Autonomic Dysfunction is a medical condition used to describe the disabling function (or failure) of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) uniquely controls the body’s involuntary function such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, digestion & perspiration. Although the early stages of Autonomic Dysfunction is commonly asymptomatic, advanced symptoms may include dizziness (syncope), fatigue, weakness and cognitive impairment.
Autonomic dysfunction can occur as a primary or secondary medical condition. Patients that are diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction often have other underlying chronic disease such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In cases of autonomic dysfunction & chronic disease, it difficult to determine whether the autonomic dysfunction is primary or secondary to the chronic disease. In either case, it is now well known that maintaining autonomic balance (sympathovagal balance) is an important aspect to managing patient risk & prolonging complications of the present chronic disease.
When Autonomic Dysfunction is a primary disorder, the autonomic nervous system is the only system impacted. In either case (whether primary or secondary), Autonomic dysfunction has (historically) been misdiagnosed due to absence of symptoms & lack of standardized methods of testing.
Millions of Americans are impacted by autonomic dysfunction. Evolving new evidence suggests that establishing & maintaining Autonomic balance through ANS Testing is proven to reduce mortality & morbidity. If Autonomic dysfunction is not treated, the condition can deteriorate and lead to complications such as Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy and Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy. Both cases present big risk factors for adverse events and can be monitored annually through Autonomic Nervous System testing. Other common forms of autonomic dysfunction include Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) / Orthostatic Hypotension, Neurocardiogenic Syncope, Pure Autonomic Failure and Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA).
