Autonomic Disorders Research and Treatment Program

The autonomic nervous system controls blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sexual function, and the motility of the intestine and the urinary bladder. Signs and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction include:

  • Orthostatic hypotension (a fall in blood pressure upon standing)
  • Abnormal gastrointestinal motility (constipation or diarrhea)
  • Bladder dysfunction (urinary incontinence or retention)
  • Erectile difficulties (impotence)
  • Abnormalities in sweating (excessive sweating or lack of sweating)
  • Abnormal temperature control

Autonomic disorders can arise alone—as a single medical condition—or in combination with many other diseases such as parkinsonism and diabetes.

Autonomic disturbances may occur in heart failure and are sometimes responsible for cardiac arrhythmia.

Autonomic disturbances can also by caused by exposure to altered environments like microgravity during space travel, underwater diving, and mountain climbing.
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