Autonomic Neuropathy Symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy symptoms may vary according to which nerves are
affected, but they can range anywhere from simple dizziness to heart and
respiratory trouble as well as difficulty urinating. Autonomic neuropathy is a
condition in which there is damage to the nerves that regulate the involuntary
functions of the body. This includes the nerves that control heart rate, blood
pressure, digestion, blood glucose levels and even perspiration. The nerves
serve as messengers between the brain and parts of the body such as our muscles,
skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Autonomic neuropathy symptoms are
experienced from the result of faulty communications between the brain and parts
of the body that are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy may include the following:
- A sudden drop in blood pressure: This condition, known as
orthostatic hypotension, occurs upon standing and can cause fainting and
dizziness.
- Cardiovascular difficulties: Abnormalities such as the lack of a normal
heart rate, meaning that the body is unable to adjust its heart rate
according to physical activity or the lack thereof.
- Sexual dysfunction: One of the most common autonomic neuropathy symptoms
is a decrease in sexual response in both men and women. Although the sex
drive is largely unaffected, there may be other signs such as problems with
arousal in women or erectile dysfunction in men.
- Difficulty urinating: Another symptom experienced often by those with
autonomic neuropathy is difficulty with urination. If the nerves of the
bladder are damaged or affected, a person may experience urinary
incontinence since they are no longer able to control the flow of urine or
sense when the bladder is full. Urinary tract infections or UTIs are a
common symptom of autonomic neuropathy since nerve damage can prevent the
bladder from emptying completely which allows for bacteria to grow and cause
the infection.
- Digestive issues: Gastroparesis, meaning difficulty digesting food, as
well as a loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal bloating and heartburn are all possible signs or symptoms of
autonomic neuropathy.
- Pupil dilation: A person with autonomic neuropathy may have pupils that
are unable to quickly adjust to changes in light making it difficult to
drive at night.
- Intolerance to heat and exercise: When the nerves that control sweat
glands are damaged or adversely affected, they cannot properly regulate the
bodys internal temperature. The body is then unable to adjust accordingly
to physical activity and heat.
- No signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia: The usual symptoms of a
hypoglycemic episode such as sweating, shaking and heart palpitations can be
absent in a person with autonomic neuropathy making hypoglycemia difficult
to recognize.
Autonomic neuropathy symptoms may also manifest themselves as trouble
swallowing due to nerve damage in the esophagus or even as unexplained weight
loss because of digestive difficulties. Neuropathies often occur as a result of
diabetes, although there are other causes such as tumors, which can press on
nerves and cause either direct or remote damage, surgical or traumatic injury to
the nerves as well as certain medications or chronic illnesses.
If you are experiencing any of these autonomic neuropathy symptoms, it is highly
recommended to seek prompt medical advice. It is also important to get medical
care if you are experiencing these symptoms and have a condition such as
diabetes, a comprised immune system or other chronic medical condition.
Autonomic Neuropathy Symptoms to A
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