tilt table test
 

hi all.... I'm scheduled for the tilt table test thingy. I've never had it. Can anyone or everyone tell me what its like? what to expect? what happens during the test? You know... everything? I'd appreciate it. Also the EVP test .... what's that like? Thanks so much.

I had it a long time ago so I really don't know if it is done the same now or not. But I had to have an IV put it, just capped though in case it was needed and of course hooked up to monitor, heart and blood pressure, who knows maybe even oxygen monitor. Got baseline readings then started tilting me up and down to see how my body reacted. Did B/P drop, did I pass out, throw up. anyway I did fine and it was nonconclusive except to the insurance company who concluded that they got some more money out of me.

Good luck

thanks Doydie....yeah the insurance co's do somehow come out ahead....lol. appreciate your input! thanks

I had a myliogram/LP on a tilt table a long time ago-1975, by a Neuro/Surgeon
and received a MS DX. They didn't do MRIs way back then. They were looking to
eliminate brain tumors

Is that what you are having?
Let us know how is goes for you and Take Care.:hug:

I had one a few years ago to rule out vasal vagal syncope-drop in heart rate and/or blood pressure.
It's not scary-they just tilt the bed a bit and take pulse and BP readings...

Hey thanks Debbie, that's why they are giving it to me as well. what would someone experience for instance if they did have vassal vagal sycope during the test? do you know? I've had syncope problems so they are trying to figure out why. the heart meds I am on should handle it perfectly. I'm kindof worried that if I go into an episode during the test...any ideas?

thanks so much for your input
janet

Janet I would think if you had an episode of vasal vagal syncope during the test you might pass out, have a pretty low blood pressure and heart rate. Good luck, when is it scheduled?

I've had two tilt table tests as I have bad blood pressure problems and faints due to POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tacharcadia Syndrome).

For me, they laid me down flat on a bed for around 15 minutes and monitored my blood pressure every few minutes. They then tipped the bed up to a 60 degrees tilt and monitored my blood pressure and pulse. You have a blood pressure cuff on one arm and something to record your pulse on one of your fingers. It squeezes all the time and can lead to a numb finger temporarily, just to warn you. You are hooked up to machines all the time and they constantly monitor your BP / pulse and also temperature.

The second tilt table I had a few weeks ago also involved a cannula. They took bloods 10 minutes into the test and then again another 10 minutes later. They explained this was to see if my body was 'leaking' adrenalin.

For me, the tests weren't nice because the tilt increased my usual symptoms o faints, headaches, nausea etc. They do however stop them if they see you are unwell (I was in hypertensive crisis on mine so they stopped it). Its different for everyone though.

Let us know how you get on and I hope the test helps you get a diagnosis.:hug:

Thanks Ali.... I so appreciate hearing your experience. Its been a very difficult few months of symptoms so I'm looking forward to at least learning what the problem really is and then maybe whatever treatment will work. I will let you know how it goes. its not for a couple of weeks I think. lots of tests in the next few weeks.

oxox
janet

hey Doydie.... thanks for your thoughts. I would imagine they monitor the patient carefully during the test. Not scheduled for a week or two I think....so many tests lately.....I will let you know what happens! Thanks for your support!

hugs
jn

Thanks Sally! I have symptoms with my heart and syncope that could be neurologic I guess. I don't know .... the number of dr's and tests trying to figure out what happened in Nov when I went thru those awful weeks and months of concussion and bad meds (along w/an incompetent dr). So hopefully I can get some answers. I will let you know. Thanks so much for caring. your presence here on this board is always a great comfort.
hugs
janet

If you're going to pass out, it's a good place to have it occur. They are watching to see if your heart rate and blood pressure plummet when in different positions.

My late MIL had this problem. They installed a pacemaker, and she didn't have another episode until Alzheimer's messed with her brain, interrupting signals that covered basic functions:(

I had one in 2008 as well, that's how I was diagnosed with POTS.

If you do pass out you are strapped to the bed so you won't fall and they are right there.

Hope the test helps you get some answers!

Thanks Doydie....its scheduled for a couple of weeks from now. I'm feeling less anxious about it now that everyone here has weighed in and it will be what it will be.

Thanks so much
janet

Tilt table was part of therapy after laying flat in bed for 6 months after complete C7 spinal cord injury. Lay down for too long you'll pass right out even if you just sit up. Had to wear teds & stomach binder to keep blood psi up. Every day they'd increase angle, i'd just hang out there with walkman on. Ditched all that stuff a yr after I was released in 1990.

Also being paralyzed from chest down, my bod can't regulate blood psi/vessel size on most of my bod so I have to take Prazosin which stabilizes, keeps bp spikes from happening but lowers bp as side effect. My norm is 90/60 give/take.

Oh my Eddie..... you've been thru so much. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you. I hate having low b/p. feels lousy. of course, having high b/p is also not good lol.
Now that I've heard from you and others on this board I feel better just kindof knowing what to expect.... thanks again.
janet

I have an autonomic disorder (along with MS) which causes me to get dizzy & pass out too.

In case nobody told you- they don't stand you bolt upright really fast during a TTT, it really was a rather boring slow movement. I thought- "this is useless, its not going to show squat, just a waste of money" Then bam- symptoms hit and I puked, sweated wildy and passed out which was new to me. Woke to nurse telling me they were able to confirm diagnosis and MD would explain course of treatment in a few moments.:D

I don't think I like that test, Jane:eek:.

I have not had one done, but wanted to wish you luck on your testing. :hug::hug: I'm glad others have chimed in regarding their experience.

Thanks Jane...that's kindof what I am anticipating. I know I shouldn't "project into the future" however I do like having a clue as to what to expect. I really appreciate the clarity with which you described your experience - lol truthfully I do! :))))

I have a couple of weeks of nothing but tests more tests and doctors. But gettin' it done.

I will let you all know how it goes - its not til the 17th....

janet