Carol's Blog Spot

What is Dysautonomia?

 

Dysautonomia or Autonomic Dysfunction is a disorder that affects the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The autonomic nervous system controls all the automatic functions of the body. The heart rate, blood pressure, digestive system, sweating, and many other things are affected.

 

There are many symptoms of dysautonomia. Fatigue, excessive thirst, dizziness, feelings of anxiety, rapid or slow heart rate, and orthostatic hypotension are among the few symptoms one experiences with this disorder.

 

It’s not fully understood what causes dysautonomia but there are a few theories.The cause could be due to an autoimmune disease, Lyme, brain injury, genetic factors, heredity, physical trauma, or spinal chord injury.

 

From what I understand, there isn’t a cure. There are different forms of dysautonomia and, depending on which one an individual has, the prognosis can range from limitations in daily lifestyle to death. Death usually occurs due to complications of pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, or a heart attack.