What is a tilt table exam?

One syndrome that may cause fainting spells is called neurocardiogenic syncope. In this disorder, an overactivity of one part of the nervous system (sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘fight-flight’ response), leads to a rebound lowering of the pulse and blood pressure, with a pooling of blood in the leg veins, leading to dizziness and passing out. A tilt table exam is a provocative test that, in a controlled setting, brings out the typical characteristics of this syndrome in a patient who has neurocardiogenic syncope. During a tilt study, the patient is lays flat on a cushioned table with seat belts. The table is then tilted head upward for a period of time, usually twenty minutes. A patient with neurocardiogenic syncope will manifest the typical symptoms of slow heart rate and lowering of blood pressure in response to this measure.