Alteration in autonomic function and cardiovascular regulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Autonomic function mediating cardiovascular regulation was evaluated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in comparison with Shy-Drager syndrome. The subjects were 14 normal controls and 9 patients each with ALS and Shy-Drager syndrome. To evaluate the autonomic function in detail, a new series of quantitative autonomic function tests was conducted, in conjunction with conventional tests. In patients with ALS, the data indicated subclinical sympathetic hyperfunction and parasympathetic (vagal) hypofunction, probably resulting in cardiovascular dysfunction.