Explore comprehensive information about autonomic nervous system disruption in POTS and dysautonomia. Learn how autonomic dysfunction affects multiple body systems, its various manifestations, and strategies for managing this complex condition.
The Comfort that Turns into a Challenge There are days when my body screams for relief. After an afternoon spent in the garden, the kind of day that leaves every muscle aching, an Epsom salt bath isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. For someone living with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), constant muscle soreness […]
Bathing with POTS | Why Standing Up Can Trigger a Collapse Read More »
Living, Learning & Managing Life with Dysautonomia This is the story About Me & My Journey with POTS — one that’s been marked by unexpected health challenges, immense learning, and ultimately, resilience. My goal is to share the tools, research, and real-life experiences that have helped me survive — and sometimes even thrive — while
My Stories | About Me & My Journey with POTS Read More »
Dysautonomia In Depth What is Dysautonomia? The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating many of the body’s automatic functions—things we often take for granted, like maintaining a steady heart rate, digesting food efficiently, and keeping blood pressure in balance. When this system malfunctions, the consequences can be profound, leading to a group of
What is Dysautonomia? | Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Read More »
Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome What is POTS? POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. POTS is a form of dysautonomia, meaning a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It is characterized by an excessive increase in heart rate—usually more
What is POTS | A Simple Guide to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Read More »
Understanding Neuropathic POTS Neuropathic POTS is a subtype of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which falls under the broader category of dysautonomia—a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. In Neuropathic POTS, there is partial autonomic nerve damage, especially in the lower limbs, leading to impaired blood vessel constriction and blood pooling when standing. This results
What is Neuropathic POTS | Understanding Nerve-Related Dysautonomia Read More »
Introduction to Hyperadrenergic POTS Hyperadrenergic POTS, often abbreviated as HyperPOTS or Adrenergic POTS, is a distinct subtype of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). As part of the broader category of dysautonomia, it involves a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, leading to an exaggerated sympathetic nervous system response. This heightened activity results in excessive norepinephrine
What is Hyperadrenergic POTS | When Adrenaline Drives Dysautonomia Read More »
Introduction to Hypovolemic POTS Hypovolemic POTS is a distinct subtype of POTS and falls within the broader group of autonomic nervous system disorders known as dysautonomia. This form of POTS is primarily characterized by a reduced blood volume (hypovolemia), which affects the body’s ability to maintain proper blood flow when upright, leading to a cascade
What is Hypovolemic POTS | When Low Blood Volume Drives Symptoms Read More »
Introduction to Secondary POTS Secondary POTS is a specific classification of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome that arises as a consequence of another underlying medical condition. Unlike primary POTS, which occurs independently, secondary POTS develops due to diseases or disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system. Understanding the nature of secondary POTS is essential for effective
What is Secondary POTS | When Another Condition Triggers Dysautonomia Read More »
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), particularly the hypermobile type (hEDS), is a well-documented contributor to secondary POTS due to its widespread effects on connective tissue, which plays a crucial role in vascular stability. In individuals with EDS, the structural integrity of blood vessels can be compromised. This results in increased vascular elasticity and poor venous
Conditions That can Lead to Secondary POTS Read More »
Understanding the Need for Testing Why Testing is Essential for POTS Diagnosis POTS Tests are vital for understanding. POTS is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to the complexity and variability of its symptoms. Many individuals struggle for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, as symptoms can mimic other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety disorders,
POTS Tests | Autonomic Function Assessments Read More »
Understanding the Tilt Table Test for POTS The Tilt Table Test is a crucial diagnostic procedure commonly used to identify Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia. Patients experiencing unexplained dizziness, rapid heart rate upon standing, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes often undergo this test to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms. In
Tilt Table Test | A Key Diagnostic Tool for POTS Read More »
What is the Active Stand Test? The Active Stand Test for POTS is a simple yet effective diagnostic tool used to assess autonomic dysfunction in individuals experiencing symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This test helps healthcare providers evaluate heart rate and blood pressure changes upon standing, offering valuable insights into the severity of
The Active Stand Test for POTS | A Key Diagnostic Tool for Autonomic Dysfunction Read More »
Understanding the Link Between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) are two chronic conditions that frequently overlap, affecting connective tissues and autonomic nervous system function. Many individuals diagnosed with EDS experience symptoms associated with POTS, and vice versa. Since both conditions fall under dysautonomia, they
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS | Understanding the Connective Tissue Connection Read More »