Dysautonomia: Types, Symptoms, Root Causes, and Treatment
Dysautonomia refers to a group of disorders that involve dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The ANS regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control. When this system is impaired, individuals can experience a wide range of symptoms, including dizziness, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and more.
Dysautonomia can be a difficult condition to diagnose because its symptoms often overlap with those of other diseases. It’s estimated that over 70 million people worldwide suffer from some form of dysautonomia. However, because the symptoms vary widely, and the condition can be underrecognized, it’s common for those affected to go undiagnosed for years.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of dysautonomia, the root causes of the disorder, its symptoms, how it's diagnosed, conventional treatments, and natural remedies to help manage or even heal from this condition. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or suspect you might have dysautonomia, this guide can provide clarity and a path forward to healing.
Types of Dysautonomia
There are over 15 types of dysautonomia, each with unique set of symptoms and underlying causes. Some individuals may have more than one form of dysautonomia with overlapping symptoms. Below are some of the most commonly diagnosed types:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS):
Individuals with POTS experience a rapid heart rate and fainting when standing up. It’s often associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that can make blood vessels more prone to dysfunction.
Symptoms include dizziness, heart palpitations, and fatigue upon standing.
Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS):
This condition causes sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to fainting or loss of consciousness. It can be triggered by stress, dehydration, or pain.
This is also known as vasovagal syncope, and common symptoms are lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting.
Orthostatic Hypotension:
Common in older adults, this disorder causes a sharp drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, and fainting.
Often a side effect of certain medications, it can lead to fatigue and difficulty maintaining balance.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA):
A rare, progressive disorder that can affect movement (similar to Parkinson’s disease) or the autonomic system (leading to issues like poor temperature regulation and blood pressure control).
Symptoms vary from tremors and movement difficulties to autonomic symptoms like sweating abnormalities.
Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF):
PAF is a form of dysautonomia where individuals experience drops in blood pressure upon standing, urinary issues, sweating problems, and sleep disturbances.
It results in diminished ability of the autonomic nervous system to maintain homeostasis, affecting blood flow, temperature regulation, and organ function.
Familial Dysautonomia (FD):
A genetic disorder that impacts the development of the autonomic nervous system, it leads to difficulties with swallowing, temperature regulation, and sensory perception.
Also known as Riley-Day Syndrome, FD is most common among individuals of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish descent.
Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG):
In this autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system attacks autonomic nerve ganglia, leading to orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal issues, and abnormal sweating.
AAG can result from diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, where autoimmune processes contribute to nerve dysfunction.
Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (DAN):
A complication of diabetes, DAN occurs when high blood sugar damages autonomic nerves, leading to digestive problems, heart rate abnormalities, and bladder dysfunction.
Managing blood sugar levels is critical to preventing or managing this type of dysautonomia.
Baroreflex Failure:
This condition involves dysfunction in the baroreceptors that regulate blood pressure, leading to severe fluctuations in blood pressure and rapid heart rate.
It can be triggered by trauma, particularly head or neck injuries.
Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST):
Individuals with IST have a persistently high heart rate, often without any physical exertion or stress.
It can cause palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort, and fatigue, and is sometimes associated with chronic stressor hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Dysautonomia
Symptoms of dysautonomia can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue or muscle weakness
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Chest pain or discomfort
Heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms
Difficulty swallowing or digestive issues (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, bloating)
Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
Fainting or near-fainting spells
Blurry vision or sensitivity to light
Sleep problems, insomnia, or waking up feeling unrested
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Low libido
Weight fluctuations and poor appetite
Cold extremities or overheating
Living with dysautonomia can significantly impact quality of life. However, understanding the root causes and symptoms of this condition is the first step toward better management and recovery.
Root Causes of Dysautonomia
Several factors may contribute to the development of dysautonomia:
Genetic Factors: Some forms, such as familial dysautonomia, are genetic and linked to specific gene mutations.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can cause autonomic dysfunction as secondary effects of the primary autoimmune disease.
Inflammatory Disorders: Chronic inflammation, such as that seen in rheumatoid arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, can damage autonomic nerves and trigger dysautonomia.
Diabetes: Long-term high blood sugar can lead to diabetic autonomic neuropathy, affecting nerve function.
Trauma or Injury: Physical injuries, such as spinal cord or brain trauma, can disrupt the autonomic nervous system.
Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections, including Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease, can cause damage to the nervous system, leading to dysautonomia symptoms.
Toxins or Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins or chemicals may also contribute to the development of dysautonomia.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients like B12 or magnesium can impair nerve health, exacerbating symptoms.
How Dysautonomia Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing dysautonomia can be challenging due to its diverse symptoms and the overlap with other medical conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical and neurological examination, autonomic testing, and lab work.
Tilt Table Test: This test helps assess blood pressure and heart rate changes when moving from a reclining to an upright position.
Autonomic Reflex Testing: This test evaluates how the body responds to various stimuli, such as changes in temperature and blood pressure.
Valsalva Maneuver: It measures how heart rate and blood pressure change during forced exhalation.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests help rule out underlying conditions and assess inflammation markers.
Conventional Treatment Options for Dysautonomia
Currently, there is no cure for dysautonomia, but treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Common conventional treatments may include:
Blood pressure medications for regulating hypotension or hypertension
Beta-blockers for heart rate control
Immunosuppressants for autoimmune-related dysautonomia
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage symptoms like anxiety and brain fog
Natural Remedies for Dysautonomia
A functional medicine approach addresses the root causes of dysautonomia, focusing on personalized strategies for healing. These may include:
Dietary changes: Increasing salt intake and addressing nutritional deficiencies like B12.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
Movement: Gentle exercises to improve circulation and blood flow.
Stress management: Incorporating mindfulness, breathing exercises, or meditation to reduce nervous system strain.
Compression garments: Wearing compression socks or abdominal binders to help improve blood flow.
Dr. Eason's Approach at Revive Health:
We help our patients find individualized treatment plans based on their unique needs. This may include nutritional therapy, functional lab testing, and targeted supplementation to address underlying imbalances in the gut, immune system, and nervous system.
If you’re struggling with dysautonomia and conventional treatments haven’t worked, Revive Health offers personalized care to help you heal and improve your quality of life. We provide in-office appointments and telemedicine visits to support patients locally, nationally, and internationally.
