Given the impact of autonomic nervous system input on all organs of the body, and the considerable role played by the autonomic system in adaptation to stress, ageing, and hostile environments, it is surprising that the field has not become one of the major themes of neurology congresses.
Recently, however, large numbers of clinicians and researchers have discovered the autonomic nervous system. One factor has been the increasing interest of non-neurologists in autonomic neuroscience as it affects the function and diseases of particular organs. Another is the emergence of major meeting grounds for autonomic neuroscientists, neurologists, and other clinicians. New techniques have also yielded significant advances in the understanding of autonomic function and of pathophysiology. Standardization of protocols for clinical autonomic testing has also advanced the field. Until recently, neurologists claiming the importance of the autonomic system have had to face an uphill struggle. With the publication of the present volumes, the struggle should now be won by those who long ago recognized that the study of the autonomic nervous system is fundamental to well-being and to the understanding of neurological, mental and other diseases.
Recently, however, large numbers of clinicians and researchers have discovered the autonomic nervous system. One factor has been the increasing interest of non-neurologists in autonomic neuroscience as it affects the function and diseases of particular organs. Another is the emergence of major meeting grounds for autonomic neuroscientists, neurologists, and other clinicians. New techniques have also yielded significant advances in the understanding of autonomic function and of pathophysiology. Standardization of protocols for clinical autonomic testing has also advanced the field. Until recently, neurologists claiming the importance of the autonomic system have had to face an uphill struggle. With the publication of the present volumes, the struggle should now be won by those who long ago recognized that the study of the autonomic nervous system is fundamental to well-being and to the understanding of neurological, mental and other diseases.
