Medicine:Czermak–Hering test

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Czermak–Hering test
Medical diagnostics
Purposetest for autonomic nervous function

The Czermak–Hering test is a vagal maneuver consisting of the application of external digital pressure to the carotid sinus.[1] The test is performed at the patient's bedside by imposing moderate pressure with the fingers, repeatedly massaging the left or the right carotid arteries.

Effects

The Czermak–Hering test is a test for autonomic nervous function (vasovagal response), exerting:[2]

  • Bradycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Decrease of blood flow in the brachial artery
  • Alterations in the blood flow in the internal carotid artery.

Physiology

Johann Nepomuk Czermak stated that mechanical compression of the carotid artery due to the carotid sinus reflex initiates a stimulus of the heart inhibitory branches of the vagus nerve.[3]

See also

  • Carotid sinus massage

References

  1. Takino, Masuichi; Takino, Yoshitada; Sugahara, Kunikazu (March 1964). "Apparatus and method for measurement of digital pressure applied to carotid sinus for causing carotid sinus syndrome". Acta Neurovegetativa 26 (1): 93–103. doi:10.1007/BF01227300. PMID 14134393. 
  2. Miyazaki, M. (1 February 1981). "Circulatory response in Aschner and Czermak-Hering tests, with special reference to cerebral circulation". Angiology 32 (2): 106–112. doi:10.1177/000331978103200202. PMID 7212384. 
  3. McCrory, P; Engel, RC; Zhang, YP (1 June 2006). Unterharnscheidt, Friedrich; Unterharnscheidt, Julia Taylor. eds. "Boxing: medical aspects". British Journal of Sports Medicine 40 (6): 561. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2005.025452.