Dysautonomia and POTS Treatment in San Diego: Understanding Symptoms, Types, and Holistic Management

Dysautonomia can make daily life difficult, perplexing, and occasionally lonely. This complicated autonomic nervous system disorder impacts the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates involuntary body processes like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. To assist patients in understanding and managing their dysautonomia symptoms, we will examine the many forms of the disorder in this blog article, along with its causes, symptoms, and possible therapeutic techniques.

Types of Dysautonomia: Understanding the Different Forms of Autonomic Dysfunction

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is characterized by a markedly elevated heart rate when standing and is frequently accompanied by POTS symptoms including weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, anxiety, and fainting. Though POTS can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender, it more often affects young women. People have noted POTS with long COVID symptoms as well, making post-COVID POTS an increasingly recognized condition.

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH)

Orthostatic hypotension is defined by a sudden drop in blood pressure with a change in position. During orthostatic hypotension episodes, we can't maintain proper blood pressure causing decreased blood flow to the brain. Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include:

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Fainting or near-fainting episodes (syncope and pre-syncope)
Chronic fatigue
Digestive issues (such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea)
Sweating abnormalities (anhidrosis or hyperhidrosis)
Temperature dysregulation

Vasovagal Syncope (VVS)

Vasovagal syncope is often characterized by a sudden decrease in blood pressure that causes fainting. Vasovagal syncope episodes frequently happen due to stress, pain, dehydration, or prolonged standing. VVS is one of the most common forms of autonomic dysfunction and a frequent cause of unexplained fainting.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is an uncommon and progressive neurodegenerative illness that impacts many systems in the body, including the autonomic nervous system. MSA symptoms include speech issues, bladder difficulties, and balance and coordination issues.

Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF)

Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF) is defined as the autonomic nervous system failing without the presence of any other neurological symptoms. PAF symptoms like urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, and orthostatic hypotension—a dip in blood pressure upon standing—are key features of this form of dysautonomia.

Causes of Dysautonomia: What Triggers Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?

Depending on the particular form, dysautonomia may have several possible causes of dysautonomia. It may be caused by a mix of autoimmune, environmental, and genetic factors. Dysautonomia can occasionally develop as a side effect of other illnesses such as diabetes, COVID-19, Parkinson's disease, or autoimmune diseases. The connection between long COVID and dysautonomia has brought increased attention to post-infectious autonomic dysfunction as a significant trigger.

Dysautonomia Management Strategies: Lifestyle Changes and Treatment Options

Several therapy alternatives can help reduce dysautonomia symptoms and improve quality of life, even though there is currently no known cure for dysautonomia. These could include lifestyle modifications for dysautonomia such as drinking extra water and salt, wearing compression clothing for POTS, avoiding heat sources, and avoiding standing for extended periods of time. These POTS management strategies form the foundation of non-pharmacological dysautonomia treatment.

Holistic Dysautonomia Treatment in San Diego: Vagal Stimulation, Autonomic Conditioning, and Vestibular Rehabilitation

Some sufferers opt towards more holistic approaches to dysautonomia treatment. Devices like vagal nerve stimulation have been shown to help some patients suffering from dysautonomia by regulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Other investigative therapies like autonomic conditioning and vestibular rehabilitation can help decrease dysautonomia symptoms as well.

Our office has worked and helped hundreds of patients suffering from dysautonomia in San Diego using these approaches. We specialize in POTS treatment in San Diego, autonomic dysfunction therapy, and holistic dysautonomia management. If you'd like to learn more about the dysautonomia therapies we provide at our office, click here to schedule a dysautonomia consultation with one of our specialists.