Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage every day body functions. These functions include blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion.
Neuropathy - autonomic; Autonomic nerve disease
Autonomic 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:
Symptoms 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:
Treatment 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:
Horacio Kaufmann is a Neurologist in New York, New York. Dr. Kaufmann has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Autonomic Neuropathy. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Familial Dysautonomia, Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type 2, Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome, and Orthostatic Hypotension. He is licensed to treat patients in New York.
Dan Ziegler is in Duesseldorf, Germany. Ziegler is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Autonomic Neuropathy. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Autonomic Neuropathy, Diabetic Neuropathy, Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy, and Peripheral Neuropathy.
Solomon Tesfaye is in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Tesfaye is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Autonomic Neuropathy. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Diabetic Neuropathy, Autonomic Neuropathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.
How well you do will depend on the cause of the problem and if it can be treated.
Call 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:
Prevent or control associated disorders to reduce the risk for neuropathy. For example, people with diabetes should closely control blood sugar levels.
Published Date : November 04, 2020
Published By : Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, FAAN, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Katirji 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.