This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Testing the parasympathetic nervous system

Authoring team

The integrity of the parasympathetic nervous system can be shown by:

  • the Valsalva manoeuvre: as the arterial blood pressure rises, the heart rate will fall inversely due to a baroreceptor reflex response.
  • pressure on carotid sinus or eyeball will produce reflex bradycardia; caution must be exercised as myocardial infarction can be precipitated.
  • drugs: antimuscarinics such as atropine, scopolamine and tropicamide will inhibit vagal activity with consequent manifestation of sympathetic effects e.g. pupillary dilation.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.