Autonomic failure is a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is that part of the brain that regulates the involuntary muscular actions of our body vital for proper functioning. These muscle actions manifest themselves in the digestive system, the heart muscles, the bronchial muscles and so on.

The usage of sympathomimetic drugs, or vasopressor agents, such as fludrocortisones, midodrine, somatostatin, erythropoietin can be used to treat autonomic failure. Vasopressor agents are those which are used to simulate the effects of a branch in the autonomic nervous system, known as the sympathetic nervous system.

An effect of autonomic failure is orthostatic hypotension, the symptom of which is dizziness. This occurs when a person stands up or has been standing for a while, thereby allowing the accumulation of blood in the lower extremities. A healthy ANS counteracts this by making the heart beat faster, and autonomic failure deprives the body of this important adaptation. Drinking lots of water, or applying compression on the lower extremities of the body, such as crossing and uncrossing legs or using compression stockings, can counteract the effects of autonomic failure. However, this is not a treatment, but only a way to stimulate blood circulation.

However, all of these treatments are rarely permanent, and therefore must be continued for long-term effect.