Definition of Autonomic neuropathy

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Autonomic neuropathy: Disease of the nerves affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs. These nerves are not under a person's conscious control and function automatically (autonomically).

Autonomic neuropathy can be associated with diabetes, alcohol abuse, nerve injury and the use of certain medications.

The symptoms depend upon what organs are affected and may include abdominal swelling, heat intolerance, nausea, vomiting, impotence, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness with standing, difficulty urinating and urinary incontinence.

Autonomic neuropathy is also called visceral neuropathy because it affects the viscera (the internal organs).