Autonomic dysfunction
Other names
Autonomic dysfunction is also known as dysautonomia.
Pathophysiology
Dysautonomia refers to a disorder of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function that generally involves failure of the sympathetic or parasympathetic components of the ANS, but dysautonomia involving excessive or overactive ANS actions also can occur.
Types
Dysautonomia can be local, as in reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or generalized, as in pure autonomic failure. It can be acute and reversible, as in [[Guillain-Barre syndrome, or chronic and progressive.
Associated conditions
Several common conditions such as diabetes and alcoholism can include dysautonomia.
Primary and secondary
- Dysautonomia also can occur as a primary condition or in association with degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
- Other diseases with generalized, primary dysautonomia include multiple system atrophy and familial dysautonomia.
- Hallmarks of generalized dysautonomia due to sympathetic failure are impotence (in men) and a fall in blood pressure during standing (orthostatic hypotension).
- Excessive sympathetic activity can present as hypertension or a rapid pulse rate.
Prognosis
Prognosis is variable and depends on the particular diagnostic category.
Poor prognostic indicators
People with chronic, progressive, generalized dysautonomia in the setting of central nervous system degeneration have a generally poor long-term prognosis.
Complications
Death can occur from pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, or sudden cardiopulmonary arrest
Treatment
Symptomatic and supportive
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External links
- Comprehensive information from the National Institute of health.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
