Introduction
The cardiovascular autonomic disorders clinic specialized in a variety of autonomic disorders that affect the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. These include Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Neurogenic (vasovagal) Syncope, Baroreflex Failure (extremely labile hypertension often resulting from prior neck radiation), and Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension. Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension can be due to a number of conditions, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathies, small fiber neuropathies, Parkinson's disease, pure autonomic failure and Multiple System Atrophy.
Of note, other clinics may be more appropriate for patients whose main problem is not cardiovascular but rather due to a movement disorder, gastroparesis or other GI disorders, primary neurological disorders, or bladder problems.
Our Providers
Our center is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of providers specializing in autonomic disorders, cardiology, peripheral and autoimmune neurology, geriatrics, and clinical pharmacology. For more information about each of out providers, please click on "Faculty and Staff".
Referral Process
(VUMC Internal Referrals)
Providers within Vanderbilt can submit an Ambulatory Referral to Cardiology with subspecialty Autonomics for suspected autonomic dysfunction, syncope, or inappropriate sinus tachycardia. As part of the referral, providers should order autonomic function testing (AFTs) if autonomic dysfunction is suspected. If a patient is being referred for suspected neurally mediated or vasovagal syncope, a tilt table test WITHOUT nitroglycerin should be ordered only. If a patient presents with 3 or more syncopal events per month, a tilt table test (without nitroglycerin) WITH EEG should be ordered.
Referral Process
(External Referrals)
External providers (those outside of Vanderbilt) may refer a patient for autonomic evolution by submitting a referral via fax. The referral must include:
1) Name and DOB
2) Patient demographics (address, phone, and email)
3) Photocopy of the patient's insurance card (front and back)
4) Most recent clinic visit notes
Once your physician referral is received, you will be asked to sign up for MyHealth at Vanderbilt (MHAV) patient portal where you will receive a MHAV message asking you to fill out a screening patient questionnaire. Once completed and received, you will be notified regarding testing and scheduling. Successful completion of the patient questionnaire helps our clinical team to determine appropriate testing needs and to ensure proper scheduling in our clinic. Failure to complete the questionnaire will result in a cancellation of the referral.
Please fax physician referral to:
Autonomic Dysfunction Center
Fax: 615-936-8208