Sympathetic Nervous System Diseases refer to a group of medical conditions that affect the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The sympathetic nervous system is a component of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the body's response to stress or danger, commonly known as the "fight-or-flight" response.
These diseases arise when there is dysfunction or damage to the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms and complications. Common examples of sympathetic nervous system diseases include complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), hyperhidrosis, Horner's syndrome, and dysautonomia.
Complex regional pain syndrome is characterized by severe and persistent pain, often affecting a specific limb. Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating, usually in certain body parts. Horner's syndrome involves a set of symptoms like drooping eyelids, constricted pupils, and decreased sweating on one side of the face. Dysautonomia is a more general term that encompasses a range of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic branch.
Symptoms of sympathetic nervous system diseases may include abnormal sweating, temperature regulation issues, abnormal heart rate, changes in blood pressure, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and pain. Treatment options for these diseases typically involve managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause, if possible. This may involve medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, or surgery, depending on the specific condition and its severity.
