Aspetti di disfunzione del sistema nervoso autonomo nella sclerosi multipla

Autonomic dysfunction represents a common event in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) and deserves attention because of its disabling effects. Here the authors review the various aspects of dysautonomia in this disease. Anatomical and pathophysiological correlations, prevalence, clinical symptoms and instrumental investigations of bladder, bowel and sexual disturbances are considered. Cardiovascular and somatosympathetic abnormalities are reported, with reference to their frequence in published studies and to the peculiar clinical and instrumental tests which have been applied to their evaluation. Correlations of autonomic abnormalities with other MS clinical aspects and magnetic resonance findings are also reported.