Autonomic dysfunction occurs frequently in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Patients with either condition may present with autonomic symptoms such as bladder, sexual, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and fatigue, but autonomic symptoms that affect quality of life are underrecognized in clinical practice. The immunopathogenesis of MS has been considered to be associated with autonomic dysfunction. Applying appropriate treatment strategies for autonomic dysfunction is important to improve the quality of life of patients. Here we review autonomic dysfunction and how this is managed in patients with MS and NMOSD.

Citations

• Sexual function and related predictors in male with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a case–control study
  Saeed Vaheb, Mohammad Yazdan Panah, Mohammad Mohammadi, Mohammad Amin Sadri, Narges Ebrahimi, Sarina Loghmani, Marjan Beigi, Vahid Shaygannejad, Omid Mirmosayyeb
  The Journal of Sexual Medicine.2025; 22(2): 274.     CrossRef

Tetanus is an infectious disease of the nervous system caused by Clostridium tetani, and is characterized by tonic muscle contractions, painful spasms, and autonomic dysfunction. Severe autonomic dysfunction associated with tetanus can be life-threatening. We present a 62-year-old female who experienced lockjaw after an ankle fracture. The patient was diagnosed with tetanus and received tetanus immunoglobulin and a vaccination. The patient subsequently experienced labile hypertension. This case highlights the challenge and importance of managing cardiovascular instability.

Citations

• Successful management of severe generalized tetanus in a 23‐year man with phenobarbital adjuvant: A case report
  Arezoo Ahmadi, Elahe Karimpour‐Razkenari, Ramin Ansari, Mahforouzalsadat Marashi, Hamidreza Sharifnia, Atabak Najafi, Mojtaba Mojtahedzadeh
  Clinical Case Reports.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef