Autonomic neuropathies

[Becky]

Autonomic neuropathies are disorders affecting the peripheral nerves that automatically (without conscious effort) regulate body processes (autonomic nerves).

Causes include diabetes, amyloidosis, autoimmune disorders, cancer, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain drugs.
People may feel light-headed when they stand and have urination problems, constipation, and vomiting, and men may have erectile dysfunction.
Doctors do a physical examination and various tests to check for autonomic malfunction and possible causes.
The cause is corrected or treated if possible.

(See also Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System.)
The nervous system has central and peripheral parts. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that connect the body’s tissues with the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves include the following:

Autonomic nerves, which automatically (unconsciously) regulate body processes
Somatic nerves, which connect with muscles under voluntary (conscious) control or with sensory receptors in the skin.

Autonomic neuropathies are a type of peripheral neuropathy, a disorder in which peripheral nerves are damaged throughout the body. In autonomic neuropathies, there is much more damage to the autonomic nerves than to the somatic nerves.