Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the synergistic action of all visceral organs in the human body (Lahrmann et al. 2011). Autonomic nervous system diseases lead to dysfunction of blood pressure, heart rate, sudomotor function, digestion, urinary function, and sexual function. ANS dysfunction may originate in the CNS or PNS and may be widespread or focal. Despite the complex distribution of the ANS and the variable consequences of ANS dysfunction, the aim of investigating the ANS is to transform the clinical picture into a coherent explanation of the patient’s autonomic problem. More precisely, the aim should be to define the functional and autonomic involvement (sympathetic, parasympathetic, central, or peripheral disease), identify a common autonomic syndrome (orthostatic hypotension, autonomic neuropathy, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, reflex syncope), and treat treatable diseases. To achieve this aim, a comprehensive history, appropriate autonomic tests, and laboratory tests are necessary.
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Struhal, W., Russell, J.W. (2014). Autonomic Nervous System. In: Atlas of Neuromuscular Diseases. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1605-0_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1605-0_13
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