Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: March 4, 2014
Autonomic impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Rositsa Baltadzhieva1, Tanya Gurevich, Amos D Korczyn
1Neurology Department, Tel-Aviv Medical Center and the Sieratzki Chair of Neurology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel.
Purpose Of Review:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of motor neurones, but it is increasingly recognized to be a more disseminated disease. The autonomic nervous system may also be involved. Here we review the literature with specific emphasis on autonomic functions in ALS.
Recent Studies:
Ample evidence exists for subclinical dysfunction of cardiovascular, sudomotor, gastrointestinal, salivary and lacrimal regulation, even in early ALS cases. Autonomic disturbances may lead to circulatory collapse or sudden death in respirator dependent patients. Several studies suggest the existence of sympathetic hyperactivity in ALS. We discuss some possible pathophysiological mechanisms of the subtle abnormalities and some clinical and treatment implications.
Summary:
The wide range of autonomic involvement, together with results suggesting cognitive and extrapyramidal dysfunction, supports the view that ALS is a multisystem degenerative disease.
Related Concept Videos
Cross-bridge Cycle
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Chemical Synapses
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

