Autonomic neuropathy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Autonomic Nerves

Central nervous system

Autonomic neuropathy

Alternative Names:

Neuropathy - autonomic
Treatment:

Treatment is supportive and may need to be long-term. Several treatments may be attempted before a successful one is found.

The use of elastic stockings and sleeping with the head elevated may reduce postural hypotension. Fludrocortisone or similar medications may be beneficial in reducing postural hypotension for some people. In severe cases, Proamatine may help prevent a drop in blood pressure when standing.

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Medications that increase gastric motility (such as Reglan); small, frequent meals; sleeping with the head elevated; or other measures may be used to treat reduced gastric motility.

Manual expression of urine (a technique in which the hands are used to compress the bladder), intermittent catheterization, or medications such as bethanechol may be necessary to treat bladder dysfunction.

Impotence, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms are treated as appropriate. These symptoms may respond poorly to treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. If the cause can be identified and treated, there is a chance that the nerves associated with autonomic neuropathy may repair or regenerate. The symptoms may improve with treatment, or they may persist or worsen despite treatment.

Most symptoms of autonomic neuropathy are uncomfortable but they are seldom life-threatening.

Complications:

Fluid or electrolyte imbalance such as hypokalemia (if excessive vomiting or diarrhea)
Malnutrition
Kidney failure (associated with reflux of urine)
Psychologic/social effects of impotence
Injuries from falls (associated with postural dizziness)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of autonomic neuropathy occur. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the likelihood of controlling symptoms.