Autonomic Symptoms That Are Less Common with POTS and NMH
There are a number of symptoms related to a failure of the autonomic nervous system. But, some of them are not very common in people who have POTS or NMH. They are more common with people who have a Primary Autonomic Dysfunction - like Parkinson's Disease, MSA. They are also more common with autonomic dysfunction caused by diabetes.
Bladder Dysfunction Symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy sufferers may also experience difficulty emptying their bladder exhibited by difficulty beginning urination, feeling that elimination is not complete or urinary incontinence. These symptoms may lead to chronic urinary tract infections.
Sexual - Erectile dysfunction in men, vaginal dryness in women
Blood Sugar Symptoms
ANS patients may not display the typical warning signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) including sweating, shakiness and palpitations. This will make related health conditions such as diabetes more difficult to manage.
Radiculoplexus Neuropathy Symptoms
Radiculoplexus neuropathy, common in older adults and patients with type 2 diabetes, affects the nerves close to the hips or shoulders. Also called diabetic amyotrophy, femoral neuropathy or proximal neuropathy, this condition affects the legs most often, but may affect the arms or abdomen. Symptoms may be present on only one side of the body and include weight loss, difficulty in rising from sitting, severe pain in hip/thigh/buttock, weakness/atrophy in thigh muscles and abdominal swelling.
References
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Author: Kay E. Jewell, MD
Page Last Updated: June 22, 2012