Sudoscan

Sudoscan is a test used to evaluate small nerve fibers that control sweating. These nerves are often affected early in peripheral neuropathy. By measuring how sweat glands respond to a mild electrical signal, the test can help doctors detect early nerve damage.

Our specialists offer Sudoscan testing in San Antonio to help evaluate nerve health, especially for people with diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of neuropathy.

Sudoscan is a quick, noninvasive test that measures how the sweat glands in your hands and feet respond to a very mild electrical signal. Because small nerve fibers control sweat gland activity, the test provides useful information about early nerve function.

The test takes only a few minutes to complete, and results are available immediately.

Sudoscan helps doctors evaluate nerve function related to sweating. Damage to these nerves can be an early sign of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral neuropathy can interfere with sensation and automatic body functions. In many cases, the earliest changes affect small nerve fibers before larger nerves become involved.

Sudoscan measures how sweat glands respond. This can help doctors detect early nerve problems and decide if more testing is needed.

A Sudoscan test is simple and painless. The entire test usually takes about three minutes.

During the test:

• You’ll remove your shoes and socks
• You’ll place your hands on metal sensor plates
• You’ll stand with your bare feet on separate sensor plates

The device sends a very mild electrical signal through the plates. This signal activates the sweat glands in your hands and feet.

The machine measures how the sweat glands respond. Your results are available right away, and the test doesn’t involve needles, injections, or medications.

Doctors use Sudoscan to evaluate small nerve fibers that control sweat gland activity. These nerves are often affected early in diseases that damage the peripheral nervous system.

Testing sudomotor nerve function can help doctors:

• Detect early nerve dysfunction
• Monitor changes in nerve health over time
• Evaluate how well treatments are working
• Identify patients at higher risk for complications related to neuropathy

Sudoscan is often used when doctors want to check for nerve damage associated with conditions such as diabetes.

Several health conditions can damage the small nerve fibers that control sweating. Sudoscan may help doctors evaluate nerve function in patients with conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Prediabetes or metabolic disorders
• Certain neurological diseases
• Alcohol-related nerve damage
• Side effects from some medications
• Certain infections that affect nerve function

Identifying early nerve changes can help guide treatment and monitoring.

Sudoscan helps doctors detect early nerve damage. It’s often used for patients with diabetes or metabolic disorders. Finding neuropathy early can help doctors begin treatment and monitor nerve health before symptoms get worse.

If you have numbness, tingling, burning pain, or changes in sweating, Sudoscan testing in San Antonio may help your doctor check your nerve health.

Schedule an appointment to learn if Sudoscan testing is right for your symptoms and risk factors.

1. Is the Sudoscan test painful?

No. The test uses a very mild electrical signal to activate sweat glands. Most people don’t feel anything during the procedure.

2. How long does the test take?

The Sudoscan test takes about three minutes. Results are available right away.

3. Does an abnormal Sudoscan result mean I definitely have neuropathy?

Not necessarily. Sudoscan measures sweat gland nerve function, which reflects small nerve fiber health. Your doctor will review the results along with your symptoms, medical history, and other tests before making a diagnosis.

4. How is Sudoscan different from other neuropathy tests?

Many neuropathy tests evaluate large nerve fibers that control movement or vibration sensation. Sudoscan evaluates small nerve fibers that control sweat glands. These fibers are often affected early in nerve disease. Sudoscan may help detect early nerve changes before they appear on other tests.

5. Who should consider Sudoscan testing?

Doctors may recommend Sudoscan if you have symptoms that could be related to nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, or changes in sweating. The test may also be used for people with conditions that increase the risk of neuropathy, including diabetes or metabolic disorders.