What is dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia, or autonomic dysfunction, is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system in which automatic bodily functions like digestion, body temperature, or heart rate are affected.

What Is Dysautonomia?

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for managing and controlling various bodily functions.

Although the cause is unknown, clinical research suggests that its onset may be due to an abnormality in the sympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of normalizing the response to stress and heat, and the parasympathetic system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation.

It is also often linked to multisystem atrophy, diabetes, polyneuropathy, and Parkinson’s disease.

Dysautonomia affects women more often and is classified as:

• Primary: Present in children and adolescents.
• Secondary: Present in adults aged 40 and older.

The symptoms of dysautonomia can vary widely from person to person and depend on the specific type of dysautonomia they have.

Some of the most common symptoms related to dysautonomia include dizziness or fainting when standing up, known as orthostatic hypotension, extreme fatigue, palpitations, exercise intolerance, and gastrointestinal problems like feeling full quickly or nausea.

It’s also possible for a person with dysautonomia to experience unexplained anxiety, blurred vision, excessive or reduced sweating, difficulty regulating body temperature, which can trigger a feeling of being very cold or very hot, as well as changes in urination or bowel movements.

The presence of these symptoms can be persistent or intermittent and often worsens with stress, heat, or postural changes.

Because all of these symptoms can be related to many other conditions, this makes a diagnosis difficult, which is why a complete clinical evaluation is essential.

The diagnosis of dysautonomia can be complex due to the wide variety of symptoms and their similarity to other disorders.

It usually begins with a detailed medical history analysis and a physical exam focused on the body’s response to different postures, temperatures, efforts, and emotional states.

A tilt table test is also frequently requested. This test evaluates blood pressure and heart rate when changing position. Additionally, prolonged cardiac monitoring with a Holter monitor, or studies of sweating and heart rate variability, may be performed.

In addition, blood tests, autonomic function studies, and sometimes genetic tests may be indicated if hereditary forms are suspected.

Reaching a diagnosis of dysautonomia requires the collaboration of various specialists, such as neurologists, cardiologists, or rheumatologists, although the type of specialist will vary depending on the symptom profile.

Because there is no single conclusive test for its diagnosis, it is often reached by exclusion and is based on a comprehensive evaluation of both laboratory and clinical findings.

The treatment for dysautonomia varies depending on the underlying cause and the specific type of autonomic disorder, but generally, the treatment seeks to alleviate symptoms and improve the person’s quality of life.

Non-pharmacological measures are key and may include increasing fluid and salt intake, using compression stockings, avoiding sudden changes in position, and having smaller, more frequent meals.

It is also recommended to avoid factors that worsen symptoms, including excessive heat, stress, or alcohol consumption.

Medications may be used in some cases to control specific symptoms. These can be used to address tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, or to regulate digestion and sweating.

Physical therapy and progressive resistance exercises can also help improve tolerance to physical exertion.

Because dysautonomia is a chronic condition, treatment is usually personalized and evolves over time, requiring continuous follow-up with healthcare professionals who are familiar with treating autonomic nervous system disorders.

At the Neurological Center at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!