Autonomic Disorders

This book approaches the basic features of autonomic dysfunction in a practical way, complemented by an examination of unique and didactic case reports. Unlike other books on autonomic disorders, its goal is to provide a brief, practical and ready to use resource for physicians faced with patients’ autonomic complaints. Autonomic dysfunctions are specific disorders that affect or are related to the autonomic nervous system. Despite being primarily a field of neurology, it also has important ties to cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and many other medical specialties. Moreover, as the action of the autonomous system tends to be diffuse, affecting different systems and organs throughout the body, its disorders may present a complex and multifaceted background, complicating its diagnosis, clinical evaluation and management. Thus, it is important to gather all the relevant information about autonomic dysfunction in a handy and practical way, providing an accessible guide for professionals and practitioners across a wide range of specialties. The content presented in this book is divided into two main parts: In the first part, the general principles of autonomic dysfunction are discussed. Here the reader will find information on the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system, the classification of autonomic disorders, general evaluation of these disorders and the principles of their management. In the second part, clinical cases for the most important autonomic disorders are presented and discussed in detail, particularly in light of their special importance for differential diagnosis. Using a clinical case-based approach, Evaluation and Management of Autonomic Disorders offers readers – primarily but not exclusively general practitioners in the fields of neurology, internal medicine, family medicine and cardiology – rapid access to the information required for the evaluation and management of these complex patients.

This book presents the concepts underlying the measurement of parasympathetic and sympathetic (P&S) activity in the autonomic nervous system and the application of these measurements in the development of therapeutic guidelines for treating dysfunctions in these processes. It provides an overview of the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the autonomic nervous system; details general clinical applications of P&S monitoring that are independent of specialty or disease; presents the pathophysiology of P&S dysfunction in specific disorders, expected test results, therapeutic options, and expected outcomes; and includes case studies and longitudinal studies that demonstrate the major concepts for the common diseases for which P&S monitoring is recommended. Clinical Autonomic Dysfunction enables clinicians to improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating clinical problems related to autonomic nervous system disorders.

Designed to be the definitive resource for both practicing and academic neurologists, as well as clinicians in such areas as cardiology and GI, where autonomic disorders are more prevalent. The user-friendly presentation offers clear information on the neuroscientific basis for testing, normal values, and interpretation of tests. New features to this edition include furthur detail about the role of the central nervous system in autonomic disorders, increased attention on clinical applications, and state-of-the-art laboratory procedures and equipment.

This book is a guide to the everyday clinical management of disorders of the autonomic nervous system, from identification of the key symptoms of autonomic involvement and comprehensive history taking to choice of treatment. The book will assist the reader in determining the anatomic distribution of the disease, as well as underlying autonomic syndromes, and in transforming the clinical picture into a coherent explanation of the patient’s autonomic problem. In addition, guidelines are provided on selection of the most appropriate autonomic and laboratory tests and formulation of appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies. With cases drawn from clinical experience and a list of available online resources, Bedside Approach to Autonomic Disorders will aid the reader in acquiring the skills that are mandatory in order to put patients on the right clinical track. It will be a valuable guide for trainees and young doctors interested in autonomic disorders from the fields of neurology, internal medicine, cardiology, diabetology, and urology.

The third edition of this classic text, extensively revised, is now available in paperback, priced so that all interested physicians can have their own copy. The autonomic nervous system regulates, without conscious awareness, the function of the heart and all other bodily organs. Autonomic failure can cause a variety of seemingly strange symptoms, which may present to general physicians or a wide spectrum of specialists. This book shows how these symptoms can be studied scientifically in order to reach a precise diagnosis and instigate rational treatment.

"The Dysautonomia Project" is a much needed tool for physicians, patients, or caregivers looking to arm themselves with the power of knowledge. It combines current publications from leaders in the field of autonomic disorders with explanations for doctors and patients about the signs and symptoms, which will aid in reducing the six-year lead time to diagnosis.

The purpose of this book is to present a focused approach to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the most common autonomic disorders that may present to the clinical neurologist. Autonomic Neurology is divided into 3 sections. The first section includes 5 chapters reviewing the anatomical and biochemical mechanisms of central and peripheral nervous system control of autonomic function, principles of autonomic pharmacology, and a clinical and laboratory approach to the diagnosis of autonomic disorders. The second section focuses on the pathophysiology and management of orthostatic hypotension, postural tachycardia, baroreflex failure; syncope, disorders of sweating, neurogenic bladder and sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and autonomic hyperactivity. The final section is devoted to specific autonomic disorders, including central neurodegenerative disorders; common peripheral neuropathies with prominent autonomic failure; painful small fiber neuropathies; autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathies and neuropathies; focal brain disorders; focal spinal cord disorders; and chronic pain disorders with autonomic manifestations. This book is the product of the extensive experience of its contributors in the evaluation and management of the many patients with autonomic symptoms who are referred for neurologic consultation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Autonomic Neurology focuses on clinical scenarios and presentation of clinical cases and includes several figures showing the results of normal and abnormal autonomic testing in typical conditions. Its abundance of tables summarizing the differential diagnosis, testing, and management of autonomic disorders also help set this book apart from other books focused on the autonomic nervous system.