Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month: Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy is a condition that occurs when nerves in charge of bodily functions are damaged. Areas affected include: digestion, bladder functioning, blood pressure, and sexual functioning. The damaged nerves interfere with messages being sent from the brain to other organs across the autonomic nervous system. Areas involved include sweat glands, heart, and blood vessels. Causes of Autonomic Neuropathy Diabetes is the most common cause of Autonomic neuropathy, but other illnesses can cause this condition as well. These illnesses include: -Chronic illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and dementia -Autoimmune diseases, such as: Sjogren's syndrome , Lupus , Rheumatoid Arthritis , and Celiac disease . Other causes of Autonomic Neuropathy include: -Nerve injury caused by radiation to the neck, or surgery. -Medication used to treat cancer. -Infectious diseases, such as: Lyme disease and HIV. Symptoms of Autonomic Neuropathy Sympt...