Welcome at the

Autonomic and Neuroendocrinological Functional Laboratory

The Autonomic and Neuroendocrinological Function Laboratory (ANF Laboratory) at the University Hospital Dresden, established in 2001, offers highly specialized state-of-the-art examination techniques for the diagnosis of autonomic and vascular dysfunctions.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates vital body functions such as blood pressure as well as respiration and digestion, while escaping conscious control. It is broadly divided into the sympathetic nervous system (activating, fight-and-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (inhibitory, rest-and-digest). The ANS may be impaired in a variety of neurologic diseases but also as a result of metabolic disorders (e.g., extrapyramidal motor disorders, diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, small-fiber neuropathies, syncope due to orthostatic hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome [POTS]). Furthermore, an isolated disorder of autonomic function may be present (isolated autonomic insufficiency).

Services and Indications

Main indications for autonomic testing are:

  • Diagnosis of generalized autonomic insufficiency (e.g., diabetic neuropathy)
  • Diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy
  • Detection and evaluation of orthostatic hypotension
  • Detection of neurogenic origin in the context of neurocardiogenic syncope
  • Evaluation of disease and therapy courses of autonomic dysfunction especially in typical and atypical Parkinson's syndromes
  • Detection of autonomic dysfunction in peripheral neuropathies

Appointments

Examinations are only possible by prior appointment. Appointments are made by mail without exception.

For the treatment of patients with statutory health insurance in the ANF laboratory, the presentation of the health insurance card and a valid referral is necessary.

From patients with private health insurance we need, if available, the chip card.

Patients registered for a tilt table examination must bring a current ECG with them on the day of the examination at the latest. You are welcome to send the ECG and any previous findings to the ANF laboratory in advance by mail.

Contact

Uniklinikum Dresden
ANF Labor
Fetscherstr. 74
01307 Dresden

Tel.: 0351 - 458 3859
Fax: 0351 – 458 5873

Travel information: Information for patients (via MSC).