Dysautonomia is a condition of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that affects millions of people nationwide. While there is no notable cure for it, dysautonomia treatment is possible to help people manage their symptoms. Treatments such as external vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are available to help regulate autonomic dysfunction. Here’s everything else you may want to know about treating dysautonomia:
Understanding Dysautonomia
Dysautonomia is a term that refers to a group of medical conditions associated with the dysfunction of the ANS. Symptoms include headaches, abnormally fast or slow heartbeat, severe blood pressure fluctuations, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath, to name a few. It can occur at various severity levels and affects people differently, depending on their own genetics and medical history. Dysautonomia can develop on its own or as a result of other conditions or disorders such as diabetes or alcoholism.
What Can Be Mistaken for Dysautonomia?
Because the symptoms of dysautonomia are so broad, they can often be misdiagnosed. Dysautonomia International reports that only 25% of patients with dysautonomia symptoms are detected on their first visit, while others may even have to wait years before their disease is recognized. Here are two of the most common medical conditions that can be mistaken for dysautonomia because of their shared symptoms:
- Anxiety – Dysautonomia can be misdiagnosed as anxiety by some providers as it can include symptoms such as migraine, cold sweat, palpitations, and lightheadedness. However, studies have revealed that people with POTS (a type of dysautonomia) have the same or even a lower risk of developing an anxiety or panic disorder when compared to the general population.
- Parkinson’s Disease – Symptoms of ANS failure in Parkinson’s disease include eating or digestion issues, sexual dysfunction, bowel or bladder issues, difficulty sleeping well, and cardiovascular problems, especially orthostatic hypotension.
Dysautonomia is quite complex in that it can also arise as a result of these other conditions. For example, dysautonomia often develops in Parkinson’s disease due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells and the development of Lewy bodies in the brain.
How Does Dysautonomia Affect Daily Life?
Living with dysautonomia can be different for each person. For some people, it occurs in episodes or “flare-ups,” usually triggered by stress, heat, pain, or excessive strain. For others, it can feel like a chronic condition that keeps them from enjoying their lives if the symptoms aren’t managed properly.
How Can Dysautonomia Be Treated?
Dysautonomia treatment depends on the specific case at hand. However, if dysautonomia is a resulting condition of another disease, symptoms may improve with the treatment of that disease. Generally, lifestyle modifications, medication management, holistic therapy, and integrative treatments can help to reduce dysautonomia-related symptoms.
As previously mentioned, one of these treatments may include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). The vagus nerve is the main system that controls the parasympathetic nervous system—an important component of your ANS that is responsible for your involuntary bodily functions such as digestion, breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. VNS is a non-invasive treatment that works by electrically stimulating the vagus nerve through the external ear region. As a result, it promotes function in the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to improve symptoms related to autonomic dysfunction.
Explore Dysautonomia Treatment With Dr. Groysman MD
If you or an important loved one is seeking dysautonomia treatment, explore your options today with Southwest Pain Management. To book a visit, you can fill out our contact form or call us at (214) 305-8004.