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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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