Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia – The Invisible Illness

Dysauto... what now? It might sound like a dinosaur or something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's far from that!

Dysautonomia is a condition that many, including healthcare professionals, know little about. Raising awareness is crucial to prevent more people from experiencing what many of our patients have faced—being dismissed as merely depressed or told they have to live with their symptoms.

Let me assure you, Dysautonomia is very real, and there are ways to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. How do I know? Many people live with these symptoms for years, not knowing what was wrong. People usually have encountered doctors who dismissed their concerns and others who, after running numerous tests, could offer no answers. Some mentioned chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome, but nothing seemed to fit.

Understanding Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia refers to a range of conditions caused by a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). A common form of Dysautonomia is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The ANS controls involuntary functions in your body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, kidney function, and temperature regulation. When the ANS malfunctions, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from dizziness and heart palpitations to gastrointestinal issues.

Symptoms of Dysautonomia

Symptoms can vary widely in number and severity and may change over time depending on factors such as sleep and nutrition.

• Difficulty staying upright

• Dizziness

• Vertigo

• Fainting

• Diarrhea

• Appetite changes

• Nausea

• Concentration issues

• Disorientation

• Poor memory

• Abnormal heart rates

• Low blood pressure

• Chest pain

• Weakness

• Exercise intolerance

• Muscle aches and cramps

• Fatigue

• Anxiety

• Difficulty relaxing

• Mood swings

• Migraines

• Tremors

• Dilated pupils

• Red eyes

• Sleep disturbances

• Breathing difficulties

• Respiratory issues

• Temperature regulation problems

Potential Causes

Dysautonomia can be associated with several other conditions, including:

• Diabetes

• Celiac Disease

• Crohn’s Disease

• Lyme Disease

• Pregnancy

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Mast Cell Disorder

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Surgery

• COVID-19 infection

• Sjogren’s Syndrome

• Physical trauma

• Head trauma/concussion

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Mitochondrial Disease

With an estimated 70 million people worldwide affected by some form of dysautonomia, the journey to diagnosis and effective treatment can still be long and challenging.

Is There a Cure for Dysautonomia?

Currently, there is no cure for dysautonomia. Research is ongoing to uncover the underlying causes and potential treatments. In the meantime, it's essential to find ways to manage symptoms effectively.

Managing Your Symptoms

Here are some strategies that might help alleviate symptoms:

• Increase fluid intake to boost blood volume

• Increase salt intake if you have low blood pressure

• Use compression garments to improve blood flow from your lower limbs

• Follow a graded exercise program as tolerated

Emerging research suggests that biomechanical issues in the spinal canal or irritation of the vagus nerve may contribute to autonomic symptoms. This area is still under investigation, but it offers hope for new treatment avenues.

Our Approach at Palms Allied Health

At Palms Allied Health, we use the DMA Clinical Pilates method to treat Dysautonomia. Our patients have reported positive results. We customize exercises to suit your specific needs, closely monitoring their impact on your system. Each exercise is tailored to your unique condition, starting with gentle movements in a supine position and gradually increasing as tolerated.

Treatment Time Frames

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. While some patients notice immediate improvements, more significant changes may take weeks to months. Consistent, tailored treatment is key to enhancing your daily life and capabilities.

If you're interested in exploring our approach, please contact our friendly administrative staff to schedule a Dysautonomia Assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.

We are here to support you on your journey to better health.