Tilt table test

A tilt table test is used to diagnose if postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, also called POTS, or neurally mediated hypotension, also called NMH, is the cause of your dysautonomia, light-headedness, or syncope. Vital signs, especially heart rate and blood pressure are monitored as the table slowly raises the patient from lying to nearly standing position. The patient is strapped to the table in case the patient faints in the upright position. Other conditions that can be diagnosed with a tilt table test is cardiac arrhythmia.

Recommended test for ME/CFS
The Institute of Medicine Report recommends a tilt table test for diagnosing orthostatic intolerance in ME/CFS.

Beyond Myalgic Encephalomylitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness (2015) pgs. 111-119 covers Tilt Table Test: "Assessment of Orthostatic Intolerance and Autonomic Dysfunction in ME/CFS"

Risks
A tilt table test is generally safe, and complications are rare. But, as with any medical procedure, it does carry some risk.

Potential complications include: These complications usually go away when the table is returned to a horizontal position.
 * Nausea and vomiting after fainting
 * Weakness that can last several hours
 * Prolonged low blood pressure (hypotension) after the test

Learn more

 * Tilt Table Test Video
 * Tilt table test