INFORMATION ON DYSAUTONOMIA

Dysautonomia also named as Familial Dysautonomia is failure of the sympathetic or parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system which regulates unconscious body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature regulation, gastrointestinal secretion, and metabolic and endocrine responses to stress such as the flight syndrome. Several common conditions such as diabetes and alcoholism can include dysautonomia. Dysautonomia also can occur as a primary condition or in association with degenerative neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

SYNONYMS OF DYSAUTONOMIA

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Dysautonomia.
2. Familial Dysautonomia.
3. Autonomic Dysfunction.
4. Riley-Day Syndrome.
5. Paraneoplastic neurological degeneration.
6. Paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy.

CAUSES OF DYSAUTONOMIA

Damage to the autonomic nerves causes abnormal or decreased function of the areas supplied by the affected nerve. Damage to the nerves supplying blood vessels causes problems with regulation of blood pressure and body temperature because dilation of skin capillaries is used to dissipate heat from the body. Damage to other structures causes similar dysfunction.

Other causes of Dysautonomia are:

1. Tumors.
2. Alcoholism.
3. Autoimmune diseases.
4. Abnormal protein buildup in organs.
5. Surgical or traumatic injury to nerves.

SYMPTOMS OF DYSAUTONOMIA

Symptoms of Dysautonomia:

1. Swollen abdomen.
2. Nausea after eating.
3. Vomiting of undigested food.
4. Diarrhea.
5. Constipation.
6. Dizziness that occurs when standing up.
7. Blood pressure changes with position.
8. Difficulty beginning to urinate.
9. Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
10. Fainting.

DIAGNOSIS OF DYSAUTONOMIA

Examination of eye is necessary and also blood pressure test should be done.
Other test under diagnosis is:

1. Blood Test.
2. Gastrointestinal examination.
3. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
4. Voiding cystourethrogram tests.

TREATMENT OF DYSAUTONOMIA

Treatment is based on the remediation of symptoms, patient support, and the treatment of underlying diseases and disorders in cases of dysautonomia. The use of elastic stockings and sleeping with the head elevated may reduce postural hypotension. Fludrocortisone may be beneficial in reducing postural hypotension for some people. Manual expression of urine, intermittent catheterization, or medications such as bethanechol may be necessary to treat bladder dysfunction. Impotence, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms are treated as appropriate.