The American Academy of Thermology Guidelines for Neuro-Musculoskeletal 2021: Infrared Medical Thermology & Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) Studies

Resumo

This guideline was prepared by members of the American Academy of Thermology (AAT) as a guide to aid the performance of medical infrared imaging in evaluating patients with neuro-musculoskeletal (NMSK) complaints. It implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. Infrared NMSK and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) evaluations are performed to provide an overview of the location, extent and severity of sympathetic skin response abnormalities. When abnormalities due to vasomotor/sudomotor dysfunction occur, there are associated changes in skin galvanic impedance and skin temperature.  Skin galvanic impedance changes map closely with skin temperature. This is explained by the fractal nature of infrared waves and their relationship to resistance and conductivity. The NMSK and SSR evaluation can be per-formed from the cranium to the base of the spine (inclusive of all segments) and torso to the extremities, extended to the fingers and toes. The clinical application of Infrared Thermal and SSR imaging may be instrumental in understanding the pathophysiology associated with these changes and improve patient outcomes.