What are the side effects of sympathectomy?

Answer 1

The "side effects" of sympathectomy have been consolidated into an overall syndrome, called "Corposcindosis", literally "Split Body Syndrome".

SymptomsPrimary immediate regional (above the nipple line) symptoms

Primary regional (above the nipple line) symptoms of corposcindosis may include: anhidrosis (inability to sweat), increase (up to 12 degrees F) in skin temperature, decreased heart rate and contraction strength, diminished baroreflex response, diminished lung volume, decreased carbon dioxide transfer out of blood, loss of vasoconstriction, loss of goose bumps, increased fat cell count, diminished lypolysis (fat burning), increased bone resorption, decreased osteoblast formation, confused stem cell function within bone marrow, delayed skin healing, calcification of arteries, chronic pain and parethesia.

Cannon effects (denervation supersensitivy)

Over time, as some denerved receptors become supersensitive to catecholamines, symptoms may include: rapid weak heart beat (Post Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), additional pain syndromes, hypersensitivity to sound and/or light, and many other possible supersensitivity effects.

Compensatory regional (below the nipple line) symptoms

Compensatory regional (below the nipple line) symptoms may include: hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), loss of libido, plus several other possible hyperactive sympathetic responses.

Changes to systemic function

Changes to systemic function may include: poor thermoregulation in response to both hot and cold, loss of selective brain cooling, diminished exercise capacity, and lowered endocrine function.

Primary psychiatric effects

Primary psychiatric symptoms may include: diminished subjective experience of strong emotions, such as fear, thrills, and excitement; diminished alertness.

Secondary psychiatric effects

Secondary psychiatric symptoms may include: anger, depression, suicide and suicidal thoughts.