gland functions and analyzes small nerve fibers. This machine has 4 electrodes placed on the hand and feet and a computer. It performs the test in 3 minutes, assessing the autonomic dysfunction.
Feature
Rapid and Accurate
Detect sudomotor dysfunction and autonomic neuropathy
Early detect small fiber neuropathy
Benefits of Getting Your ANS Tested
Even if you are healthy or have minor symptoms, testing your ANS can save you from future diseases.
You can prevent the issues like heart attack, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Complications can also be prevented from the existing disorders.
Doctors can plan treatments based on the ANS testing results.
Managing autonomic dysfunction early can improve the quality of life.
Conclusion
The autonomic nervous system controls several functions of the body. Keeping it healthy means improving the quality of your life. Several machines can non-invasively tell you issues of the ANS system and early detection of several disorders and can help in controlling the complications of existing disorders. TM flow system stands on top because of its advanced technologies that can provide a detailed assessment of ANS. Other machines also have different advantages, but TM flow machines present a combination of all these features.
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