Dysautonomia refers to a group of medical conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS regulates automatic functions of the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control, and bladder function. Dysautonomia can disrupt these functions and cause a variety of symptoms.
There are two causes of dysautonomia:
Primary Dysautonomias: These are conditions where dysautonomia is the primary disorder, such as Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and some forms of familial dysautonomia.
Secondary Dysautonomias: These arise as a result of another underlying condition, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren's syndrome or lupus), Parkinson's disease, certain infections, trauma, or exposure to toxins.
There are several types of dysautonomia, each with its own set of symptoms and underlying causes. Some common types include:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): This type of dysautonomia is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing up. Symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, and palpitations.
Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS): This condition, also known as vasovagal syncope, involves sudden drops in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to fainting episodes. It is often triggered by certain situations, such as standing for long periods or experiencing emotional stress.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): This is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to problems with movement, blood pressure regulation, and other body functions.
Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF): In PAF, there is a failure of the autonomic nervous system to regulate bodily functions, resulting in symptoms like orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing), urinary retention, and difficulty regulating body temperature.
Autonomic Neuropathy: This condition involves damage to the nerves that control autonomic functions, often due to conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or infections. Symptoms can vary widely but may include digestive problems, abnormal sweating, and heart rate abnormalities.
Familial Dysautonomia (FD): Also known as Riley-Day syndrome, FD is a genetic disorder that primarily affects individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. It is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, lack of tears, temperature regulation problems, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular abnormalities.
Treatment for dysautonomia depends on the specific type and underlying cause and may involve lifestyle modifications, medications to manage symptoms like blood pressure and heart rate, physical therapy, and other supportive measures to improve quality of life. Managing dysautonomia often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Are you experiencing symptoms of dizziness that limit your daily activities and safety? Call Engage Therapy and Wellness at 315-810-2423 to learn more about how our therapy team can help!
Want to find out more about information and resources for people living with dysautonomia? Explore the links below:
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