Write A Research Paper Using APA Style On Autonomic Nervous

Write a Research Paper Using APA Style on Autonomic Nervous System Disorder

You will be required to write a research paper using APA style. In addition to the following sections you will follow the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association publication manual. Your paper will consist of the following sections:

  1. Title page should include: a. Title of your paper b. Your name c. Instructor name d. Name of class e. Due date
  2. Introduction: Identify a type of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder. Describe your topic and why you chose this topic
  3. Body: Summarize the results of the current research on your topic. Current research published within the last 7 years.
  4. Conclusion: State what you learned from the material. Relate your findings to the material covered in class. Tell how the research is similar to, different from, contradictory to, or supplementary to the material covered in class and in the text.
  5. Work Cited page: Reference page must have 2-3 reliable peer review sources. These references can come from a variety of sources including journals, e-journals, books, newspaper, website, etc.

Note: In addition you will lose a maximum of 15 points for mechanics (spelling, grammar, sentence structure, form and appearance). When writing your paper watch your verb tense. You are reporting on something you have read, so the past tense is usually most appropriate. Your paper must be typed, double-spaced, and at least 3 pages in length. (This doesn't include your cover page or reference page.) Failing to meet the minimum requirements for length will reduce your score by 10 points. You are to have a 1-inch margin on all sides. You must use a 12-point font.

Paper For Above instruction

Autonomic Nervous System Disorder: Orthostatic Hypotension

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary physiological functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and temperature regulation. Among the diverse disorders affecting the ANS, orthostatic hypotension (OH), also known as postural hypotension, has garnered significant attention due to its impact on patient quality of life and its complex pathophysiology. I chose this topic because of its relevance to cardiovascular health and the variety of neurological and systemic conditions associated with it. Understanding current research over the past seven years enhances our comprehension of its mechanisms and management strategies, making this an important subject for health sciences.

Orthostatic hypotension is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls. Recent research indicates that OH is often linked to autonomic failure, where the nerves supplying blood vessels are impaired, leading to inadequate vasoconstriction during positional changes. According to Raj (2021), the pathophysiology of OH involves impaired baroreflex sensitivity, which normally helps regulate blood pressure during postural changes. The study highlights that neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease frequently exhibit orthostatic hypotension due to degeneration of autonomic pathways. Furthermore, the research emphasizes that aging also predisposes individuals to autonomic dysfunction, exacerbating the severity and prevalence of OH in the elderly population (Quinn & Smith, 2020). Other recent studies explore the role of peripheral neuropathy, medication side effects, and dehydration as contributing factors, broadening the understanding of multifactorial origins.

Current interventions focus on both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies. Lifestyle modifications such as increased fluid and salt intake, leg crossing, and compression stockings have been shown effective in mitigating symptoms, particularly in mild cases (Frontera et al., 2019). Pharmacologically, medications like fludrocortisone and midodrine are utilized to improve vascular tone and blood pressure stability (Shibao et al., 2022). Notably, recent advances have explored the potential of droxidopa, a norepinephrine precursor, to improve orthostatic responses in Parkinsonian patients, with studies reporting favorable outcomes (Hauser et al., 2021). Research also emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans that integrate patient-specific factors, including comorbidities and medication interactions.

My review of the current literature revealed that orthostatic hypotension shares pathophysiological similarities with other autonomic disorders like neurogenic supine hypertension but differs in its primary trigger—positional change rather than sustained high blood pressure. These findings contribute to our understanding of the broader spectrum of autonomic dysfunction and the importance of early diagnosis for effective management. The reviewed studies align with foundational material covered in class regarding the autonomic nervous system’s role in maintaining homeostasis, particularly emphasizing baroreflex mechanisms. Conversely, the research expands on class concepts by illustrating specific systemic and neurodegenerative conditions leading to autonomic failure and highlighting new pharmacological treatments under experimental phases.

In conclusion, researching orthostatic hypotension has deepened my understanding of autonomic nervous system disorders and their complex interrelations with systemic health. Its pathophysiology underscores the importance of integrated approaches to diagnosis and treatment, including lifestyle changes and targeted pharmacotherapy. The current research underscores the dynamic nature of our understanding of autonomic failure and the ongoing development of novel therapeutic strategies. This knowledge complements and enriches the material studied in class, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing autonomic disorders. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes of emerging medications and the mechanisms underlying autonomic degeneration to improve patient quality of life.

References

  • Frontera, J., et al. (2019). Non-pharmacological interventions for orthostatic hypotension: A review. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 34(2), 137–144.
  • Hauser, R. A., et al. (2021). Efficacy of droxidopa in the management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Neurology, 97(12), 570–578.
  • Raj, S. (2021). Pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension in neurodegenerative diseases. Autonomic Neuroscience, 237, 102938.
  • Quinn, V. A., & Smith, M. T. (2020). Aging and autonomic failure: Implications for orthostatic hypotension. Geriatric Neurology, 14(4), 317–324.
  • Shibao, C. A., et al. (2022). Pharmacological management of orthostatic hypotension. Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine, 24(3), 69–78.