Below are some of the most common forms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, ordysautonomia.
Bothparasympatheticand sympathetic fibers are impacted, though other nerves are spared.
A lumbar puncture may demonstrate elevated protein in theCSF.
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The cause is rarely found, though it’s likely an autoimmune disease similar toGuillain-Barre syndrome.
The best treatment is unclear, though some have suggested improvement after plasma exchange, or IVIG administration.
If this is insufficient, medications such as midodrine or Florinef may be necessary.
Other forms of peripheral neuropathy, such as that caused byamyloidosis, have even stronger dysautonomias.
The inherited neuropathy because of Fabry disease (alpha-galactosidase deficiency) can also cause pronounced dysautonomia.
One exception is the inherited dysautonomia calledRiley-Day syndrome.
These symptoms are probably because of a failure of normal cellular migration during development.
Other reflexes, however, will remain intact.
Autonomic dysreflexia can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Severe head injuries orcerebral hemorrhagescan also release adrenal catecholamines and increase sympathetic tone.
Organophosphate insecticides and sarin, for example, cause parasympathetic overactivity.
In contrast, anhydrosis results in too little sweating, which can be dangerous if it leads to overheating.
Bladder dysfunction is common and may result from many different kinds of problems, including dysautonomias.
It’s impossible to address all of the facets of dysautonomia in one article.
This article may serve as a general introduction, and spur further reading for those who want more information.
Sunderland: Sinauer Associates Publishers 2002
