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Autonomic Neuropathy

Overview

Autonomic neuropathy involves the autonomic nervous system and is caused by damage to the nerves controlling automatic body functions, like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. Because these functions happen without conscious effort, damage to these nerves can affect many body systems.

Symptoms depend on which body system is affected. Common ones include:

  • Digestive issues: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach).
  • Postural dizziness or orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up)
  • Bowel problems: Feeling of blockage without an actual obstruction (pseudo-obstruction)
  • Sweating changes: Too much or too little sweating

Autonomic neuropathy can result from several underlying diseases and conditions, including:

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare immune disorder affecting nerves)
  • Paraneoplastic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by cancer-related immune reactions)
  • Amyloid neuropathy (nerve damage due to abnormal protein deposits)
  • Multisystem atrophy (a progressive neurological disorder)
  • Fabry’s disease (a rare inherited metabolic disorder)

Doctors use different tests depending on the symptoms and body systems involved:

  • Autonomic function tests: Check how well blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating respond.
  • Gastrointestinal tests: Assess stomach emptying and bowel function.
  • Tilt-table test: Monitors blood pressure and heart rate while changing body position.
  • Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test: Measures sweat gland function.

Treatment focuses on managing the root cause and relieving symptoms:

  • Treatment of underlying conditions: Such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.
  • Lifestyle measures: Eating small frequent meals, rising slowly from sitting or lying down, and using compression stockings for dizziness.
  • Medications: To control blood pressure, digestion, or bladder problems.
  • Therapies: Physical therapy or occupational therapy to improve daily functioning.

Seek medical attention if you notice:

  • Frequent unexplained dizziness or fainting.
  • Ongoing digestive issues such as persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating.
  • Difficulty urinating or controlling bladder function.
  • Unusual changes in sweating.

While not all cases can be prevented, risks can be reduced by:

  • Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes.
  • Managing thyroid, metabolic, or immune conditions effectively.

For proper diagnosis and management, consult a Neurologist (specialist in nerve disorders).

Disclaimer:

The information in this Health Library is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or before starting any treatment. Use of this site and its content does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. In case of a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency facility immediately.