Autonomic dysfunction and management

Richard B. Dewey, Pravin Khemani, Cherian Abraham Karunapuzha, Shilpa Chitnis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although Parkinson’s disease (PD) is commonly regarded as a disorder of dopamine deficiency, it is actually a multisystem degenerative disorder. As nondopaminergic brain pathways are involved in the genesis of many symptoms, treatment is more extensive than merely increasing brain dopaminergic stimulation. The autonomic symptoms fall into this category, and management is often challenging. The autonomic features of PD affect cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal (GI) motility, urinary bladder function, sexual ability, and thermal regulation. A list of the common symptoms and signs of autonomic dysfunction is shown in Table 6.1. While symptoms of autonomic failure typically present later in the course of the disease, rare case reports exist of autonomic abnormalities as the presenting feature (1). This chapter will outline the common autonomic features of PD and discuss treatment approaches for each.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Parkinson's Disease, Fifth Edition
PublisherCRC Press
Pages103-119
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781841849096
ISBN (Print)9781841849089
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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