Autonomic Neuropathy
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.
Causes
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:
Alcoholic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Disorders involving scarring and hardening (sclerosis) tissues
Guillain Barre syndrome or other diseases that inflame nerves
HIV and AIDS
Inherited nerve disorders
Parkinson's disease
Surgery or injury involving the nerves
Use of anticholinergic medications
Symptoms vary depending on the nerves affected. They usually develop gradually over years. Symptoms may include:
Gastrointestinal tract
Constipation
Diarrhea
Feeling full after only a few bites (early satiety)
Nausea after eating
Swollen abdomen
Vomiting of undigested food
Heart and lungs
Blood pressure changes with position and causes dizziness when standing
Shortness of breath with activity or exercise
Urinary tract
Difficulty beginning to urinate
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Urinary incontinence (overflow incontinence)
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
Exams 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:
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive sweating
Irregular heart rhythms
High blood pressure
Rapid or slow heart rate
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
Upper GI
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
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:
Medications that increase gastric motility (such as Reglan)
Sleeping with the head raised
Small, frequent meals
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.
Outlook (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.
Possible 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
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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.
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.
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/autonomic-neuropathy/overview.html
