Standardized Autonomic Testing in Patients With Probable Radiation-Induced Afferent Baroreflex Failure

Injury of the afferent limb of the baroreflex from neck radiation causes radiation-induced afferent baroreflex failure (R-ABF). Identification and management of R-ABF is challenging. We aimed to investigate the pattern of autonomic dysfunction on standardized autonomic testing in patients with probable R-ABF. We retrospectively analyzed all autonomic reflex screens performed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, between 2000 and 2020 in patients with probable R-ABF. Additional tests reviewed included ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, plasma norepinephrine, and thermoregulatory sweat test. We identified 90 patients with probable R-ABF. Median total composite autonomic severity score (range, 0–10) was 7 (interquartile range, 6–7). Cardiovascular adrenergic impairment was seen in 85 patients (94.4%), increased blood pressure recovery time after Valsalva maneuver in 71 patients (78.9%; median 17.4 seconds), and orthostatic hypotension in 68 patients (75.6%). Cardiovagal impairment was demonstrated by abnormal heart rate responses to deep breathing (79.5%), Valsalva ratio (87.2%), and vagal baroreflex sensitivity (57.9%). Plasma norepinephrine was elevated and rose appropriately upon standing (722–1207 pg/mL). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring revealed hypertension, postural hypotension, hypertensive surges, tachycardia, and absence of nocturnal dipping. Blood pressure lability correlated with impaired vagal baroreflex function. Postganglionic sympathetic sudomotor function was normal in most cases; the most frequent thermoregulatory sweat test finding was focal neck anhidrosis (78.9%). Standardized autonomic testing in R-ABF demonstrates cardiovascular adrenergic impairment with orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure lability, and elevated plasma norepinephrine. Cardiovagal impairment is common, while sudomotor deficits are limited to direct radiation effects.

Expected Improvement in Sleep Quality and Unexpected Improvement in Severe Nightmares After Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson Disease

Managing nonmotor symptoms plays a vital role in the quality of life of patients with Parkinson disease (PD); however, it has been unclear whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve these symptoms. Evidence about the effects of nonmotor symptoms from DBS is limited and has mostly focused on mood and other psychological concerns. However, nonmotor symptoms involve a large array of issues, such as constipation, urinary issues, blood pressure lability, mood disorder, rapid eye movement disorder, insomnia, and vivid dreams. In some cases, nonmotor symptoms dramatically affect the quality of life and threaten a patient’s independence more than the motor symptoms themselves. This chapter presents a case in which a patient with PD had experienced lifelong nightmares. He underwent DBS surgery, and shortly thereafter, his nightmares had mostly resolved.