What Is TM Flow?
Autonomic nervous system function affects the entire body. When a primary or secondary disorder alters any aspect of ANS behavior, several symptoms may develop in various systems of the body. Such symptoms include urinary incontinence or a dramatic drop in blood pressure upon standing from a seating position. TM Flow is an innovative platform that provides your doctor with valuable information regarding your autonomic nervous system and the potential degradation of function resultant from a chronic health condition such as diabetes.
Autonomic nervous system testing has historically involved several measurements. We obtain each measurement independently through specific modalities such as a sweat test. TM Flow combines technologies so multiple measurements may be obtained in one painless and straightforward process. TM Flow also assesses the broad functionality of the autonomic nervous system in a few short minutes, revealing critical clinical data that supports the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment of secondary concerns related to health conditions like erratic blood glucose.
There are several situations in which autonomic nervous system testing is appropriate. The TM Flow automated system expedites the process, so patients do not have to spend any more time than necessary in the office. Currently, ANS testing is deemed medically appropriate when a patient displays signs of autonomic dysfunction and routine laboratory testing and clinical data do not provide enough evidence for an accurate diagnosis.
Included in the testing process are:
- Sudomotor function analysis (skin response).
- Deep breathing exercises involving postural changes.
- Photoplethysmography (PPG) estimates blood flow to the skin on a fingertip using infrared light.
- Ankle Brachial Index with pneumoplethysmography detects atherosclerosis in the lower limbs.
TM Flow ANS screening may be recommended for individuals with:
- Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
- Syncope
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Chronic pain in the feet
- Pre-diabetes or diabetes
- Resting tachycardia
- Insulin resistance
- Impaired glucose tolerance
ANS testing may be used to investigate a variety of conditions, including:
- Fibromyalgia
- Cardiac dysrhythmia
- Hypertension
- Allergic conditions
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
These are just a few examples of symptoms and conditions for which ANS may be advised. In addition to initial diagnosis. TM Flow may also provide useful clinical information regarding the efficacy of medical therapy.
What Does Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Testing Show?
There are three parts to the nervous system: sensory, motor, and autonomic. It is the autonomic system that is responsible for internal functions, including sweating, blood flow, and blood pressure. By carefully observing the responses of the autonomic system during specific testing, it is possible for our team to discover the origin of dizziness, syncope, and other symptoms.
ANS testing can also:
- Identify the stage of autonomic neuropathy
- Identify the stage of autonomic dysfunction
- Explain why the autonomic system responds as it does to environmental conditions
- Identify diabetic autonomic neuropathy
- Assess autonomic response to medical therapies
TM Flow Risks
The non-invasive nature of TM Flow ANS testing provides a safe, comfortable, and convenient method of assessing patient risks and overall health.
TM Flow Benefits
Innovative diagnostic tools aid physicians treating chronic and potentially severe medical conditions. TM Flow represents a significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous concerning health conditions, both primary and secondary. For example, one of the benefits of TM Flow is the detection of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN), a common diabetic complication. CAN have historically been under diagnosed. TM Flow provides the data that we need to assess this risk as well as others.
Diabetic neuropathy is another condition for which improved testing has been needed. Typically, the screening for diabetic neuropathy has been mostly subjective, based on patient input. Advanced technology is much more objective and therefore enables us to reach a more accurate clinical understanding of a patient’s health and risk factors.
Dysfunction in the autonomic system also indicates that nerves are sick. Nerves that are sick eventually die. Early testing that involves objective ANS assessment affords us the best opportunity to treat disease proactively.
UNDERSTANDING PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE TESTING
Understanding Peripheral Arterial Disease Testing and results. A visual explanation of the ankle brachial pressure index can assess the severity of atherosclerosis in patients with peripheral vascular disease.