Dysautonomiais also calledautonomic dysfunctionorautonomic neuropathy.This term is used to define medical conditions that cause the malfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is the part of the nervous system that controls the involuntary functions of the body, such as heartbeat,blood pressure,breathing,digestion, kidney function, hormonal function, temperature control, sexual function and many other functions. People with an autonomic disorder haveheartand blood pressure issues, as well as present with symptoms, such as breathing trouble, loss of bladder control and many other problems.
Primary and secondary dysautonomia
Dysautonomia can occur as a stand alone disorder without the presence of other diseases and is known as primary dysautonomia. It can also occur as an accompanying condition to other diseases and is known as secondary dysautonomia.
Some conditions caused by primary dysautonomia include
Neurocardiogenicsyncope(NCS)
NCS also called situational syncope orvasovagalsyncope is the most common form of dysautonomia. It is characterized byfaintingspells that occur once or twice in a lifetime or multiple times every day.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS)
POTS is a disorder that causes problems with circulation (blood flow), which can make the heartbeat too fast when a person stands up. It can lead tofainting,chest painand giddiness.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
MSA is a rare fatal form of dysautonomia that usually occurs in people over the age of 40 years old. MSA causes heart rate issues,low blood pressure,erectile dysfunctionand loss of bladder control. Patients usually become bedridden within two years of diagnosis and die within 5 to 10 years.
Pure autonomic failure
This is a rare degenerative disorder that causes posture-dependenthypotension, sexual dysfunction, a decreased ability to sweat, elevated blood pressure when lying down and changes in gastrointestinal and urinary habits. The condition affects men more often than women and is often found in middle-aged to older adults.
Afferent baroreflex failure
This is an autonomic disorder that causes fluctuations in blood pressure. The pressure keeps alternating between high and low due to a failure of the blood pressure-sensing nerves that relay information to the brain. It can be the result of a hereditary disorder or the result of astroke, post-cancersurgery orradiation therapy.
Familial dysautonomia
Familial dysautonomia is a rareinheritedcondition that affects the development of the autonomic and sensory nervous systems. They may have reducedpainsensitivity, difficulty in regulating body temperature, absence of tears,excessive sweating, overproduction of saliva andmucusand blotchy reddening of the skin when excited or eating. During times ofstress,患有家族性dysautonomia may experience autonomic crises with extremelyhigh blood pressureand heart rate accompanied byvomitingor retching.
Diseases in which secondary dysautonomia can occur include
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Muscular sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Amyloidosis
- Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Chiari malformation
- Vitamin B and E deficiencies
- Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)
- Lyme disease
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Sjogren syndrome
- Sarcoidosis
Triggers of dysautonomia
The symptoms of dysautonomia can be triggered by specific situations or actions, such asalcoholconsumption, hot environments,dehydration,stressand tight clothing.
What are the symptoms of dysautonomia?
The symptoms and the severity of dysautonomia vary with patients and include
- Balance problems
- Inability to stay upright
- Dizziness,vertigoandlightheadedness
- Fainting spells
- Brain “fog/”forgetfulness/lack of focus
- Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- 心palpitations
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Hypotension(low blood pressure)
- Problems with the gastrointestinal system
- Nauseaandvomiting
- 视觉障碍(blurred vision)
- Weakness
- Breathing difficulties/shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mood swings
- Anxietyanddepression
- Fatigueand inertia
- Intolerance toexercise
- Migrainesor frequentheadaches
- Tremors
- Sleeping problems
- Frequent urinationorincontinence
- Dehydration
- Sweat less than normal or not at all
- Temperature regulation problems
- Concentration and memory problems
- Poor appetite
- Noise/light sensitivity
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low blood sugar
- Exercise intolerance(heart rate does not adjust to changes in activity level)
- Frequent disturbing aches and pains
- Numbness and tingling
What is the treatment for dysautonomia?
There is no cure for this condition, but different therapies can be used to manage symptoms of dysautonomia.
The common treatments include
- Taking medications, such asfludrocortisoneandmidodrine, to increase blood pressure.
- Sleeping with the head raised about six to 10 inches higher than the body.
- Drinking more water every day to keep blood volume up, which helps relieve symptoms.
- Adding three to five grams of extra salt to the dailydiet. Salt helps the body maintain normal fluid volume in blood vessels, thus maintaining normal blood pressure.
Secondary dysautonomia can be managed by correcting the underlying cause.
What are the complications of dysautonomia?
神经异常的并发症而异n the symptoms. In severe cases, people might have life-threatening complications, such as severelylow blood pressure, heart issues and other systemic disabilities.
