Tilt table testing is a procedure that is used to diagnose a common cause of fainting or syncope. Syncope can be caused by many different kinds of health problems- some that pose a serious risk to the child and some that are not serious. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of the fainting. The most common type of syncope is called simple fainting or vasovagal/neurocardiac syncope. This type of fainting may be alarming to those who see it, but it is rarely life threatening. It is caused by an unusual body response to position changes. Usually the heart rate and blood pressure increase when a person stands up. However in some people, standing results in a sudden drop in blood pressure and hear rate.
If the blood pressure falls too low, there is not enough blood flow to the brain and the person faints. When the person faints and is then in a horizontal position, it is easier for the blood to reach the brain and allow the person to wake up. The tilt table test is used to see if vasovagal/neurocardiac syncope is the cause of the fainting. During the test, the individual is strapped to the bed. The type of bed allows the person to be moved from a supine position (lying flat) to upright position without any effort on their part. The blood pressure and heart rate are continuously measured for about 30 minutes. If the person does not faint with positioning alone, an intravenous medicine called Isuprel is given and the patient is monitored for 10 minutes further. The test is considered positive and stopped if the person faints or feels like they are about to faint. If the test is positive, medications may be prescribed by the doctor. A positive test is also helpful because it suggests that there is not a more serious cause for the child’s fainting episodes.
The child should have nothing to eat or drink for at least four hours before the test. This decreases the chances that your child becomes nauseated during the procedure. Before beginning the test, an IV line will be placed which involves a small amount of pain. The rest of the test is painless. If Isuprel is given, it will make the heart pound and feel like it is under heavy exercise or excitement. A doctor and trained technician will be with your child throughout the test. We allow one family member to be in the room during the procedure. After the test is complete, the doctor will discuss the test results and treatment plan with the family. There is no special care required after the test is over and you will be able to take your child home after speaking with the doctor.
Lax Bones 