Autonomic Dysfunction

Definition

Definition of Autonomic Dysfunction
Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is known as dysautonomia. The autonomic nervous system regulates unconscious body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature regulation, gastrointestinal secretion, and metabolic and endocrine responses to stress such as the "fight or flight" syndrome. As regulating these functions involves various and multiple organ systems, dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous systems encompass various and multiple disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Autonomic Dysfunction
Some of the listed symptoms are always present while others occur when a person with Autonomic Dysfunction has been standing or sitting too long:

1. Dizziness
2. Lightheadedness
3. Vertigo (room spinning or the sensation of spinning)
4. Feeling faint (pre-syncope)
5. Fainting (syncope)
6. Chest pain or pressure
7. Excessive fatigue
8. Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
9. Stomach pain
10. Intestinal cramping
11. Nausea
12. Vomiting
13. Retching

Causes

Causes of Autonomic Dysfunction
The causes of this disease is unclear though it is believed that it includes genetic factors, viral illness, pregnancy, exposure to chemicals, autoimmune disorders and shock or trauma that can damagethe autonomic nervous system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Autonomic Dysfunction
Consult with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of Autonomic Dysfunction
The cure for Autonomic dysfunction is not yet known. But there are medications or drugs to help in stabilizing the patients condition though it is required for a long period of time. Oter way to treat the disease is to treat the initial/primary diseases and the treatment of which is supportive and symptomatic. The following drugs fludrocortisone, midodrine, ephedrine, and SSRIs may also be used to treat the symptoms. Though curing this disease is quite difficult and treating a patient may worsen the condition of the patient. Other treatments are discovered through trial and error.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Autonomic Dysfunction
The prognosis depends on the specific diagnostic classification. Deterioration has a generally poor long-term prognosis to patients who have chronic, progressive, generalized dysautonomia. Death is also possible to happen in children and elderly. Patients may die from pneumonia, sudden cardiopulmonary arrest or acute respiratory failure especially the younger ones. There are some proof that Autonomic dysfunction causes sudden death of infants or medically known as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Prevention

Prevention of Autonomic Dysfunction
Consult with your doctor.