Autonomic Neuropathy – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Autonomic neuropathy happens when nerves that control automatic body functions get damaged. This nerve damage affects how the brain talks to organs like the heart and blood vessels.

People with this condition may need various health supports. Blood pressure monitors help track sudden changes in pressure levels. These devices are useful for those who experience dizziness when standing up.

Digestive aids can help manage symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Special shoes and foot care products protect feet with reduced sensation. Temperature-regulating clothing works well for those who can’t control body temperature normally.

Some patients benefit from bladder management tools. Sexual health aids address intimacy challenges from nerve damage. Blood sugar testing supplies are essential for diabetes patients, as diabetes commonly causes this condition.

Symptoms

Autonomic neuropathy can affect different bodily systems, causing various symptoms based on which nerves are damaged.

When blood pressure regulation is impaired, people might experience dizziness or fainting when standing up. This happens because of sudden drops in blood pressure.

Urinary function can be affected in several ways. Patients might struggle to start urination, lose bladder control, have trouble feeling when their bladder is full, or be unable to empty their bladder completely.

This incomplete emptying can lead to frequent urinary tract infections.

Sexual problems are common symptoms. Men might experience erectile dysfunction or ejaculation difficulties. Women may notice vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire, or problems reaching orgasm.

Digestive issues can include:

  • Feeling full after eating very little
  • Reduced appetite
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloating in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Heartburn

The body might lose its ability to recognize low blood sugar because warning signals don’t work properly. Sweating problems can develop, with either excessive or insufficient sweating, affecting temperature regulation.

Vision can be affected through slow pupil reactions, making it hard to adjust between light and dark environments or to see well when driving at night.

Exercise tolerance may decrease if the heart rate doesn’t properly adjust to activity levels.

When to See a Doctor

Get medical help right away if you notice any signs of autonomic neuropathy, especially if you have diabetes that isn’t well controlled.

For those with type 2 diabetes, yearly screening for autonomic neuropathy should start when you’re first diagnosed. If you have type 1 diabetes, these screenings should begin five years after your diagnosis.

Important signs that require medical attention:

  • Dizziness when standing up
  • Digestive problems
  • Bladder issues
  • Sweating abnormalities
  • Heart rate changes

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.

Causes

Autonomic neuropathy stems from various health conditions and treatments. Diabetes represents the leading cause, particularly when blood sugar remains poorly controlled over time, gradually damaging nerves throughout the body.

Several other medical conditions can trigger autonomic neuropathy:

  • Amyloidosis: Abnormal protein deposits in organs that affect both organ function and the nervous system.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease where the immune system attacks nerve tissue.
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A rapid-onset autoimmune condition affecting peripheral nerves.
  • Paraneoplastic syndrome: An immune response triggered by certain cancers.

Additional causes include:

  • Specific medications, particularly some chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment
  • Infectious agents such as HIV and the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease and botulism
  • Genetic factors through certain inherited disorders that affect autonomic nerve function

These various triggers damage the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise the chance of developing autonomic neuropathy:

  • Diabetes: People with poorly managed blood sugar levels face higher risk. Those who struggle to control their glucose levels are especially vulnerable.

  • Amyloidosis: This condition involves abnormal protein buildup in organs.

  • Porphyria: A group of disorders affecting the nervous system.

  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can contribute to nerve damage.

  • Cancer: Often through treatment side effects rather than the disease itself.

Prevention

Managing your health properly can help prevent or slow down some types of autonomic neuropathy. Certain inherited conditions cannot be avoided, but following these guidelines can make a difference:

  • Keep blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes
  • Stay away from alcohol and tobacco products
  • Seek treatment promptly for autoimmune diseases
  • Monitor and manage high blood pressure
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Include regular exercise in your routine

These steps are especially important if you have medical conditions that increase your risk.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.