Pure autonomic failure

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Pure autonomic failure
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Orthostatic hypotension, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, anhidrosis
Complications	Syncope, falls, heat intolerance
Onset	Typically in middle age
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Idiopathic
Risks	Age, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, Tilt table test, Autonomic function tests
Differential diagnosis	Multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, fludrocortisone, midodrine
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF), also known as Bradbury-Eggleston syndrome or Idiopathic Orthostatic Hypotension, is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls several basic functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, metabolism, and the balance of water and electrolytes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PAF are related to the failure of the autonomic nervous system to regulate body functions. These can include orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), syncope (fainting), constipation, bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and sweating abnormalities.

Causes

The exact cause of PAF is unknown, but it is thought to be due to degeneration of the nerve cells in the autonomic nervous system. This degeneration may be related to age, as the condition is more common in older adults.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PAF is based on the symptoms, medical history, and results of certain tests. These tests may include a tilt-table test, blood tests, and autonomic function tests.

Treatment

There is no cure for PAF, but treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include medications to increase blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as increasing salt and fluid intake, and wearing compression stockings.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with PAF varies. Some people may have mild symptoms and a normal lifespan, while others may have severe symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life.

See also

• Dysautonomia
• Autonomic neuropathy
• Multiple system atrophy

References

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