Tilt table test

Tilt table test is a medical procedure often used to diagnose dysautonomia or syncope. It involves the patient being placed on a table with a foot-support, the table is then tilted to raise the body and simulate a change in position from lying down to standing up.

Procedure

The tilt table test primarily aims to identify one of the most common causes of fainting, known as neurally mediated syncope. During the test, the patient is strapped to a table which is then tilted to simulate standing up. The patient's blood pressure and heart rate are monitored throughout the test to observe the body's cardiovascular response to the change in position.

The test begins with the patient lying flat on the table. After a period of about 5 to 10 minutes, the table is then tilted to raise the patient to an almost standing position (head-up tilt). This angle varies between 60 to 80 degrees. The patient remains in this position for up to 45 minutes, while their blood pressure and heart rate are continuously monitored. This helps to identify any drastic changes that might indicate a condition like orthostatic hypotension or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Indications

The tilt table test is typically ordered for patients who have repeated, unexplained episodes of fainting. It is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions that are known to cause fainting, including orthostatic hypotension, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and other forms of dysautonomia. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

Risks and Complications

While the tilt table test is generally safe, it does carry some risks. These include fainting during the test and experiencing the symptoms you might have during a fainting episode, such as nausea or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). In rare cases, the test might need to be stopped early due to severe symptoms.

See Also

• Syncope
• Dysautonomia
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)