Main description:

This book approaches the basic features of autonomic dysfunction in a practical way, complemented by an examination of unique and didactic case reports. Unlike other books on autonomic disorders, its goal is to provide a brief, practical and ready to use resource for physicians faced with patients' autonomic complaints. Autonomic dysfunctions are specific disorders that affect or are related to the autonomic nervous system. Despite being primarily a field of neurology, it also has important ties to cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and many other medical specialties. Moreover, as the action of the autonomous system tends to be diffuse, affecting different systems and organs throughout the body, its disorders may present a complex and multifaceted background, complicating its diagnosis, clinical evaluation and management. Thus, it is important to gather all the relevant information about autonomic dysfunction in a handy and practical way, providing an accessible guide for professionals and practitioners across a wide range of specialties. The content presented in this book is divided into two main parts: In the first part, the general principles of autonomic dysfunction are discussed. Here the reader will find information on the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system, the classification of autonomic disorders, general evaluation of these disorders and the principles of their management. In the second part, clinical cases for the most important autonomic disorders are presented and discussed in detail, particularly in light of their special importance for differential diagnosis. Using a clinical case-based approach, Evaluation and Management of Autonomic Disorders offers readers - primarily but not exclusively general practitioners in the fields of neurology, internal medicine, family medicine and cardiology - rapid access to the information required for the evaluation and management of these complex patients.

Contents:

PART A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1. Anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the Autonomic nervous system 2. Classification of Autonomic disorders a. autonomic failure b. autonomic hyperactivity c. orthostatic intolerance 3. General evaluation of autonomic disorders a. History and examination b. Syndrome specific evaluation 4. Principles of managements of autonomic disorders a. Orthostatic hypotension b. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary manifestations c. Autonomic hyperactivity
PART B. CLINICAL CASES Scenario 1. Acute or subacute Pure autonomic failure Case 1.1. Autoimmune Autonomic ganglionopathy. Differential diagnosis: paraneoneoplastic disorders Scenario 2. Chronic and progressive Pure autonomic failure Case 2.1. Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF) Scenario 3. Chronic autonomic failure associated with Parkinsonism, ataxia or dementia Case 3.1. Parkinson's disease (PD). Differential diagnosis: Lewy body Dementia Case 3.2. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Differential diagnosis: MSA sub type Parkinsonism versus PD Scenario 4. Autonomic failure in chronic peripheral neuropathy Case 4.1. Diabetes Mellitus - Diabetic autonomic dysfunction in different organs Case 4.2. Amyloidosis - Amyloidotic autonomic neuropathies Scenario 5. Autonomic failure in subacute sensory ganglioneuronopathies Case 5.1. Sjoegren's Syndrome. Differential diagnosis: paraneoplastic disorders Scenario 6. Autonomic failure and acute motor weakness Case 6.1. GBS. Differential Diagnosis: Botulism, Porphyria, Lambert Eaton Syndrome Scenario 7. Distal painful autonomic neuropathy Case 7.1. Small fiber neuropathy. Differential diagnosis: HIV, Fabry Disease, Alcohol Scenario 8. Orthostatic intolerance Case 8.1. Vasovagal Syncope. Differential diagnosis: other reflex syncope, cardiac syncope, carotid sinus Case 8.2. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Scenario 9. Autonomic hyperactivity Case 9.1. Severe brain injury