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Autonomic Neuropathy
Alternate Names : Neuropathy - Autonomic
DefinitionAutonomic 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.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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; 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 entity. The causes are multiple. Autonomic neuropathy is associated with the following:
- Other forms of neuropathy
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Parkinson's disease and other multiple systems atrophy
- Disorders involving sclerosis of tissues,
- Surgical or traumatic injury to nerves (such as surgical vagotomy, used to control stomach ulcers and similar disorders)
- Use of anticholinergic medications
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Definition Autonomic Neuropathy Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Autonomic Neuropathy Symptoms & Signs Autonomic Neuropathy Prevention Autonomic Neuropathy Diagnosis & Tests Autonomic Neuropathy Treatment Autonomic Neuropathy Prognosis Autonomic Neuropathy Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Acute Kidney Failure Alcoholic Neuropathy Diabetic Neuropathy Gastroparesis Hypokalemia Parkinson's Disease Peripheral Neuropathy Stress Incontinence
Tests & Exams
Blood Pressure EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Glucose Test Isotope Study Pulse Voiding Cystourethrogram
Other Topics
Abdomen - Swollen Abdominal Bloating Abdominal Fullness Prematurely After Meals Auscultation Blood Pressure - Low Central Nervous System Chronic Constipation Diarrhea Dizziness Electrolytes Erection Problems Heat Intolerance High Blood Pressure Inspection Nausea and Vomiting Palpation Percussion Peripheral Swallowing Difficulty Sweating - Excessive Ulcers Urinary Incontinence Urination - Difficulty with Flow Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 7/28/2002
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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