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Synonym(s): Autonomic Dysfunction, Familial
Dysautonomia
What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia refers to a disorder of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function.
Most physicians view dysautonomia in terms of failure of the sympathetic or
parasympathetic components of the ANS, but dysautonomia involving excessive ANS
activities also can occur. Dysautonomia can be local, as in reflex sympathetic
dystrophy, or generalized, as in pure autonomic failure. It can be acute and
reversible, as in Guillain-Barre syndrome, or chronic and progressive. 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. Other diseases
with generalized, primary dysautonomia include multiple system atrophy and
familial dysautonomia. Hallmarks of generalized dysautonomia due to sympathetic
failure are impotence (in men) and a fall in blood pressure during standing (orthostatic
hypotension). Excessive sympathetic activity can present as hypertension or a
rapid pulse rate.
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for dysautonomia. Secondary forms may improve with treatment of
the underlying disease. In many cases treatment of primary dysautonomia is
symptomatic and supportive. Measures to combat orthostatic hypotension include
elevation of the head of the bed, frequent small meals, a high-salt diet, and
drugs such as fludrocortisone, midodrine, and ephedrine.
What is the prognosis?
The outlook for patients with dysautonomia depends on the particular diagnostic
category. Patients with chronic, progressive, generalized dysautonomia in the
setting of central nervous system degeneration have a generally poor long-term
prognosis. Death can occur from pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, or sudden
cardiopulmonary arrest in such patients.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts research on dysautonomia. This research aims to
discover ways to diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, prevent these disorders.
Organizations
National Dysautonomia Research Foundation
1407 West 4th Street Suite 160
Red Wing, MN 55066-2108
ndrf@ndrf.org
http://www.ndrf.org/
Tel: 651-267-0525
Fax: 651-267-0524
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
Dysautonomia Foundation
633 Third Avenue 12th Floor
New York, NY 10017-6706
dys212@aol.com
http://www.familialdysautonomia.org/
Tel: 212-949-6644
Fax: 212-682-7625
Familial Dysautonomia Hope, Inc. (FD Hope)
1457 O'Brian Drive
Newton, NC 28558
SPeltzer2@aol.com
http://www.fdvillage.org/
Tel: 828-466-1678
Shy-Drager/Multiple System Atrophy Support Group, Inc.
2004 Howard Lane
Austin, TX 78728
Don.Summers@shy-drager.com
http://www.shy-drager.com/
Tel: 866-SDS-4999 (737-4999)
Fax: 512-251-3315
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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