Sudoscan is a non-invasive, pain free, innovative test of autonomic function. The autonomic system manages all internal functions such as blood pressure, blood flow and sweating. Autonomic tests are conducted to see if the autonomic nervous system is functioning normally.

Sudoscan measures the ability of the sweat glands to release chloride ions in response to an electrical stimulus on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, areas with the highest sweat gland density.

Sweating helps the body to stay cool. The sweating glands functions are monitored by small nerve fibres. In most cases, it is perfectly natural. People sweat more in warm temperatures, when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.

Why it’s done?

Hypo- and hyperhidrosis are both medical conditions which can get easily detected by this method. The earlier you detect the better you can prevent or treat the underlying reason.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating, most typically in areas where there is a high concentration of sweat glands such as the hands, feet, armpits and the groin area. It is estimated that two to three percent of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis, with less than 40 percent of those affected seeking medical advice.

Excessive sweating occurs without any triggers leading to significant discomfort, both physical and emotional.

When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it is called primary or focal hyperhidrosis. In most cases, no cause can be found. It seems to run in families.

If the sweating occurs because of another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The sweating may be all over the body or it may be in one area. Conditions that causes secondary hyperhidrosis include Parkinson’s Disease, thyroid gland diseases, pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor), cancer, acromegaly, menopause.

In contrast hypohidrosis is the opposite, marking a disease by a lack of sweating indicating a degeneration of small nerve fibres. The sweat gland innervation is getting reduced and impairs sudomotor function. The inability to sweat can cause overheating. This can lead to heat stroke, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. By aging physiologically the sweat gland production decreases. Diseases as parkinson, amyloidosis, Sjogren's Syndrome, lung cancer, fabry disease and inherited conditions can lead to a lack of sweating.

The symptoms of hypohidrosis include minimal sweating even when other people are sweating heavily, dizziness, muscle cramps or weakness, a flushed appearance, feeling overly hot, tingling and numbness in feet and hands.

How the test is performed?

There is no specific preparation needed. You will stand with bare feet on a plate and simultaneously you will put your palms on a second plate providing a mild electric stimulus which you don’t feel. The amount of sweat produced by your glands is getting measured and visualized by an image. The result is ready after 10 minutes.