SUDOSCAN Test
A SUDOSCAN test can be used to evaluate patients with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and other medical conditions that can cause small fiber neuropathy (SFN) or nerve damage. Here’s more about what a SUDOSCAN test does and what you can expect from the test.
What Is a SUDOSCAN Test?
A SUDOSCAN test uses a process called sudorimetry that evaluates the early stages of SFN. SFN can damage the smallest nerves in the body to cause pain, burning, and numbness in the hands and feet. A SUDOSCAN test can detect SFN early on in patients with medical conditions that make them susceptible to this condition.
SUDOSCAN: What Does It Do?
SUDOSCAN evaluates the function of sweat glands and small nerve fibers in the hands and feet after these extremities have been electrically stimulated. This test allows a provider to identify the type and severity of small nerve damage in hands and feet so they can develop a treatment plan for the patient.
Why Have a SUDOSCAN Test?
A SUDOSCAN test can help your provider determine whether you may be suffering from small nerve damage and also provide them with insight into whether current treatments are improving existing nerve damage. When caught early on, SFN can be effectively treated and resolved.
What Are the Risks?
A SUDOSCAN test is noninvasive and is not associated with any serious risks or side effects.
What Are the Benefits?
The main benefit of having a SUDOSCAN test is detecting small nerve damage as early as possible so it can be treated and reversed. When left untreated, SFN can lead to reduced quality of life due to the way it can cause feelings of pain, burning, and numbness in the hands and feet.
What Can I Expect During My Test?
During a SUDOSCAN test, your provider will clean and dry your hands and feet. Your provider will then instruct you to place each of your hands and feet onto metallic plates. A small electrical current is sent through the plates that allow your provider to evaluate the activity of your sweat glands and the small nerve fibers that control them. The entire SUDOSCAN test takes about two to three minutes to perform.
What Can I Expect After My Test?
The SUDOSCAN test is not painful, though some patients may experience a slight tingling sensation immediately following the test. Your provider will review your test results and talk to you about available treatments if nerve damage is detected. Your provider may also request that you return at a later date to take another SUDOSCAN test so they can determine whether your treatments are working.
Healthcare Associates of Texas offers the SUDOSCAN test to those who may be at risk for SFN.