Dysautonomia is a term that refers to the dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous system. According to the National Dysautonomia Research Foundation, “the autonomic nervous system manages most of our bodily systems, including the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal, urinary and bowel functions, temperature regulation, reproduction and our metabolic and endocrine systems. Additionally, this system is responsible for our reaction to stress – the flight or fight response. When our autonomic nervous system malfunctions, it is known as Dysautonomia.”   I have two forms of Dysautonomia called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Neurocardiogenic Syncope. The defining POTS symptom is the bodies’ inability to counteract gravity upon standing. This results in the bodies systems overworking to try to compensate – such as an excessive heart rate (30 beats/minute or more). Neurocardiogenic Syncope is an extreme drop in blood pressure upon standing that results in syncope (fainting) or pre-syncope (near fainting). Although the bodies’ inability to counteract gravity is the primary POTS symptom, there are numerous symptoms that vary from patient to patient and effect quality of life to varying degrees. Some of my symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Nausea
• Inability to regulate body temperature
• Sycope and Presyncope (fainting)
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of Breath
• Generalized Weakness
• Gastrointestinal constipation, bloating, pain
• Frequent urination or feeling of need to urinate
• Blurred vision
• Pupillary dysfunction
• Insomnia
• Headache / Migraine
• Anxiety
• Flushing
• Numbness and Tingling sensations
• Hypovolemia (Low blood volume)
• Cognitive impairment – including brain fog, inability to concentrate
• Heat intolerance
• Noise sensitivity
• Light sensitivity
• Feeling detached from surroundings
• Easily overstimulated

If you would like to learn more about various forms of Dysautonomia CLICK HERE