Autonomic nervous system disorders
Autonomic nervous system disorders (ANS) – disorders are conditions that occur due to a disruption in the autonomic
nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions such as heart rate,
blood pressure, respiratory rate, digestion, and temperature control. The ANS
consists of two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (responsible
for the body's response to stress) and the parasympathetic nervous system
(which helps the body to return to a state of rest). Disorders can be caused by a
variety of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes,
autoimmune responses, and even certain infections or genetic factors.
Some of the most common ANS disorders include Postural Orthostatic
Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and diabetic
autonomic neuropathy. These disorders often present with symptoms such as
dizziness, fainting, gastrointestinal issues, abnormal heart rates, and difficulties
with temperature regulation. ANS disorders can range from mild to severe,
sometimes significantly affecting quality of life.
Diagnosis often involves tests such as heart rate variability analysis, tilt-table
testing, and the measurement of blood pressure responses to certain stimuli.
Treatment typically involves medications that regulate blood pressure or heart
rate, physical therapy, and sometimes interventions to address the underlying
causes, such as managing diabetes or autoimmune diseases.
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Carlos, J. Gujarathi, R. Matthew, A. V. (2023) Autonomic Dysfunction. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/8t68L
Coon, E. (2023) Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System (2-1). MD, Mayo Clinic . Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/sujBQ