Autonomic Neuropathy

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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
  • Alcoholic neuropathy
  • Diabetic neuropathy
• 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