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Alternative names Return to top
Neuropathy - autonomicDefinition Return to top
Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms caused by damage to nerves supplying the internal body structures that regulate functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Autonomic neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy affecting the autonomic portion of the peripheral nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves used for communication to and from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and all other parts of the body, including the internal organs, muscles, skin, and blood vessels.
Autonomic neuropathy involves damage to the nerves supplying the autonomic portion of the peripheral nervous system, which is the portion that supplies the internal organs, blood vessels, and other areas not under voluntary (purposeful) control.
Damage to the autonomic nerves causes abnormal or decreased function of the areas supplied by the affected nerve. For example, damage to the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract causes decreased ability to move food during digestion (decreased gastric motility), resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal bloating.
Damage to the nerves supplying blood vessels causes problems with regulation of blood pressure and body temperature because dilation of skin capillaries is used to dissipate heat from the body. Damage to other structures causes similar dysfunction.
Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms, not a specific disease. There are many causes. Autonomic neuropathy is associated with the following:
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Inspection of the abdomen may show distention, and listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation) may show abnormal sounds indicating decreased gastric motility.
An eye examination may show sluggish pupil reaction. Examination by touch (palpation) or tapping (percussion) may indicate a distended bladder. Blood pressure examination may show a decrease upon standing (postural hypotension).
Occasionally, other symptoms may indicate disturbed functioning of the autonomic nervous system, including high blood pressure, rapid or slow heart rate, irregular heart rhythms, excessive sweating, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms.
Special measurements of sweating and heart rate are called "autonomic testing" and can assist in diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is supportive and may need to be long-term. Several treatments may be attempted before a successful one is found.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies. If the cause can be identified and treated, there is a chance that the nerves associated with autonomic neuropathy may repair or regenerate. The symptoms may improve with treatment, or they may persist or worsen despite treatment.
Most symptoms of autonomic neuropathy are uncomfortable but they are seldom life-threatening.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of autonomic neuropathy occur. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the likelihood of controlling symptoms.Prevention Return to top
Prevention or control of disorders that may be associated with autonomic neuropathy may reduce the risk. For example, diabetics should control blood sugar levels closely. Alcoholics should stop drinking. Update Date: 7/20/2004 Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |