Neuropathy - autonomic; Autonomic nerve disease DefinitionAutonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage normally automatic body functions. These functions include blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion. CausesAutonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms. It is not a specific disease. There are many causes. Autonomic neuropathy involves damage to the nerves that carry information from the brain and spinal cord. The information is then carried to the heart, blood vessels, bladder, intestines, sweat glands, and pupils. Autonomic neuropathy may be seen with:
SymptomsSymptoms vary, depending on the nerves affected. They usually develop slowly over years. Stomach and intestine symptoms may include:
Heart and lungs symptoms may include:
Bladder symptoms may include:
Other symptoms may include:
Exams and TestsSigns of autonomic nerve damage are not always seen when your doctor examines you. Your blood pressure or heart rate may change when lying down, sitting, or standing. Special tests to measure sweating and heart rate may be done. This is called autonomic testing. Other tests depend on what type of symptoms you have. TreatmentTreatment to reverse nerve damage is most often not possible. As a result, treatment and self-care are focused on managing your symptoms and preventing further problems. Your health care provider may recommend:
The following may help your intestines and stomach work better:
Medicines and self-care programs can help you if you have:
Outlook (Prognosis)How well you do will depend on the cause of the problem and if it can be treated. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you have symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. Early symptoms might include:
Early diagnosis and treatment may control symptoms. Autonomic neuropathy may hide the warning signs of a heart attack. Instead of feeling chest pain, if you have autonomic neuropathy, during a heart attack you may only have:
PreventionPrevent or control associated disorders to reduce the risk for neuropathy. For example, people with diabetes should closely control blood sugar levels. ReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106. Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392. | |
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Review Date: 11/2/2022 Reviewed By: Evelyn O. Berman, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Autonomic Nerves
Central nervous sy...
