AUTONOMIC IMBALANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Autonomic imbalance refers to an abnormality or dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for regulating essential involuntary processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, and body temperature. The autonomic nervous system has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the "rest and digest" response. These two systems work in a delicate balance to maintain the body's homeostasis.
When there is an autonomic imbalance, this equilibrium is disrupted, leading to an imbalance in the functioning of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It can manifest in various ways, depending on which aspect of the autonomic nervous system is affected. Common symptoms of autonomic imbalance may include rapid or irregular heart rate, fluctuating blood pressure, excessive sweating, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, and abnormal regulation of body temperature.
Autonomic imbalance can result from various causes, such as stress, nervous system disorders, certain medications, trauma, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis of autonomic imbalance is typically made based on symptoms, clinical examination, and sometimes specialized tests that assess autonomic function.
Treatment for autonomic imbalance aims to restore or rebalance the autonomic nervous system functioning. This may involve lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, physical therapy, medication management, or addressing the underlying medical condition contributing to the imbalance. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of autonomic imbalance can often be managed or alleviated, allowing individuals to regain a healthier balance in their autonomic nervous system and improve their overall well-being.
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Autonomic ataxia, a lack of coordination between the sympathetic and parasympathetic (autonomic) nervous systems, especially in relation to the vasomotor phenomena.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AUTONOMIC IMBALANCE
- autwonomicimbalance
- autoonomicimbalance
- a utonomic imbalance
- au tonomic imbalance
- aut onomic imbalance
- auto nomic imbalance
- auton omic imbalance
- autono mic imbalance
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- autonomic i mbalance
- autonomic im balance
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- autonomic imbal ance
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Etymology of AUTONOMIC IMBALANCE
The etymology of the term "autonomic imbalance" can be broken down as follows:
1. Autonomic: The word "autonomic" is derived from the Greek words "autos" meaning "self" and "nomos" meaning "law". It was first used in the early 20th century and refers to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. The term indicates that the imbalance occurs within this self-regulating system.
2. Imbalance: The word "imbalance" originated from the Old French word "desbalancer" which means "to unbalance". It emerged in English in the late 16th century and refers to a lack of equilibrium or stability. In the context of "autonomic imbalance", it signifies an abnormality or disruption in the balance of the autonomic nervous system's functions.
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