The exact mechanism has not been worked out for all conditions and causes. Somatic and autonomic C fibre involvement is found in diabetic neuropathies. Although loss of somatic C fibres is associated with autonomic deficits, there is now known to be a more selective involvement of fibres in some conditions. Pathophysiology Īs might be expected, various pathophysiological processes are involved, depending on the particular cause. It is important to recognise and correctly diagnose autonomic neuropathy because successful treatments and management can be offered.
In some patients the features are subclinical, whereas in others the dysfunction leads to significant disability. Several syndromes and diseases exhibit autonomic neuropathies and there is a wide variety of clinical features and presentations. Autonomic testing should be considered in the evaluation of patients with polyneuropathy to document autonomic nervous system dysfunction. They are usually accompanied by somatic neuropathy but can be autonomic only. Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic neurons of either or both of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
