question about the autonomic nervous system

[Guest guest]

Dear Gretchen,

I know that CMT affects the peripheral nerves, but does it also affect the

autonomic nervous system, which controls such areas as bladder and bowels? I'm

having difficulty in those areas, and my primary care physician believes it's

because the CMT has affected my autonomic nervous system. She is an internist,

NOT a neurologist, and I don't believe she knows much about CMT. Could she be

right? Is extreme constipation a result of CMT, or could that be a result of the

drugs I take?

Ruth

 

 

 

Be kind. Everyone you meet is struggling with something.

[Guest guest]

Hello Ruth,

There is very little CMT related research on this, so it's hard to say. Perhaps

seeing a Urogynecologist would be a suggestion. Below are the only 2 abstracts

found relating to CMT.

See info at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bladder-control-problems/WO00117

and http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/bcw_ez/ there is also something

called Pelvic Organ Prolapse

http://www.spacecoastmedicine.com/2009/10/pelvic-organ-prolapse-common-among-old\

er-women.html

As for bowels, yes, medications, especially those for pain can cause

constipation. Some info at

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp139.cfm and

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/constipation-age-12-and-older-topic-\

overview and http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/bowelindex.htm

What Else Can Cause Bladder Control Problems in Older Women?

http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/womens-guide/bladder-control-menop\

ause Menopause may not be the only reason for bladder control problems. There

are other medical conditions that can cause incontinence, including:

Infections

Previous pregnancies

Nerve damage from diabetes or stroke

Medications such as diuretics ( " water pills " ), tranquilizers

Difficulty walking or moving

Older women are also more likely to take medications, and some drugs--such as

those used to treat heart disease--can cause excessive urine production that

overwhelms the bladder's capacity. Know your drugs. Some medications, including

diuretics, antihistamines, sedatives, anticholinergics such as motion sickness

drugs and over-the-counter cold remedies, can weaken bladder control, Dr. Wein

says. If you're taking any drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could be

contributing to your problem

http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/44/11.cfm

I hope all of this, or even part of this is helpful.

Gretchen

J Clin Rheumatol. 1999 Aug;5(4):215-8

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV with Charcot Marie tooth disease: an unusual

combination of diseases.

Alagiakrishnan K, Schoenberger SL, Chasan A, Jill R, Berman EL.

Department of Medicine, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Haiwaii 96822, USA.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type IV is a rare genetic disorder of connective

tissue. Most patients with EDS type IV are frequently unaware of this disorder

until the catastrophic rupture of an artery or bowel occurs. We are reporting an

association between this and another uncommon autosomal dominant disorder,

Charcot Marie Tooth disease. The neurologic problem led to painful foot

deformities, requiring surgery, which was complicated by difficulty controlling

bleeding in the friable tissues. Other reported associations of heritable

disorders of connective tissue and neuropathies are described.

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J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1980 Apr;43(4):348-50.

Abnormal vascular reflexes in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

AP.

Vascular reflexes were assessed in 17 adult patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth

disease using the Valsalva manoeuvre, and the pulse rate and systolic blood

pressure responses to standing. Six patients showed abnormalities consistent

with an autonomic neuropathy. One patient had giant nerve fibre bundles in the

myenteric plexus of bowel resected for co-existent Crohn's disease, indicating

histological involvement of these autonomic neurones. Other evidence of an

autonomic component to the peripheral neuropathy of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

is reviewed.

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