Autonomic neuropathy

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Autonomic Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
Autonomic neuropathy
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[edit]

The signs and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include the following:[citation needed]

Causes[edit]

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

Diagnosis[edit]

Treatment[edit]

Neurogenic Bladder[edit]

Depending on the symptoms and severity of the dysfunction, the doctor might suggest one of the following treatments[3][4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Neurogenic Bladder: Overview, Neuroanatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology". 2019-12-05. {{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. ^ "Neurogenic Bladder Management and Treatment". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  4. ^ Urology, Weill Cornell (2017-11-16). "Neurogenic Bladder - Treatment Options". Weill Cornell Medicine: Department of Urology - New York. Retrieved 2020-03-08.

External links[edit]