You’re not alone. In this blog, I’ll discuss Dysautonomia, a condition that could be the cause. This is the second part of a five-part series. Today, I’ll explain a simple home test to determine whether you might have Dysautonomia.
Performing the Home Test: Using an Oximeter
To perform the test, you’ll need an oximeter, which can be purchased on Amazon. The oximeter measures two things: the oxygenation of your red blood cells and, more importantly, your heart rate. Dysautonomia can cause irregular heartbeats, so monitoring your heart rate is crucial.
Place the oximeter on your finger to check your heart rate, as shown in the example with a reading of 71 beats per minute. To test for Dysautonomia, follow these steps:
Step 1: Head Movement Test
Close your eyes and move your head back and forth ten times. Then, check the oximeter. Your heart rate should remain relatively stable. If it increases by more than ten points, you might have Dysautonomia.
Step 2: Light Change Test
Turn the lights on and off, as the change in light can stimulate brain activity. Measure your heart rate again. If it increases by more than ten beats, it could be a sign of Dysautonomia.
Step 3: Noise Reaction Test
Have someone clap loudly behind you and check your heart rate once more. An increase in heart rate after the sudden noise may also indicate Dysautonomia.
These simple tests can be performed at home. After you do them, you can head over to my Dysautonomia quiz on my website to assess the severity of your condition. Next, reach out to me for the help you need.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.
Symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, migraines, and sensitivity to light or sound. These can vary in intensity from person to person.
Yes. Using an oximeter, you can perform simple tests such as moving your head side to side, switching lights on and off, or reacting to sudden noises while monitoring your heart rate. An increase of more than 10 beats per minute during these tests may suggest Dysautonomia.
You can start by taking a Dysautonomia quiz to assess severity, then schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider for a personalized evaluation and care plan.
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