Causes

Many health conditions can cause autonomic neuropathy. It can also be a side effect of treatments for other diseases, such as cancer. Some common causes of autonomic neuropathy include:

• Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, is the most common cause of autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes can gradually cause nerve damage throughout the body.
• Abnormal protein buildup in organs (amyloidosis), which affects the organs and the nervous system.

• Autoimmune diseases, in which your immune system attacks and damages parts of your body, including your nerves. Examples include Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disease that happens rapidly and can affect autonomic nerves.

  An abnormal attack by the immune system that occurs as a result of some cancers (paraneoplastic syndrome) is another possible cause.

• Certain medications, including some drugs used in cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
• Some viruses and bacteria, such as HIV and those that cause botulism and Lyme disease.
• Certain inherited disorders also can cause autonomic neuropathy.