Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy (also called visceral neuropathy) is a disease of 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. They do not run through the spinal cord.

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

Common symptoms and signs (in combination or alone)

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

Notable sufferers of Autonomic neuropathy syndrome

• Johnny Cash

See also

• neuropathy
• hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy

External links

• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
• Autonomic dysfunction assessment using the ANSiscope
• Recognizing and treating diabetic autonomic neuropathy