Abnormal Autonomic Nervous System Physiology C0013363
Functional problems with the autonomic nervous system affecting involuntary processes like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Syncope (fainting)
Temporary loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Seek emergency care immediately after any fainting episode to determine the cause.
Orthostatic hypotension
(cardiovascular)Drop in blood pressure when standing up, causing lightheadedness or dizziness.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Dizziness and lightheadedness
(neurologic)Feeling unsteady, woozy, or faint, especially when changing positions quickly.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Chronic fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that does not improve with rest.
Frequency: 65-75% of patients
Heart palpitations
(cardiovascular)Awareness of rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Excessive sweating
(dermatologic)Abnormally heavy sweating, often unrelated to heat or physical activity.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Digestive disturbances
(gastrointestinal)Nausea, bloating, early satiety, constipation, or diarrhea due to impaired autonomic control of digestion.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially with minimal exertion.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Exercise intolerance
(neurologic)Inability to sustain physical activity due to rapid heart rate, fatigue, or dizziness.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Exercise prescription and weight management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Increased fluid and salt intake with compression garments
Autonomic dysfunction often involves orthostatic intolerance. Increased fluid intake of 2-3 liters daily, increased dietary sodium, and graduated compression stockings help maintain blood pressure and reduce symptoms.
Autonomic modulating medications
Pharmacological interventions such as beta-blockers for tachycardia, fludrocortisone for blood pressure support, or midodrine for vasoconstriction may be prescribed based on specific autonomic symptoms.
Additional treatment options
Graded exercise therapy
Supervised exercise program starting with recumbent activities and gradually increasing intensity helps improve cardiovascular deconditioning commonly associated with autonomic dysfunction.
physical_therapyAutonomic function monitoring
Regular monitoring with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, heart rate variability assessment, and periodic tilt table testing helps track disease progression and treatment response.
monitoringSmall frequent meals with adequate fiber
Dietary modifications including smaller, more frequent meals, adequate fiber intake, and avoiding large carbohydrate loads can help manage gastrointestinal manifestations of autonomic dysfunction.
dietaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Autonomic Nervous System Physiology C0013363?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Academy of Neurology. Practice parameter: evaluation and management of autonomic failure. Neurology. 2020;95(8):e697-e709.
Klein CM. Evaluation and Management of Autonomic Disorders. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2018;24(4):1092-1123.
European Federation of Autonomic Societies. Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of autonomic disorders. Clin Auton Res. 2019;29(2):133-145.
Freeman R. Autonomic Peripheral Neuropathy. Lancet. 2020;395(10223):e61.
Wang L, Liu X, Yang J. Autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis. Mov Disord. 2021;36(8):1843-1853.
Low PA, Benarroch EE, eds. Clinical Autonomic Disorders. 3rd ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2022.
Autonomic Disorders Society. Position statement on autonomic testing standards. Clin Auton Res. 2021;31(4):461-467.
Gibbons CH, Freeman R. Treatment of autonomic dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial. Neurology. 2019;93(7):e667-e676.
Goldstein DS. The Autonomic Nervous System in Health and Disease. CRC Press; 2021.
World Health Organization. Neurological Disorders: Public Health Challenges. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
Medication Comparisons
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy