Sudomotor Neuropathy Scan
A Sudomotor Neuropathy Scan is a painless 10-minute non-invasive exam used to detect the early onset of Autonomic Neuropathy by measuring the electrical conductance of the skin, which varies with moisture level. This is of interest because the sweat glands are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, so skin conductance is used as an indication of psychological and physiological arousal.
The American Diabetic Association recommends that Sudomotor scans should be included in a current panel of diabetic tests for early detection of peripheral neuropathies for diabetic and pre-diabetic patients. Early identification and appropriate management of neuropathy in diabetics is important for a number of reasons:
- RUp to 50% of DPN may be asymptomatic, and patients are at risk of insensate injury to their feet. As more than 80% of amputations follow a foot ulcer or injury, early recognition of at risk patients, education and appropriate foot care will result in a reduced incidence of ulceration and consequently amputations.
- RAutonomic neuropathy causes substantial morbidity and increased mortality, particularly if cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is present.
- REarly identification has the potential to reduce or delay the disease progression with timely preventive treatment.