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A decorative image of a Dysautonomia diagnosis.

MAXIMIZING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS STRUGGLING WITH

DYSAUTONOMIA, POTS, AND DISORDERS OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSED WITH A DISORDER OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

NUMBER OF PEOPLE IMPACTED BY A NEUROCARDIOGENIC SYNCOPE

NUMBER OF TEENAGERS AND ADULTS IMPACTED BY POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME (POTS)

What is Dysautonomia? 

Dysautonomia is a broad term that refers to a group of medical conditions characterized by dysfunction or dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system regulates many involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sweating, and more. Since the ANS controls so many bodily functions, when it doesn't function properly, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and health issues, collectively referred to as Dysautonomia.

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Types of Dysautonomia:

There are more than 10 different types. However, the most frequent type is POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which now affects between three and six million people. Others include Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, Neurocardiogenic Syncope, Vasovagal Syncope, and Orthostatic Hypotension. Click here to see an extensive list of various types.

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What are the Symptoms of Dysautonomia? 

Dysautonomia symptoms can vary in intensity and may be triggered or exacerbated by stress, physical activity, or changes in posture. It can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, as it often leads to debilitating symptoms that affect daily activities and require careful management. Please see a list of symptoms commonly associated with dysautonomia and Autonomic Nervous System dysfunction. ​

  • Dizziness/Lightheadedness

  • Fainting 

  • Anxiety

  • Excessive sweating or inability to sweat

  • Fatigue

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, nausea, constipation or diarrhea 

  • Urinary problems such as increased frequency or incontinence

  • Sexual Dysfunction

  • Sleep Issues

  • Vision issues such as blurred vision

  • Brain Fog

  • Attention and Focusing issues

  • Heart Palpitations/Fast Heart Rate

  • Headaches

  • Chest Pain

  • Balance issues

  • Blood Pooling 

  • Numbness in hands and feet

  • Trouble swallowing

While this list of symptoms may itself seem dizzying, patients can better manage their symptoms with doctors like Dr. Alicia Brown, who is a dysautonomia and POTS Syndrome specialist in Charlotte, NC. 

 

Misdiagnosis of Dysautonomia

POTS and other autonomic nervous system disorders like dysautonomia can present a wide variety of complaints that many medical professionals do not understand well due to the controversy it faced as a legitimate medical condition before the 90's. Often, this condition can be misdiagnosed as a heart condition or anxiety. Dysautonomia and its related symptoms result from dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, as stated previously. While this condition has varying symptoms that can affect other areas of the body, including the heart, the nervous system is the system challenged by this condition that causes the various symptoms. Nervous system specialists are most commonly neurologists and functional neurologists.

 

Dysautonomia and conditions like POTS are recognized today by top clinics like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic as legitimate medical conditions. Still, dysautonomia is frequently overlooked as a primary diagnosis, and patients can go years with little explanation for their symptoms. It goes without saying that furthering education in the medical community for these conditions is a must to support the millions of people who suffer from misdiagnosis of these conditions. At Better Brain & Body, an autonomic nervous system assessment is part of our primary assessment; therefore, a dysautonomia diagnosis is never missed.

 

Causes of Dysautonomia:

Unfortunately, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system can have many causes, from genetics to environmental toxins to certain medications to conditions like Diabetes and Parkinson's. Physical trauma like concussions can also cause dysautonomia or POTS Syndrome. This condition has no cure, but proper treatment can manage and improve symptoms. Check out this site for an extensive list of possible causes of dysautonomia. 

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Dysautonomia Diagnosis & Treatment

Our approach to dysautonomia at Better Brain & Body is grounded in comprehensive assessment and personalized care. Our experienced team combines advanced diagnostic tools with a deep understanding of neurology to tailor Dysautonomia treatment plans that address the root causes and unique presentation of each patient's condition. We aim to restore and optimize autonomic balance and enhance our patient's quality of life through rehabilitative exercises, nutritional guidance, chiropractic care, and other targeted neurological therapies. Breathing exercises, tilt table therapy, neuromodulation, compression boot therapy, and more can regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve symptoms. Collaboration with other healthcare experts, such as physical therapists, further enriches our holistic approach to this condition, fostering a supportive environment for patients as they navigate the complexities of their condition.

 

We understand the underlying neurological complications related to dysautonomia and are dedicated to helping you with your specific needs. We aim to create a personalized treatment plan that helps maximize our patient's quality of life. There is hope for those struggling with dysautonomia and other autonomic nervous system disorders.

 

Call us today at 704-752-8100 or click the button below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with our lead doctor, Dr. Alicia Brown, to see how our services may be right for you or a loved one. 

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