Autonomic neuropathy
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Definition
Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage every day body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion.
Alternative Names
Neuropathy - autonomic
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Autonomic neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It is a group of symptoms, not a specific disease. There are many causes.
Autonomic neuropathy involves damage to the nerves that run through a part 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.
Damage to the autonomic nerves affects the function of areas connected to the problem nerve. For example, damage to the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract makes it harder to move food during digestion (decreased gastric motility).
Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that regulate vital functions, including the heart muscle and smooth muscles.
Damage to the nerves supplying blood vessels causes problems with blood pressure and body temperature.
Autonomic neuropathy is associated with the following:
References
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.
In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jan 2;146(1):ITC1-15.
Benarroch E, Freeman R, Kaufman H. Autonomic nervous system. In: Goetz CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 21.
Review Date: 10/4/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Neuropathy - autonomic
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the nerves affected. They usually develop gradually over years. Symptoms may include:
Gastrointestinal tract
Heart and lungs
- Blood pressure changes with position and causes dizziness when standing
- Shortness of breath with activity or exercise
Urinary tract
Other symptoms
- Abnormal sweating
- Heat intolerance brought on with activity and exercise
- Male impotence and ejaculation changes in men
- Vaginal dryness and orgasm difficulties in women
- Weight loss without trying
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. A neurological exam may show evidence of injury to other nerves. However, it is very difficult to directly test for autonomic nerve damage.
Signs of autonomic neuropathy include:
- Abnormal sounds in the abdomen
- Decrease of blood pressure upon standing up (postural hypotension)
- Sluggish pupil reaction in the eye
- Swollen belly (abdomen)
- Swollen bladder
Other signs and symptoms that occasionally suggest a problem in the function of the autonomic nervous system include:
Special measurements of sweating and heart rate are called "autonomic testing" and can assist in diagnosis and treatment.
Other tests include:
Measurement of blood pressure lying down, sitting, and standing
Measurement of changes in heart rate
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Isotope study
- Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or other tests of bladder function
Other tests for autonomic neuropathy are based on the suspected cause of the disorder, as suggested by the history, symptoms, and the way symptoms developed.
References
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.
In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jan 2;146(1):ITC1-15.
Benarroch E, Freeman R, Kaufman H. Autonomic nervous system. In: Goetz CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 21.
Review Date: 10/4/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Neuropathy - autonomic
Treatment
Treatment is supportive and may need to be long-term. Several treatments may be attempted before a successful one is found.
Various strategies may be used to reduce symptoms of light-headedness or dizziness when standing. These include:
Extra salt in the diet or taking salt tablets to increase fluid volume in blood vessels
Fludrocortisone or similar medications to help your body retain salt and fluid
Sleeping with the head raised
Wearing elastic stockings
Treatments for reduced gastric motility include:
Diarrhea, constipation, bladder problems, and other symptoms are treated as appropriate. See: Bowel retraining and Neurogenic bladder for information about treatment of these conditions.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) may be used for treating impotence. Discuss the use of these medications with your doctor.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome varies. If the cause can be found and treated, there is a chance that the nerves may repair or regenerate. The symptoms may improve with treatment, or they may continue or get worse, even with treatment.
Most symptoms of autonomic neuropathy are uncomfortable, but they are rarely life threatening.
Complications
- Fluid or electrolyte imbalance such as low blood potassium (if excessive vomiting or diarrhea)
- Injuries from falls (with postural dizziness)
- Kidney failure (from urine backup)
- Malnutrition
- Psychological/social effects of impotence
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. Early symptoms might include:
Becoming faint or lightheaded when standing
Changes in bowel, bladder, or sexual function
Unexplained nausea and vomiting when eating
Early diagnosis and treatment increases the likelihood of controlling symptoms.
References
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.
In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jan 2;146(1):ITC1-15.
Benarroch E, Freeman R, Kaufman H. Autonomic nervous system. In: Goetz CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 21.
Review Date: 10/4/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Neuropathy - autonomic
Prevention
Preventing or controlling disorders associated with autonomic neuropathy may reduce the risk. For example, diabetics should closely control blood sugar levels. Alcoholics should stop drinking.
References
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.
In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jan 2;146(1):ITC1-15.
Benarroch E, Freeman R, Kaufman H. Autonomic nervous system. In: Goetz CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 21.
Review Date: 10/4/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 10/4/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.