Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy involves dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system affecting cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and sudomotor functions. Common etiologies include diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, infections, toxins, and hereditary neuropathies. Clinical manifestations are diverse, including orthostatic hypotension, gastroparesis, bladder dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on autonomic function testing, including cardiovascular reflexes, sweat tests, and sometimes biopsy. Management is symptomatic and etiology-directed, with prognosis dependent on underlying disease control and severity of autonomic impairment.