Autonomic dysfunctions in Parkinsons disease
Which autonomic dysfunctions occur in Parkinson’s disease (PD)?
In the classic forms of PD, disturbances in salivation, sweating, bladder and bowel functions, and erection may be seen.
Some patients may have orthostatic or postprandial dizziness; however, one should not overlook the possibility that orthostatic symptoms may result from dopaminergic agents used in treatment.
The cardiovascular reflexes are generally preserved, although responses may be somewhat reduced.
The resting recumbent levels of plasma NE and DHPG are lower in patients with orthostatic hypotension than in patients without orthostatic hypotension.
These subtle autonomic disturbances in PD are thought to be due to a central rather than a peripheral lesion.
Of interest, however, is that Lewy bodies may be present in the sympathetic ganglia of patients with PD.
