Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

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Which of the following is NOT a primary function regulated by the autonomic nervous system?

Control of sweating and shivering
Control of voluntary muscle movements (correct)
Pupil movement and focusing
Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure

Autonomic nervous system disorders can only occur as standalone conditions and are never the result of another underlying disease.

False (B)

Name a specific autoimmune disease that can cause autonomic dysfunction.

Guillain-Barre

Excessive activation leading to abnormal sweating responses is seen in generalized or focal ______.

hyperhidrosis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following autonomic dysfunctions with their descriptions:

Orthostatic Hypotension = A drop in blood pressure upon standing. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) = An abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing. Syncope = Temporary loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood flow to the brain. Neurogenic Shock = A state of shock due to the interruption of the autonomic nervous system's control over vascular tone. Signup and view all the answers

A patient is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness upon standing up quickly. Their blood pressure drops significantly. Which autonomic disorder is most likely the cause?

Orthostatic Hypotension (A) Signup and view all the answers

Diuretics, nitric oxide-mediated vasodilators and adrenergic antagonists, medications that lower blood pressure, can exacerbate orthostatic hypotension.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is an inherited factor that may cause ANS dysfunction?

Familial dysautonomia (D) Signup and view all the answers

In adults, what is the primary indicator of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

An increase in heart rate of more than 30 beats per minute within ten minutes of standing. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Syncope is always preceded by symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of syncope related to cerebral blood flow?

decreased cerebral blood flow (to the reticular formation) Signup and view all the answers

Hyperventilation can cause syncope by decreasing $CO_2$, which leads to diffuse cerebral ______.

vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can mimic syncope?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of syncope with its primary mechanism:

Neurally mediated syncope = Inappropriate vasodilation and decreased heart rate triggered by stimuli. Cardiac syncope = Reduced cardiac output due to arrhythmias or structural disorders. Orthostatic syncope = Drop in blood pressure upon standing due to gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Autoimmune mechanisms in POTS include antibodies against adrenergic alpha 1 receptor and muscarinic acetylcholine M3 receptor.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Provide one example of a situational cause of syncope.

cough, micturition, defecation, postprandial, deglutition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT typically associated with causing autonomic dysfunction?

Acute appendicitis (A) Signup and view all the answers

Orthostatic hypotension is always a chronic condition and never a temporary one.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with orthostatic hypotension triggered by alpha- and beta-blockers. Which category does this cause fall under?

Pharmacologic effects (A) Signup and view all the answers

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is characterized by an abnormally large increase in ______ upon standing.

heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom associated with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

Brain fog (C) Signup and view all the answers

Name two endocrine disorders that can lead to secondary chronic orthostatic hypotension.

Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Insipidus, Adrenal Insufficiency Signup and view all the answers

Match the following autonomic dysfunctions with their potential causes:

Orthostatic Hypotension = Starvation, volume depletion, overdose of antihypertensive drugs Autonomic Dysreflexia = Traumatic or tumoral spinal cord injuries Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) = brain fog, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which type of medication is LEAST likely to be associated with causing or exacerbating orthostatic hypotension?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

Disorders affecting the parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system structure or function.

Causes of Autonomic Dysfunction

Conditions affecting the hypothalamus, brain stem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.

Manifestations of ANS Disorders

Impairments in heart rate and blood pressure regulation, pupil movement, sweating, reproductive and urinary physiology, and nutrient processing.

Secondary ANS Disorders

ANS disorders occurring as a result of another disease like Parkinson's, diabetes or autoimmune diseases.