Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

It is now clear that the autonomic nervous system is the regulatory component of the central nervous system. It helps all human beings, male and female, young and old to adapt to changes in both internal and external environments. In response to stress, the autonomic nervous system modifies and/or adjusts vital body functions. Autonomic disorders can affect any part of the human body. Since autonomic nerves go from the spinal cord to the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, and sex organs, damage to the nerves connected to any of these organs may cause the affected organ to malfunction. Autonomic nerves connect the central nervous system to the heart. Damage to these nerves can adversely affect the heart's electrical activity and the heart's ability to contract, consequently making the heart to beat faster or at different speeds. The brain and spinal cord communicate with the blood vessels that keep the blood pressure constant and steady. Any malfunction of the blood vessels due to damage of the autonomic nerves may cause high blood pressure. The digestive system, including the stomach and the intestines, are connected to the central nervous system via autonomic nerves. Any malfunction or disorder of these nerves may affect digestion which may lead to indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. The autonomic nervous system also supplies the nerves to the bladder. Disorders of any of these nerves can prevent an individual from knowing when to go to the bathroom, hold urine too long, or urinate accidentally. It may also cause bladder infections. Autonomic nerves connect the spinal cord to the bronchi of the lungs; damage to these nerves may prevent adequate airflow to the lungs. Furthermore, the autonomic nervous system supplies the nerves to the penis and the vagina. Disorders of these nerves in male can lead to erectile dysfunction and impotence and prevent a man from having sex. In females, any damage to autonomic nerves can decrease libido or prevent a woman from getting wet during intercourse. Some diseases, particularly diabetes, can also cause autonomic disorders. Damage to the autonomic nervous system from diabetes may cause problems with having sex in both males and females. Other diseases associated with the aging process include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and heart diseases, as well as medications used to treat the diseases may damage the autonomic nervous system.