a procedure used to determine if decreased blood flow to the head will initiate orthostatic intolerance, a condition associated with fainting
a test to determine the cause of fainting spells
A tilt table test can be used to diagnose patients with unexplained fainting spells or syncope. (Read about syncope in " The Heart and Cardiovascular System") During the test, heart rate, blood pressure or other measurements can be made while the patient lies on a table which is tilted so he or she can be monitored in different positions from lying down to standing upright. (Read about " Cardiovascular Tests")
This procedure attempts to simulate conditions that may cause arrhythmia. It enables a physician to understand how blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm respond to a change in position from lying down to standing. The patient is positioned on a table, given medication, and the table is tilted by varying degrees. The test typically lasts for a couple of hours.
This test is typically performed to help diagnose the cause of dizziness and fainting. The individual is placed on a table that tilts upward, and the table is then placed at an approximately upright position so the individual is standing. Heart rate and blood pressure are monitored during the test. If no symptoms occur, a medication may be given to increase the heart rate in an attempt to reproduce the symptoms.
A tilt table test is a medical procedure often used to diagnose dysautonomia or syncope. Patients with symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness, with or without a loss of consciousness (fainting), suspected to be associated with a drop in blood pressure are good candidates for this test.
