Dysautonomia is a complex autonomic disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), causing a wide range of debilitating symptoms that can disrupt everyday life. Whether it is sudden drops in blood pressure, heart rate fluctuations, palpitations, or overwhelming fatigue, dysautonomia can leave you feeling powerless.
However, the good news is that effective dysautonomia treatments exist to help manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life: from lifestyle changes and medications to cutting-edge approaches like brain retraining, there are several ways to regain control over this condition.
In this post, we will explore causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, the top five dysautonomia treatments, and how you can take care of yourself if you have dysautonomia. This post will help you improve your well-being and find hope for a brighter future.
At re-origin, we’ve helped thousands of people decrease symptoms of chronic health conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and dysautonomia. Learn more about the re-origin program here.
What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia occurs when the autonomic nervous system (ANS) malfunctions, disrupting its ability to control bodily functions. The ANS consists of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight or flight” response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls “rest and digest” functions¹. Common forms of dysautonomia include postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, pure autonomic failure, and multiple system atrophy.
Causes and Risk Factors of Dysautonomia
Several factors contribute to the development of dysautonomia, including:
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy can attack the central nervous system, causing dysautonomia².
- Nerve damage: Diseases that affect the autonomic nerves, such as autonomic neuropathy, can lead to dysautonomia³.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, particularly those involving Lewy bodies, can cause autonomic dysfunction⁴.
- Genetic factors: Some forms, such as familial dysautonomia, are inherited.
- Chronic illnesses: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other chronic conditions can damage the autonomic system.
Specific patient populations are more at risk for dysautonomia, including those with pre-existing autoimmune or neurodegenerative diseases. Age is also a factor, as some forms of dysautonomia, such as pure autonomic failure, are more common in older adults¹.
Signs and Symptoms of Dysautonomia
Dysautonomia symptoms can take various forms and vary widely depending on the affected system. These may include:
- Blood pressure fluctuations: such as orthostatic hypotension or supine hypertension¹.
- Heart rate abnormalities: such as tachycardia syndrome (POTS) or atrial fibrillation.
- Digestive issues: Symptoms such as constipation or gastroparesis due to enteric nervous system dysfunction.
- Urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
- Neurocardiogenic syncope and vasovagal syncope, characterized by fainting spells triggered by blood pressure drops⁴.
- Temperature regulation issues lead to excessive sweating or intolerance to heat or cold.
What a Dysautonomia Flare Feels Like
During a flare, autonomic symptoms can often intensify. A patient may experience severe orthostatic intolerance, marked by dizziness, chest pain, and tunnel vision upon standing. Activity intolerance, brain fog, and balance problems are common, while low blood pressure can trigger fainting episodes. These flares can be debilitating, affecting one’s daily life and making symptom management challenging³.
How Do I Take Care of Myself if I Have Dysautonomia?
Self-care is an essential aspect of managing dysautonomia. Here are several strategies to improve your quality of life while living with this condition:
- Hydration and Salt Intake: Increasing your fluid intake and consuming more salt can help boost blood volume and stabilize blood pressure. Electrolyte-rich fluids can also help maintain proper hydration levels¹.
- Physical Activity: Engage in gradual and supervised exercise, focusing on activity tolerance and building strength. Seated or recumbent exercises can help improve circulation and reduce symptoms such as exercise intolerance⁴.
- Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate small, frequent meals to help manage digestive issues and prevent drastic blood sugar or blood pressure fluctuations. A diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables can support overall health³.
- Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate dysautonomia symptoms, practicing relaxation techniques like brain retraining, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce the autonomic dysfunction associated with stress responses⁴.
- Support Systems: Managing a chronic condition can feel overwhelming. Building a support network of family, friends, or support groups (such as those affiliated with Dysautonomia International) can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Top 5 Dysautonomia Treatments
1. Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications can help reduce dysautonomia symptoms. These include increasing salt intake to boost blood volume, maintaining hydration, wearing compression garments to improve blood flow, and sleeping with the head elevated to prevent orthostatic hypotension². Patients are also advised to avoid standing for long periods and to monitor their vital signs regularly.
2. Brain Retraining Programs
Brain retraining therapies focusing on neuroplasticity can be highly beneficial for patients with dysautonomia. By retraining the autonomic nervous system and calming the body’s stress response, these programs can reduce the severity of autonomic dysfunction. Techniques such as limbic system retraining encourage relaxation and improve mental health, which is vital to dysautonomia recovery³.
3. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Gradual, supervised physical therapy can help improve orthostatic tolerance and reduce the frequency of fainting spells associated with conditions like neurocardiogenic syncope. Strengthening exercises can help build endurance and improve circulation, making it easier for the autonomic nervous system to function properly⁴.
4. Medications
Several medications can be used to treat the many symptoms of dysautonomia. Drugs like midodrine and fludrocortisone help raise blood pressure and maintain blood volume for patients with orthostatic intolerances. Beta-blockers are often prescribed to regulate heart rate in conditions such as POTS. Ivabradine may also be prescribed for patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia¹.
5. Tilt Table Testing and Diagnosis
A tilt table test is an essential tool for treating dysautonomia itself. It helps diagnose orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, and other autonomic disorders. By understanding the specific form of dysautonomia, doctors can tailor treatment approaches for individual patients, leading to more effective management¹.
Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is one of the most severe cases and common forms of dysautonomia. It is characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood pressure and heart rate properly when standing. People with POTS experience a significant increase in heart rate upon standing, often leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain, and extreme fatigue. POTS can be especially challenging because it impacts daily activities and quality of life, particularly in women during adolescence or early adulthood.
Managing POTS
Managing POTS often involves strategies similar to those used for other forms of dysautonomia, such as the five key treatments outlined earlier in this post. By incorporating these treatments, most patients with POTS can experience improved symptom control and better overall quality of life. For more detailed information on managing POTS, read our full article here.
There is Hope for Managing Dysautonomia
While dysautonomia can be a challenging and complex condition to manage, it is essential to remember that many patients see significant improvements in their quality of life with the right combination of treatments. From lifestyle changes and medications to innovative therapies like brain retraining, there are numerous ways to manage symptoms and regain control. Although dysautonomia currently has no cure, ongoing research and advancements in treatment continue to provide hope.
By working closely with healthcare professionals and staying proactive in your self-care, you can navigate life with dysautonomia and live a fulfilling, empowered life. Keep in mind that many patients experience gradual improvement with time, which is a reason to remain hopeful for the future.
At re-origin, we’ve helped thousands of people decrease symptoms of chronic health conditions using the power of neuroplasticity. Learn more about the re-origin program here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Dysautonomia Be Cured?
There is currently no cure for dysautonomia, but with appropriate treatment, many patients can manage their symptoms and significantly improve their quality of life. Lifestyle changes, medications, and brain retraining can help calm the nervous system, reduce symptom severity, and improve daily functioning⁴.
2. What is the Life Expectancy of Autonomic Dysfunction?
The life expectancy of individuals with dysautonomia depends on the underlying cause. While some forms of dysautonomia, like POTS, are not life-threatening, other conditions, such as multiple system atrophy, can have a more severe prognosis. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatments can improve outcomes¹.
3. What Can/Can’t I Eat or Drink with Dysautonomia?
Diet plays a vital role in managing dysautonomia symptoms. Here is what you should know:
- What to Eat: Foods rich in sodium (salt) are crucial for maintaining blood pressure and blood volume. Include foods like pickles, olives, and salted nuts. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas and sweet potatoes, can help regulate heart function and balance electrolytes³.
- What to Avoid: It is best to avoid large, heavy meals that can lower blood pressure, as well as alcohol, which can cause dehydration and exacerbate symptoms. Caffeine should be consumed in moderation, as it can trigger tachycardia or worsen orthostatic intolerance⁴.
4. When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
You should see your healthcare provider if you experience persistent dysautonomia symptoms like orthostatic intolerance, frequent fainting, tachycardia, or unexplained low blood pressure or fluctuations. Early diagnosis is critical, and it is essential to consult your doctor if your treatment plan is not managing symptoms or if new, worsening symptoms like chest pain or severe fatigue arise. Regular follow-ups are essential to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
