Dysautonomia
The Various Presentations of Autonomic Dysfunction
The term Dysautonomia includes a wide spectrum of medical conditions also known as “autonomic dysfunction.” They are all due to disturbed function of a portion of the nervous system known as the Autonomic Nervous System, which controls all the inner workings of our bodies like blood pressure, heart rate, bowel activity, bladder function, and even sweating. This article was designed to be a reference for internet readers looking for more information about autonomic dysfunction. There is a basic chapter on the autonomic nervous system and how it relates to the cardiovascular system. Each of these related illnesses are then discussed in some detail. Keep in mind that there is some overlap in the conditions, and not everyone fits neatly into one particular disorder. Interested readers should start at the beginning and keep going....
Table of Contents
Introduction, with a general discussion of the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
Vasovagal Fainting, also referred to as Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS).
Orthostatic Hypotension, which means that an abnormally low blood pressure occurs with changes in posture such as standing up.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that results in lightheadedness, weakness, and a sense of a racing heartbeat when standing for more than just a few minutes.
Autonomic Failure, a variety of illnesses characterized by diffuse symptoms due to severe abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system function.