Autonomic neuropathy: clinical presentation and differential diagnosis.

Autonomic neuropathy (AN) may occur in the elderly in connection with other common illnesses afflicting this age group, such as diabetes or Parkinson's disease, or even as the primary illness. Symptoms of AN are numerous, but syncope, with its risk for fractures and head trauma, is the most serious. The clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of AN are discussed, as are a group of diseases associated with AN. Treatment guidelines are outlined.