CMC inaugurates new autonomic lab

The Department of Neurology at the Christian Medical College (CMC),Ludhiana has started a new autonomic laboratory. Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian,Professor and Head of Neurology said the autonomic laboratory will be used to evaluate patients with disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system. Using state-of-the-art equipment,the lab offers non-invasive testing that evaluates abnormalities in the control of blood pressure,heart rate,urination,and sweating. The autonomic lab is unique as it is the first in the country to acquire the machine which provides comprehensive evaluation of autonomic nervous system.

Dr Yashpal Singh,Professor of Neurology said autonomic function tests can be done to evaluate conditions like unexplained fainting,giddiness,loss of consciousness with falls,increased or loss of sweating,unexplained palpitations,bloating of abdomen,painful sensations in hands and feet,nerve diseases,silent involvement of nerves in the heart due to diabetes,and in certain brain problems like Parkinson’s plus disorders. Testing is done on an outpatient basis and takes only about 60 to 90 minutes,depending on the number of studies administered.

The lab was inaugurated by Dr Rajinder Gyani,Chairman of the CMC Ludhiana’s governing board.