SUDOSCAN is a non-invasive medical device designed to assess sweat gland function

SUDOSCAN provides valuable information about the health of small nerve fibers that control sweating. The procedure is straightforward and typically takes a few minutes to complete. Here's how SUDOSCAN measures sweat gland function:

1. Principle of Electrochemical Skin Conductance (ESC): SUDOSCAN operates based on the principle of Electrochemical Skin Conductance (ESC). Sweat glands are innervated by small nerve fibers called Sudomotor fibers, which are part of the autonomic nervous system. These fibers play a crucial role in regulating sweating and maintaining body temperature.

2. Metal Electrodes: The SUDOSCAN device is equipped with metal electrodes that are placed on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. These electrodes are used to pass a weak, painless electrical current through the skin.

3. Measurement of Skin Conductance: The electrical current stimulates the sweat glands, leading to the production of sweat. As sweat is secreted, it forms a conductive bridge between the electrodes. The device measures the electrochemical conductance of the skin, which is directly related to the amount of sweat produced.

4. Assessment of Autonomic Nervous System Activity: The conductivity measurements obtained by SUDOSCAN provide insights into the activity of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the Sudomotor fibers that regulate sweating. Reduced skin conductance values may indicate impaired small nerve fiber function, potentially pointing to conditions like small fiber neuropathy or other related disorders.

5. Quantitative Results: SUDOSCAN provides quantitative results for sweat gland function, which can be easily interpreted by healthcare professionals. These results can aid in the early detection of small nerve damage and assist in the diagnosis and management of various conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.

6. Objective Assessment: The procedure is entirely objective, and the data obtained by SUDOSCAN is not subject to interpretation bias. It provides standardized measurements, making it a reliable tool for screening and monitoring patients with suspected small nerve damage.

Conclusion:

SUDOSCAN measures sweat gland function using Electrochemical Skin Conductance (ESC) to assess the activity of small nerve fibers responsible for sweating. The non-invasive and painless nature of the procedure allows for quick evaluation, providing valuable information for healthcare professionals to detect and manage small nerve damage efficiently. By combining objective results with rapid testing, SUDOSCAN continues to demonstrate its potential to improve patient care and revolutionize the early detection of small nerve damage-related conditions.