Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy
Autonomic Nervous System
SpecialtyNeurology

Autonomic neuropathy (AN or AAN) is a form of polyneuropathy that affects the non-voluntary, non-sensory nervous system (i.e., the autonomic nervous system), affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs. These nerves are not under a person's conscious control and function automatically. Autonomic nerve fibers form large collections in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis outside the spinal cord. They have connections with the spinal cord and ultimately the brain, however. Most commonly autonomic neuropathy is seen in persons with long-standing diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2. In most—but not all—cases, autonomic neuropathy occurs alongside other forms of neuropathy, such as sensory neuropathy.

Autonomic neuropathy is one cause of malfunction of the autonomic nervous system (referred to as dysautonomia), but not the only one; some conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord also may cause autonomic dysfunction, such as multiple system atrophy, and therefore, may cause similar symptoms to autonomic neuropathy.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include the following:

Causes

Many health conditions can cause autonomic neuropathy. Some common causes of autonomic neuropathy include:

Diagnosis

a) Valsalva maneuver from a normal subject b) individual with diabetic autonomic neuropathy

In terms of the diagnosis for Autonomic neuropathy we find the following is done:[3]

  • BP reading
  • Breathing test (heart rate)
  • Ultrasound

Treatment

Neurogenic Bladder

Depending on the symptoms and severity of the dysfunction, the doctor might suggest one of the following treatments[4][5]

References

  1. "Neurogenic Bladder: Overview, Neuroanatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology". 2019-12-05. Archived from the original on 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2022-06-27. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Vinik, AI; Erbas, T (2013). "Diabetic autonomic neuropathy". Handbook of Clinical Neurology. 117: 279–94. doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-53491-0.00022-5. ISBN 9780444534910. PMID 24095132.
  3. "Autonomic Neuropathy | NIDDK". National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  4. "Neurogenic Bladder Management and Treatment". Cleveland Clinic. Archived from the original on 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  5. Urology, Weill Cornell (2017-11-16). "Neurogenic Bladder - Treatment Options". Weill Cornell Medicine: Department of Urology - New York. Archived from the original on 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
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