A Complete Guide to Manage Dysautonomia: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What is dysautonomia?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) consists of two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic components. Dysautonomia is essentially a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic or parasympathetic components of the nervous system fail in the disease. But in some cases, excessive working of the ANS is also seen.
Dysautonomia can be split into two types:
● Localized, like that of in the reflex sympathetic dystrophy
● Generalized as seen in pure autonomic failure
Dysautonomia can also be acute and reversible or chronic and progressive. Mild forms of dysautonomia are also common in conditions like alcoholism and diabetes. Dysautonomia can occur as a manifestation of degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
The most classic symptoms of dysautonomia are seen due to sympathetic failure. They include impotence in men or a sudden drop in the blood pressure while they are standing. Excessive activity may include hypertension or a rapid pulse count.
Symptoms:
There are several types of dysautonomia, and the symptoms for each one is different. In many cases, only internal symptoms are seen, and no external manifestation occurs. However, some common symptoms are seen in all cases of dysautonomia. Symptoms may come and go over a period of time. Symptoms can be triggered by physical activities which may require patients of dysautonomia to avoid overexertion. You can use symptom tracker to track symptoms.
The common symptoms of dysautonomia would include:
● An inability to stand straight for a long time
● Dizziness, vertigo or fainting
● Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
● Chest pain
● Gastrointestinal tract problems
● Nausea
● Visual disturbances
● Weakness
● Breathing difficulties
● Mood swings
● Anxiety
● Fatigue
● Intolerance to exercise
● Migraines
● Tremors
● Problem in sleeping
● Urination problems
● Temperature regulation problems
● Concentration problems
● Poor appetite
● An over-reaction to noise and light
These do not occur together. They occur in a range of combinations which make dysautonomia difficult to diagnose.
Triggers to different types of dysautonomia would include dehydration, stress, genetic disorders, or psychological trauma.
Familial dysautonomia is transmitted genetically and has an autosomal recessive characteristic. The somatosensory function is absent in the affected individuals. The major characteristics of the syndrome are as follows:
● Orthostatic hypotension
● Lack of tears
● Altered taste buds
● Drooling
● Vomiting
● Constipation
● Enuresis
● Depressed reflexes
The genetic nature of transmission makes it all the more difficult to treat this type of dysautonomia. Symptom tracker can make it easier to track symptoms.
Diagnosis:
It is often difficult to diagnose dysautonomia. Except for familial dysautonomia, most doctors deny to deem it as a condition since it includes a lot of symptoms that are similar to other disorders. Often symptoms for dysautonomia could be misdiagnosed as one of the following symptoms:
● Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
● Fibromyalgia
● Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Orthostatic hypotension
This proves that doctors should take dysautonomia as a symptom more seriously. More research should also be done in the field of dysautonomia diagnosis.
Treatment:
There is no specific cure for dysautonomia. Secondary forms of the disease may improve by treating the underlined condition. The treatment in the case of primary dysautonomia is symptomatic and supportive. The treatment aims at reducing the symptoms to improve the quality of life of these patients. Also, their body needs to gain strength so that they manage to live a normal life on day to day basis.
The treatment plan usually depends upon the category of dysautonomia and the symptoms that are seen in each individual. Treatment would include physical therapy, exercise therapy, and counselling to help the patient with the various lifestyle changes that are incorporated in order to cope up with dysautonomia.
Many doctors from various fields are involved in treating a single case. Cardiologists, neurologists, and other doctors are involved.
They will be put under medications depending upon their symptoms. The prescribed medicines will change from time to time, depending on the appearance of symptoms. The medicines may take some time to work.
People suffering from dysautonomia should drink at least 2–4 litres of water daily. Their daily intake of salt should be between 4 and 5 grams. These patients should avoid drinks that contain sugar or caffeine.
A lot of recovery for dysautonomia patients depends on the lifestyle changes that they are making. Few lifestyle changes that will be beneficial for them are mentioned below:
Managing stress:
Stress management is very important for patients of dysautonomia. It is important for them to work less, having creative outlets and distractions, and practice stress management techniques. They can practice yoga. The type of yoga that they will practice depends on their symptoms. Acupuncture may reduce headaches and migraine. Massage therapy is used to relax muscles, maintain heart rate, and promote blood flow. Massage treatments are useful for patients of dysautonomia who experience joint pain, muscle spasms, or migraines.
Diet:
It is important to choose the right kind of food when you have dysautonomia. Since patients might often not have enough energy to shop for grocery or cook. Therefore it is advisable for them to stock food items in advanced. They should maintain a food diary, eat at a specific time every day, try to have a balanced diet, and include more fruits and vegetables. Avoid consuming high quantities of drinks that contain sugar.
Make the most of your doctors’ appointment:
Usually, many doctors handle patients with dysautonomia. Once the diagnosis is complete, they have multiple doctors looking after them. This at times creates confusion. Therefore keep a medical binder and maintain summaries of doctors’ appointments in it. You should keep annual records of all your tests, including blood count tests, MRI, and ultrasounds.
Get enough sleep:
It is important for people with dysautonomia to get enough sleep. Many patients do not get enough sleep because of symptoms like stress, anxiety or headache. Limit your caffeine intake, alcohol intake, and screen time. Sleep and wake up at a fixed time. Sleep in a dark room. Cut down noises. Have a fixed nighttime routine. If these suggestions do not work, you may have to take sleep medications to get a good night’s sleep.
A lot of research is still pending in the field of dysautonomia.
