Autonomic neuropathy
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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 symptoms and signs of 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
See also: neuropathy.