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Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy is a disease of the non-voluntary, non-sensory 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. They do not run through the spinal cord.

Also called visceral neuropathy. Most commonly autonomic neuropathy is seen in persons with long-standing diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.

Common signs and symptoms autonomic neuropathy (in combination or alone):

• urinary bladder
  • bladder incontinence or urine retention
• gastrointestinal tract
  • dysphagia
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • malabsorption
  • fecal incontinence
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
• cardiovascular system
  • disturbances of heart rate (tachycardia and/or bradycardia)
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • inadequate increase of heart rate on exertion
• other
  • erectile impotence
  • hypoglycemia unawareness

Posted by Staff at June 8, 2005 8:26 AM

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