Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia (dis-auto-NO-mia) is a term used to describe any disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This article covers a broad range of topics including symptoms, types of dysautonomias, who is affected, and treatments

What is dysautonomia?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the part of the nervous system that regulates functions that are automatic in nature such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, excretion, perspiration, temperature regulation, pupil dilation, circulation, and respiration among others. 

The ANS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or equilibrium, in the body.  When there is a dysfunction or failure of the autonomic nervous system, the result is a disorder classified as a type of dysautonomia.  Dysautonomia is not a diagnosis. It’s an umbrella term to describe autonomic disorders. It’s sometimes referred to as autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy. 

It is estimated that 70 million people worldwide have some form of autonomic dysfunction. Often dysautonomias are invisible illnesses. Patients may not look sick, and yet they have symptoms that make it difficult to work, go to school, and perform activities of daily living. 

Common Symptoms

The symptoms experienced by dysautonomia patients vary based on the type of autonomic dysfunction and where the dysfunction is occurring within the body.  

Here are the seven most common symptoms:  

  • Difficulty Standing Still 
  • Fatigue 
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Nausea and Other GI Symptoms 
  • Brain Fog and Mental Clouding 
  • Palpitations or Chest Discomfort 
  • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing 

Dysautonomia symptoms are not limited to these seven. The organ systems most commonly affected in dysautonomias are neurological, pulmonary, cardiovascular, urinary, gastrointestinal, secretomotor and pupillomotor.  Because autonomic disorders affect multiple organ systems, the presentation of symptoms are heterogenous, widely varying between different individuals.  For example, one patient with POTS (a common autonomic disorder) may have the chief complaint of abdominal pain while the next POTS patient identifies migraine headaches as their primary symptom.   

Orthostatic Intolerance

Tired woman sitting on couch with pc, massaging neck

One common sign of autonomic dysfunction is difficulty maintaining upright posture. This is known as orthostatic intolerance and involves abnormal blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with orthostatic intolerance present with feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, and brain fog. It’s caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain, heart, and lungs. This is not a life-threatening decrease in blood flow, but it’s bothersome and some cases causes fainting. 

Another symptom of orthostatic intolerance or orthostatic hypotension when standing upright is an annoying pain in the back of the neck and shoulders. This is not always a symptom nor a primary symptom. Because of the distribution of the discomfort, this is sometimes referred to as the “coat hanger sign” which occurs as pain in the back of the neck when standing.  The exact mechanism of the coat hanger phenomenon is unknown, but one theory suggests it is a kind of cramp caused when the antigravity muscles holding up the head receive too little blood flow. 

The following graphic depicts common symptoms and the organ systems affected. 

Pupilomotor Symptoms: impaired pupil response (uncomfortable in bright light) and impaired vision.  

Neurological Symptoms: migraines, cognitive deficits, brain fog and mental clouding.   

Pulmonary Symptoms: shortness of breath, easily winded, and difficulty breathing.   

Cardiovascular Symptoms:  palpitations, chest discomfort, high heart rate (tachycardia), low heart rate (bradycardia), high or low blood pressure, abnormal blood pressure functioning, and blood pooling.   

Urinary Symptoms: difficulty with urine retention and/or excretion.   

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, reflux, heartburn, and impaired motility  

Secretomotor Symptoms: difficulty sweating, tearing, and other fluid production (dry eyes, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, dry skin).   

Orthostatic Intolerance Symptoms: difficulty standing still, fatigue, lightheadedness, increase in symptoms with upright posture, fainting (syncope) or near-fainting, and pallor.   

Symptoms can be triggered by dehydration, tight clothing, hot environments, stress, and alcohol consumption. 

Again, this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. Any symptom in any organ system could potentially be the result of an autonomic disorder. Understanding which symptoms affect you the most is important when identifying treatments with your doctor.  Once you’ve been diagnosed with an autonomic disorder, every future or co-existing condition needs to be considered in light of your diagnosis and considered as potentially being caused by the autonomic disorder 

Types of Dysautonomia

There are at least 15 distinct dysautonomias. The most common are postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and neurocardiogenic syncope/autonomic mediated syncope.   

Autonomic dysfunction can occur at any age: pediatric, adult, or geriatric. It can range from mild to disabling and may or may not be neurodegenerative. Because there are many forms of dysautonomia, we use the singular term “dysautonomia” to reference autonomic disorders in general or when referring to a specific condition such as “orthostatic hypotension.”  We use “dysautonomias” when referring to many disorders of the autonomic nervous system. 

Age and Onset of Dysautonomias

Pediatric Onset (very rare)

Also known as genetic or hereditary dysautonomias, these conditions often reflect problems or mutations which occur during the development of the autonomic nervous system.  One type of mutation, found almost exclusively in people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, affects the autonomic and sensory nervous system development causing familial dysautonomia (FD)

Another mutation causes an increased level of phenylalanine (Phe) in the bloodstream resulting in a metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU).  Another mutation in the ATP7A gene that is responsible for transporting copper throughout the body causes “kinky hair” and is known as Menkes disease.  In Hirschsprung’s disease there is a lack of development of nerve cells in the enteric nervous system. It’s important to note that, in general, dysautonomias in early childhood are rare. For more information: Pediatric Dysautonomias.

Other pediatric autonomic disorders include:

Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN)  

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS)  

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)  

Teen/Adult Onset

In teens and adults, autonomic dysfunction usually reflects functional changes in a generally intact autonomic nervous system. It is estimated that postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a common autonomic disorder, affects 1 out of every 100 teens.  Dysautonomias in adults often are associated with, and may be secondary to, another disease process or a drug.  Common secondary causes include medications, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, spinal cord or head injury, or diabetes (such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy).  Less commonly, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages certain parts of the autonomic nervous system in autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy.  

Autonomically mediated syncope, also called vasovagal syncope, neurally mediated syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope, is another example of teen/adult dysautonomia. Individuals with autonomically mediated syncope suffer from frequent episodes of fainting or near fainting where the blood pressure drops by 20 mmHg systolic/ 10 mmHg diastolic with upright posture.  Most patients have symptoms with little change in heart rate.  In some cases, the drop in blood pressure occurs as a compensatory function following tachycardia, as seen in POTS, or bradycardia can precede a drop in blood pressure.  For more information: Teen and Adult Onset of Dysautonomia. 

The most common form of dysautonomia is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).  

Dysautonomias Ages 50+

 Any autonomic disorder diagnosis after the age of 50 is considered geriatric onset.  In these patients, dysautonomia typically reflects a neurodegenerative disease. The degeneration may be in the form of lesions in the central nervous system, as in multiple system atrophy (MSA), or in loss of autonomic nerves not involving the central nervous system, as in pure autonomic failure (PAF).  Most geriatric cases involve damage to nerves that result in loss of autonomic reflexes, also known as autonomic failure.  It is common in geriatric patients to experience some orthostatic hypotension which is characterized by a drop in blood pressure upon standing.  

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is a neurodegenerative form of dysautonomia in which the autonomic system loses the ability to properly regulate blood pressure as one moves from sitting or lying down to standing. Evidence suggests that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is affected by dementia. In many types of dementia, neuropathological lesions can be found in the ANS. Lewy body disorders (LBD), which include Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), commonly involve ANS dysfunction. 

For more information: Dysautonomias Ages 50+

Primary, Secondary or Idiopathic

Regardless of when an autonomic dysfunction occurs in life, these disorders can be primary, secondary, or idiopathic.  A primary dysautonomia is when we know autonomic dysfunction is the main disease process. Examples of primary dysautonomias include familial dysautonomia, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, and some forms of syncope among others.   

Secondary dysautonomias are experienced because of another disease process, as in autonomic neuropathy associated with diabetes or POTS resulting from an autoimmune disease.   

Conditions in which secondary dysautonomia might occur:  

Amyloidosis 

Celiac disease 

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 

Chiari malformation  

Crohn’s disease 

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome 

Ulcerative Colitis

Guillain-Barre syndrome 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 

Lambert-Eaton syndrome 

Lupus 

Lyme disease 

Muscular sclerosis 

Parkinson’s  

Rheumatoid arthritis 

Sarcoidosis 

Sjogren’s syndrome 

Vitamin B and E deficiencies 

Diabetes

Idiopathic dysautonomias are autonomic nervous system disorders where the main disease process is unknown. The pathophysiology of most autonomic disorders is complex and not well known, therefore it is helpful to discuss with your doctor if your dysautonomia is a primary, secondary, or idiopathic disorder.  You may not be able to get to the root of your dysautonomia, but the process of trying to identify the cause may help with symptom treatment and management. 

Coexisting Conditions and Autonomic Symptoms 

Since dysautonomia patients experience many symptoms from multiple organ systems, it is helpful to consider the possibility of underlying causes or coexisting conditions. 

Girl looking out of window

Common coexisting conditions associated with autonomic disorders:

Coexisting Conditions Autonomic Symptoms
Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionpathy (AAG) (Considered both an autoimmune and autonomic disorder)
Orthostatic hypotension (OH), gastrointestinal issues, urinary retention
Autoimmune Encephalopathy
Excessive sweating, labile blood pressure and heart rate
Autoimmunity
Dry eyes, dry mouth, dilated pupils, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.
Celiac Disease
Gastrointestinal issues
Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease
ogressive foot drop, imbalance, sensory loss, gait abnormalities, autonomic neuropathy, abnormal heart rhythms, and difficulty breathing
Chiari Malformation
Neck pain, balance problems, numbness in the arms and legs, ringing in the ears, headache made worse by coughing or straining
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
Constant burning pain, pain that is disproportionate (more than what it should be), one limb that is or has experienced pain and swelling with or without trauma
Diabetes
Chronic pain in feet, urinary problems, erectile problems in males
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Labile blood pressure and heart rate, constipation
Hybermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Hypermobile joints, history of multiple dislocated joints, stretchy skin, very thin skin
Intercranial Hypertension
Cerebral fluid imbalance causing dizziness, nausea, neck pain, sleep disturbances, headaches, flushing, vision changes, fainting
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Flushing (dry, hot, red face or upper body), multiple hypersensitivities, hives, anaphylaxis
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
Pain in the upper middle stomach area after eating, exercising, or shifting body position, bloating
Paraneoplastic Autonomic Neuropathy
Gastroparesis, orthostatic hypotension (OH)
Parkinson’s Disease
Orthostatic hypotension (OH), sexual dysfunction, swallowing or gastrointestinal disorders, bowel and bladder abnormalities, and sleep disturbance
Sjogren’s Disease
Dry eyes and dry mouth, fatigue, orthostatic tachycardia
Sleep Disorders
Difficulty staying awake, difficulty sleeping, commonly experience unrefreshed sleep
Small Fiber Neuropathy
Pins and needles, burning and/or numb sensations of extremities, especially at rest
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Skin rashes, paresthesia, fatigue

Diagnosing Dysautonomias

Clinical Assessment: A doctor who understands dysautonomia should conduct a clinical assessment which includes a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. 

Orthostatic Vitals Test: This test can be performed in a doctor’s office by a nurse or properly trained staff member. The test results may provide meaningful data about the patient’s response to orthostatic stress. More importantly, an orthostatic vitals test may confirm a suspected dysautonomia without the use of expensive diagnostic testing.   

Tilt Table Test: This test is done to see how the body reacts to changes in position, specifically if standing up (orthostasis) provokes orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated hypotension, an excessive increase in pulse rate, or autonomically mediates syncope. The tilt table test used to be considered the “gold standard” in testing for dysautonomias. Today, most clinicians are comfortable confirming an autonomic disorder with orthostatic vitals testing.  

Other tests available at many major autonomic laboratories include: 

Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART) 

The Valsalva Maneuver 

The Cold Pressor Test 

Heart Rate Variability 

Blood Volume Testing  

Catecholamine Tests  

Antibody Test  

Skin Biopsies  

For more information on clinical autonomic testing see our course Introduction to Clinical Autonomic Testing. 

DOCTOR PATIENT WOMAN ELDER

Treating Dysautonomia

There is no known cure for autonomic disorders, but the symptoms can be managed. Any treatment should be done while under the care of a provider who understands dysautonomias. Some of the treatments used for common symptoms include:  

  • Increasing water intake by 2-3 liters of fluid daily to keep your blood volume up. Discuss the amount of fluid intake with your provider.  
  • Adding sodium (salt) to your daily intake. Salt helps to retain fluid volume in your blood vessels which helps with blood pressure. In most cases, 5-9 grams of salt daily. Discuss with your provider.  
  • Exercise

Non-Pharmacological Treatments 

Several non-pharmacological treatments are used to help patients with autonomic disorders.  Although these treatments do not involve medicine, patients should discuss the use of such therapies with their provider as a part of their treatment plan. 

Top 10 Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Treatment Helps with Notes
Education
Patient being the advocate for his or her own care over time results in improvements in overall health. Selecting the right provider to work with in managing your case is essential.
Don’t just show up for appointments and expect your doctor to have all the answers. Engage in a two-way discussion.
Exercise
Confidence, vascular tone, large muscle strength, and release of pain fighting endorphins
Must adjust for specific patient needs. Ideal to work with physical therapist to start. Very gradually build intensity.  Is important for patients to “start low and go slow.
Fluids
Prevents dehydration and can create a helpful pressor effect.
Target 2-4 liters per day, not all water. It is important to include fluids with electrolytes such as Nuun tablets, Banana Bag Oral Solution, Liquid IV, Normalyte, etc.
Salt
An essential electrolyte, which helps with nervous system function and effects blood pressure.
Up to 10 grams daily in moderate to low hypotensive patients.
Counter Maneuvers
Act as a back-up heart, pumping blood that has pooled back into circulation.
A common sign of patients with dysautonomia. Examples include pumping legs, crossing legs, and/or moving while standing.
Diet
Eat several small meals throughout the day to maintain glucose levels and prevent postprandial hypotension.
Some patients report an improvement in symptoms with a gluten free and/or low FODMAP diet.
Compression Garments
These prevent pooling of blood in Splanchnic bed and lower extremities.
Mid-thigh shaper Spanx™ known to increase systolic blood pressure by 10-15 mmHg in some patients.
Good Sleep Hygiene
Restorative sleep. Healing of the body and minimizes stress. Avoid stimulating activities 30 minutes prior to sleep.
Discuss any sleep issues with your physician.
Dietary Supplements
Vitamin supplementation can be especially important when essential vitamin levels are deficient. Vitamins B-12 and Vitamin D are sometimes low in patients with dysautonomia.
Recommend discussing any dietary supplements with your physician.
Cranio-Sacral/Manual Therapy
Increasing relaxation and reducing stress with a light touch therapy in regions of the spinal cord associated with parasympathetic nerves.
Some evidence that heart rate variability may improve. More research is needed.

Pharmacological Treatments  

Several drug treatments are used for managing the symptoms of autonomic disorders.  Most of these medications are not FDA approved for the use of treating dysautonomias but are used “off-label.”  Each of these has been successfully used in treating some patients. Since these medications can produce harmful side effects, patients should take medications only under the supervision of a provider with expertise in the treatment of dysautonomias. 

Top 20 Dysautonomia Drugs

Drug Name/Class Helps with Notes
Fludrocortisone (Florinef®)
Increase blood volume and blood pressure. May help in reducing plasma NE with long-term use. (Orthostatic intolerance and orthostatic hypotension.)
Increase dietary sodium for maximum effectiveness. Ideal in low doses.
Midodrine (Proamatine®)
Tightens blood vessels, increases blood pressure and prevents fainting. (Orthostatic hypotension, POTS and other forms of dysautonomia.)
Can cause supine hypertension.
Beta-Blocker
Decrease heart rate, blood pressure and adrenaline effects. Prevents fainting. (POTS and hyperadrenergic hypertension.)
Known to cause mast cell degranulation.
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon®)
ncreases blood pressure and muscle strength. Reduces breakdown of Acetylcholine in ANS. (Chronic orthostatic hypotension.)
IV Saline
Increases in blood volume, orthostatic tolerance and cognitive function. (POTS and orthostatic hypotension)
Symptom improvement is temporary. Caution should be used when prescribing.
Clonidine (Catapres®) or Methyldopa (Aldomet®)
Decreases blood pressure and hyperadrenergic responses. Also improves sleep. Decreases sympathetic adrenergic stimulation.
Ibuprofen (Motrin®)
Tighten blood vessels. Blocks inflammatory prostaglandins.
Amphetamine (Adderall®) Or Methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta®)
Tighten blood vessels. Increases alertness. Cognitive function, and improves brain fog. Reduces appetite. (Chronic orthostatic intolerance)
Use with caution as can be addictive.
Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
Regulate oscillations of blood flow to heart and vital organs and increased sense of calmness. (Multiple system atrophy and chronic orthostatic intolerance.)
Recommended start with low dose at bedtime.
Alprazolam (Xanax®)
Increase sense of calmness.
Sedative effect.
Droxidopa (Northera®) Also known as L-DOPS
Increase blood pressure. (Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and other forms of autonomic failure)
One of the few FDA approved drugs for neurogenic. Orthostatic Hypotension.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (E.g. Doxepin)
Improves mood.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, (SSRIs)
Improves mood, reduces anxiety.
May cause depression – use caution with teens.
Erythropoietin (Procrit®)
Increase blood count and blood pressure. Especially helpful with anemic patients or patients with chronic fatigue.
Difficult to gain coverage through insurance.
Yohimbine
Increase blood pressure (Chronic autonomic failure, multiple system atrophy and automatically mediated syncope.)
Ivabradine (Corlanor®)
Reduces heart rate, angina pectoris, and improves inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST).
Useful for patients unable to tolerate beta-blockers
Somatostatin (Octreotide®)
Tighten blood vessels in gut
Desmopressin (DDAVP®)
Tighten blood vessels and causes kidneys to retain water
Bethanechol (=Urecholine®)
Increase salivation, gut action, and urination.
H1 & H2 Antihistamines
Tightens blood vessels. Improves inflammation of the gut.
May be helpful in patients with coexisting mast cell activation.

Alternative Treatments

TDP strives to bridge the gap between what the top autonomic specialists in the world know and what community providers and patients need to know. TDP is committed to sharing accurate, science-based information and working with the American Autonomic Society (AAS) to make sure our message is scientifically valid, and it gets into the hands of those who need it most. However, we also recognize that some patients access alternative treatments that offer relief from their symptoms. It’s recommended that you talk with your provider about any course of treatment you pursue. Some of these alternative treatments include:   

  • Acupuncture 
  • Cranio-sacral massage therapy 
  • Chiropractor 
  • Yoga 
  • Massage therapy 
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 
  • Tap and sound therapy 
  • Reflexology 
  • Bemer therapy 
  • IV therapy 
  • Hyperbaric oxygen change 
  • Deep breathing exercises 
  • Dry brushing 
  • Alternative diets:  You may consider an organic, whole foods approach that reduces sugar, certain carbohydrates, and artificial/processed foods. Gluten and dairy free diets may help some people.  

Prognosis 

No two dysautonomia patients look the same. Dysautonomia can be mild or debilitating. A more severe case will require significant lifestyle changes as you try different treatments to address symptoms. For some patients, the goal is to have more good days than bad. Symptom management is possible, but it takes time and patience. Because the autonomic nervous system adapts and changes, the course of your condition may change as well. Some patients find a treatment plan that works for a while, but then a new symptom appears and becomes their chief complaint. This is why finding a provider who understands dysautonomia and can help you manage your individual case is so important. It’s also why patients must become their own advocate and participate in the process of managing their symptoms. This includes partnering with your doctor by tracking symptoms, responses to treatment, and providing this data at your appointments.  

Practical Tips for Living with Dysautonomia

  • Energy drinks and alcohol should be consumed with caution or avoided. Both are dehydrating in nature and can affect the heart and nervous system. Carbonated beverages should be ingested sparingly, or not at all, as the body must work to expel the extra ingested carbon dioxide.   
  • Eat smaller meals to aid digestion 
  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. If you feel dizzy, sit down, lie down, and raise your feet. 
  • Avoid heat. This includes hot showers. 
  • Get enough sleep. Establish an evening routine and try to stick to it. This is especially important for teens with POTS. 
  • Manage stress 
  • Ask for help when you need it 
  • Pay attention to your mental health and ask for help when you need it.  

 

There may not be a cure, but there is hope as you take ownership of your healthcare and work with your provider on finding treatments that help decrease your most difficult symptoms. It takes time and diligence, but it’s possible to increase the number of good hours, days, weeks, and years.  

32 Responses

  1. This web site is very informative and i have seen alot of my symptoms in the list here. I am seeing a PC who suspects dysautonomia for many reasons and I am wondering how do you find a practitioner that understands dysautonomia and can diagnose/treat me. Thank you for your help in advance.
    Sincerely, Diane Bolton

    1. Not sure, I see a cardiologist, I haven’t been diagnosed yet but I think I have this. I was brought in to hospital by ambulance because my heart stops for up 30 seconds at a time for no apparent reason, this the cardiologist. So maybe a cardiologist if you have heart issues or a neurologist would be the best bet I think.

      1. This was me, I had a heart stop of 35 seconds, I continuously black out and faint or have pre-syncope episodes and I was diagnosed with neurogenic syncope. My cardiologist diagnosed it. I’ve also been given a pacemaker as I had heart pausing on more than one occassion and they were concerned about the regularity of my heart beat.

  2. Hi! I read through this post and it reminds me of my old roommate who would always talk about similar topics. I will definitely forward this to him. Thank you for sharing!

  3. Hi I was wondering if anyone could mention a few MDs who take out of pocket patients, this is difficult to manage. thanks.
    Thanks also to Diane Bolton for sharing her experience, would you be able to mention your Dr? It may be helpful if he/she knew of other Drs who are versed well in dysautonomia. thanks in advance
    Dee

  4. Someone HELP!!! I have seen multiple doctors. No one has a clue. Waited 6 months to see a Neuro specialist. He did a tilt table test, catecholimine test and a breathing test. I was told everything was normal. He didn’t care about my freezing or burning up episodes, my palpitations, my esophageal spasms, (that my GI doctor insisted I tell him about). The change in my bowel and bladder patterns. I could go on and on. He made me feel crazy. He informed me if I feel bad still in a year. A YEAR to come back and see him. I need help. Where to turn.

    1. I have been through the western medicine ringer too. I have been seeing specialist since I was born and have gotten a million different diagnoses, all of which has no solution except for drink more water and increase your salt intake. This all changed for me when i saw this neurologist at ucdavis. He explained my condition beautifully. He said that I had dysautonomia and that this basically means there is a lag between your brain and your body. Your brain and your body could work fine but there is an unknown disconnect between the two systems which causes a wide range of symptoms. Because of this, my body cannot stay at homeostasis and can’t function properly. I know this will be hard to hear but there isn’t a clear solution. For me, hearing what that doctor had to say really changed my perspective on life. He said that to help minimize the symptoms, I need to recondition myself. This means trying to eat right and exercise more. This may seem so out of reach and ridiculous but it does help. What helps even more is being spiritually stable even if everything else in the world or in your body isn’t. Having strong faith, being in nature, finding the light in life, along with finding those people to be there for you is completely life changing. Doctors, for the most part, are so frustrating; going in and out of specialist offices, being told you are “completely fine” or “normal” is so infuriating when you know something isn’t right. I would say, Susan, that you can continue to look for answers, but being able to live your life no matter what health crap you are going through is the most important thing to keep in mind. I am so sorry for what you are going through but not letting this define you is so important so I want to say that there is hope within all of the darkness you may see. I Hope this gives you a little hope!

    2. Where do you live? I know an amazing doctor here in Alabama if you are willing to make the trip to see him. He is well educated in dysautonomia. I, like you, experience more of the issues associated with my GI system. I saw
      9 different GI doctors that all diagnosed me with something different before I did loads of research on my own and decided this had to be neurological since I have Gastroparesis and that involves
      Damage to your vagus nerve! I was right. The vagus nerve is a key part of your autonomic Nervous system. I was sent to a dysautonomia specialist in Birmingham and I scored 2 points too low on my testing so they denied me a diagnosis even though my symptoms are all present and severe. I was devastated but my neurologist knew better. When I returned to him he denied the Specialists recommendation and gave me the official diagnosis of FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA because it is the main one that affects your GI system and other issues i have and am experiencing. Such as not being able to produce tears at birth. I am still fighting the management of symptoms as it takes an army of different doctors to support all of your symptoms but HAVING AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS ON RECORD HELPS!! Doctors start believing you and since their education and understanding of dysautonomia is limited, they acrually start listening to your requests as they do not have the time to research it themselves. Getting at at home iv therapist twice a week to give me lactated ringers which contains electrolytes to help keep me hydrated since drinking over the recommend amount alone doesnt help because i dont absorb nutrients properly. It helps in so many ways but mainly in having a little more energy and being able to go to the bathroom. Going to a GI doctor and pleading for a Gastritic stimulator is now my next victory! He listened to me, saw my previous 9 years of testing history and my diagnosis from my neurologist and has referred me back go Birmingham at UAB to see a surgeon to have a gastric stimulator placed in my body. I know there is probably going to be more recent repeated testing required for insurance purposes before the procedure is permitted but it is a start for a hope for my future. My next step is going to be to ask for an iv port and to increase my iv fluids to twice a day and to find a way to have the medications I take and the nutrients I am lacking given interveniously since I have a hard time digesting and absorbing things. My medications all reach me at about half strength at best. Sometimes not at all. Sometimes, even though taken separately and at several hour apart increments, they hit me all at once causing major issues and side effects. I have a huge list of side effects and symptoms associated with this disease. I have a probable secondary diagnosis of multiple sclerosis due to MRI results not only showing several white matter lesions on my brain but a lesion on the t-9 portion of my spine showing a Dymelantating disease that is consistent with an MS diagnosis. Along with that I have just developed masses on my right kidney and one of them is complex with fatty component- which I just now learned through a rabbit hole of research- that is directly connected to the t-9 portion of your spine. It is very painful. In fact, dysautonomia causes me very severe pain. The biggest pain that I have is what is called “the MS hug” but people with dysautonomia can also experience it. I see a pain doctor who is also a wellness doctor. He is compassionate and also, like my neurologist, actually listens to me. My fiance just paid out of pocket for two tests for me, that my pain/wellness doctor wanted me to get. They were both $800 a piece. One of them is called a GI Map from diagnostic solutions. I had to bring home a kit to mail off a stool sample. Among other things, It is going to give an accurate picture of my gut biome to help get insight on what needs work to help find relief and possible repair. I don’t remember what the other test was but it required blood work to be done. The neurologist that I see is Dr. Laganke in Cullman, Alabama and I also see Dr. Thacker in Huntsville, which is my pain/wellness doctor. One thing I will note, I did pay out of pocket ($450 each time) for two rounds of testosterone treatments- since my blood testing showed that I was low- and females apparently need an adequate amount of testosterone ourselves. However, this has proven to only exasperate my dysautonomia symptoms and has made my temperature Intolerance almost unbearable, especially to heat, along with the temperature dysregulation ni also grew a mustache and a few hairs on my chin and became quite aggressive. So I hope this helps someone else not waste their time or money. However, everyone is different, so what helps me may not help everyone. I have a lot more information I can share but Hypersomnia calls my name for now as I can barely stay awake trying to type this out! Hope this helps someone. Feel free to reach out to me at Djentress@gmail.com or laciemalia@gmail.com.

    3. Have you checked your thyroid labs? It is important to rule that out. Often there can be multiple issues.

    4. Feeling for you sweetheart… I can relate. I had to re-book my tape fitting for wi ter as thatz when my heart symptoms are more chronic..
      My advice is to keep using your voice!! Keep going back to the neurologist. They don’t always get it right ..
      Keep on !! Automatic Dysfunction aszwe both know is awful to live with even more so when not heard.. I hear you !! Eventually you’ll come across the right person to help with a diagnosis.. much love sent your way xx

    5. I was told by my cardiologist that things like dysautonomia is out of the scope of what any normal doctor would test or look for. He told me I needed to go to a Mayo Clinic. There are 3 in the US. Thank goodness there is one in my state. I was accepted and have my 1st appointment in a few weeks.

      1. Hi Joy, May I ask which state you live in? We’re in Minnesota, where Mayo is headquartered. Thanks.

      2. Who are you seeing and which State? I live in Minnesota-you’d think they’d allow me to go there-took 8 months. Had what I thought a great neurologist but she wouldn’t send orders to my neurologist in city-kept saying „tell them to read my notes..“. I have a rare form of it and she wanted to try IVIG but Mayo or any other facility never submitted clinical trials for my specific form, so no FDA approval and insurance does not cover it. Went back every year for tilt table, sweat test, etc. things are worsening. Had enough. Told Mayo to call me if decide to do a clinical trial (that was 2 years ago). Sent an email to the neurologist asking if any trials & her response was „oh I didn’t know you wanted to participate in one“.. well she knew that since 2015. tried every drug-I’m still on Midodrine and fludrocortisone, because my internal fears my BP will drop into low 50s. I’m in wheelchair & wear helmet as I don’t get any warning. It’s debilitating and don’t wish it on anyone.
        Hope Mayo works for you 🙏🙏🙏

    6. Hopefully by now, you’ve seen someone and have a proper diagnosis. If you live near Alabama, Dr Paula Moore, in Vestavia Hills is a Dysautonomia Specialist. I’ve heard she has patients coming to see her from everywhere, not just Alabama.
      If not, check out Cleveland or Mayo Clinics. They partner with other hospitals, and may have a clinic near you. Good luck. I just got diagnosed by Dr Moore in Oct 2023, after having crazy symptoms for 5 years.

  5. Despite a long history of education and practice in the medical field, this article was so clear and concise, so thorough, so informative that I now have a better understanding of all aspects covered.

    If anyone is looking for a doctor with a dysautonomia specialty, please indicate from where you come.

    Best to all.

    1. I’m from Cannock Staffordshire England..would you know a specialist on my area ?? Thankyou xx

  6. I have recently learned I have DBH deficiency through multiple genetic tests. This explains symptoms I have been experiencing for as long as I can remember. I’m so glad to have found your website. Thank you for the resources and support.

  7. I have dysautonomia with hypotension,bradycardia and vasovagal syncope from baroreflex failure due to stress and chronic PTSD I’ve had to stop work due to flare ups and had to go through HR meeting where I’ve been called lazy and faking fainting and lying about how low my blood pressure is to the point I’ve had to show them my medical records to prove I have this condition even my husband didn’t believe it until we got a blood pressure machine at home took reading four times a day and he saw how low reading Were I’m really glad that I’ve read this to prove that I’m not alone and this is real I just wish more people understood this condition and there was more information available

  8. I’m so glad to have found this site. I was diagnosed several years ago. Extensive work up. Have managed pretty well, though very frustrating at times. My friends have the “usual problems”. None for me, except “being different”. Having some type of “flare up” for 2 -3 weeks now – totally different sx’s . Nothing usual has helped …. Doing what I know to do… today not so hot….so doing a lot of on-line reading/research. This site has given me more information than any other when it comes to actually giving helpful advice. Thank you. Yes I apparently, have helped to contribute to this current situation unknowingly. Time will tell as I attempt to cut these recently obtained”bad” habits & practice more diligently the good. Forever faithful & determined. Thank -you!!!

  9. I am self diagnosed through reading this article. In 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was given chemotherapy called Cisplatin. This caused tingling in feet and fingers but I was told it would go in 18 months. The hands got better but not the feet. 15 years later I ended up in a wheelchair as I could no longer stand up without thinking I was going to fall. My toes and feet felt numb and I had difficulty feeling the hard surface I was standing on. Also my feet and toes are ultra sensitive. Not only that. I was diagnosed with DT2 in 2007, which is now reasonably controlled. Also I now have urinary incontinence. I should mention I am in my 83rd year!
    The good part is that I do not have any of the other symptoms described

  10. I am in Deerfield Beach, BROWARD COUNTY, Florida and I believe I have this problem. You suggest Cleveland clinic or Mayo Clinic?

    1. Hi Victoria! Both Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic are great choices. There is a Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL but the waitlist is long. We would suggest calling both to see what the waitlists are like and deciding from there so that you have the best chance of being seen.

  11. I’m so miserable. Was diagnosed with young-onset PD 4-1/2 years ago, after 20+ years of epilepsy (Thank God I’ve been free of that for 5 years). The Rytary caused nearly uncontrollable spending, then I thought I was having hot flashes though I’d had a hysterectomy (complete) at 30. The severe overheating and profuse sweating down my back, neck, legs is so awful I carry extra clothes, anti-perspirant, and towels everywhere for cold showers. My face turns bright red, short of breath, can’t even wash hands in warm water or dry hair. Folding laundry is like running a marathon. Short of breath, chronic pain, high blood pressure, very low HRV. My neuro wants me to see a cardiologist but I have before for atrial fibrillation/flutter. Severe anemia, scarred vagus nerve, bloating, weight gain. How to find a doctor who can treat this? Neuro thinks it’s PD related and cardiac. I’ve been freezing most of my life but now…and it’s August in Texas. Trying to stay positive and pray. God bless you all. If anyone knows a doc in Central Texas please advise!

  12. This article is a godsend! It’s like a checklist of my symptoms. I can’t believe that it even explains the intense pain I get behind my neck, between my shoulders! I went to the cardiologist because I’ve been experiencing the orthostatic hypotension blood pressure drops when I sit up or stand up. He told me I have autonomic dysregulation as a result of my diabetes. He said there wasn’t really anything I could do, beyond what I’m already doing to manage my blood sugar. He sent me off with the instruction to sit and stand up slowly, and try not to faint. So my question is: Is it even worth expending the time effort and money to seek an official diagnosis of the specific type of dysautonomia? Or since I have diabetes, is it just automatically diabetic autonomic neuropathy? O plan to follow the nonpharmalogical treatments outlined above, so do I just stick with that and realize its another thing I’ll have to live with? I just Ddon’t see what the beneits of a specific diagnosis would be – possibly for insurance purposes? If I do decide to pursue it, do you have any information on specialists in the Denver, Colorado area? Thank you for the enlightening article and any specialist information you can provide. Joanne

    1. Check with Centers of Ultisystem disease Dr Schofield 303-366-6633. 8101 e Lowery Blvd, Denver, shire 250, 80230
      This is the one that comes up in most in the searches. Good luck

  13. Don’t wait, please find a good neurologist with dysautonomia as their primary focus now! Your primary care doctor is not trained in Dysautonomia. There are numerous facilities that test and treat this. U of Utah, Colorado, Cleveland, and Mayo (I was not impressed or had good results with but others have) there are many more, you have to search for them.

    Now as to the heart stopping, this is intermittent complete heart block and needs a pacemaker and immediate attention. If you can’t see a cardiologist really an electrophysiology soon, go to the er when you have the symptoms it may help you get an earlier appointment. I don’t want to scare you but it is a matter of life or death.

    Medication and changes can help. There is a future, it’s just different. The sooner you get diagnosed the sooner you’re on your way to being back to you (somewhat). It took me 10 years to get a doctor to figure this out, still working on it but life is better. To get to being better, I had multiple syncope episodes which caused 5 broken bones in my spine and ankle with surgeries. Please get your self they help you deserve, don’t listen to those who hold you back which will be many because they don’t understand. You are important! But only you can help yourself get well and the diagnosis and treatment !

    surgeries. Please help your self and find a good doctor!

  14. Believe it or not, I was diagnosed by an ENT, Dr Denny Pappas. He is also in Birmingham! Also had panic attacks, which Clonazepam has controlled! The Dr. who discovered Disautonomia was at University of Birmingham Medical Center.

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Patient Assessment

This free, educational assessment allows undiagnosed patients to screen their symptoms to determine if they have a higher or lower risk for an autonomic disorder and diagnosed patients to track their symptoms. Patients can print a report that summarizes their symptoms and take it to their provider. We encourage individuals to repeat this assessment in the future to identify trends in health by saving a copy of this assessment report, and review the results with your health care provider.

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