What Causes Dysautonomia and How Is It Treated

What Causes Dysautonomia and How Is It Treated?

If you’re living with dysautonomia, you probably already know that dysautonomia is not a specific medical diagnosis, and is a frequently-misunderstood set of symptoms. The term “dysautonomia” refers to any malfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS); there are many underlying conditions and diseases that can be the root cause. If you’re living with dysautonomia, our Texas pain specialists at the San Antonio offices of Dr. Raul Martinez want you to know that there is hope. If you’re wondering, “What causes dysautonomia and how is it treated?” then read on to learn more about common causes and chronic pain management treatments, according to our expert pain management doctors.

Different Types of Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia usually involves the failure of the sympathetic or parasympathetic parts of the ANS. However, this is not the only way that dysautonomia can manifest itself. Dysautonomia can also involve excessive or overactive ANS functions. Dysautonomia can be local or generalized, acute or chronic. In short, dysautonomia is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis and will look very different depending on its root cause.

What are the Symptoms of Dysautonomia?

Common dysautonomia symptoms include:

• Dizziness, vertigo, and fainting
• An inability to stand up straight for long periods
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Low blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Nausea
• Visual disturbances
• Weakness and difficulty breathing
• Mood swings
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Migraines
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Temperature regulation difficulties
• Concentration and memory problems
• Poor appetite

Causes of Dysautonomia

There are many different causes of dysautonomia. It’s important to note that not all dysautonomia sufferers are able to determine the specific underlying cause of their symptoms, and that some of the conditions that result in dysautonomia are incredibly rare. Finally, our Texas pain specialists note that this is not an exhaustive list, and that it’s important to consult with a qualified doctor when trying to determine the cause of your dysautonomia.

Some of the more common conditions resulting in dysautonomia include:

• Alcoholism
• Amyloidosis
• Autoimmune disease
• Craniocervical instability
• Diabetes
• Eaton-Lambert syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• HIV / AIDS
• Lyme disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Multiple system atrophy
• Paraneoplastic syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Surgery or injury involving the nerves

How Is Dysautonomia Treated?

Unfortunately, there is usually no cure for dysautonomia. And treating dysautonomia symptoms can be incredibly difficult. Some forms of dysautonomia may improve through treatment of the underlying condition or disease.

Dysautonomia symptoms are managed in many different ways. In many cases, patients will be prescribed medications to combat the symptoms of their disorder and will be told to drink no less than two liters of water each day. Dysautonomia sufferers are frequently advised to avoid sugar and caffeine, manage their stress levels, and practice good sleep hygiene. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing the disorder and can help patients manage day to day life.

How Pain Management Doctors Can Help Dysautonomia Sufferers

Dysautonomia is frequently misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, since the disorder is so often accompanied by weakness, pain, and extreme fatigue. The good news is that chronic pain management treatments can help dysautonomia suffers deal with the symptoms of the disorder, such as migraines and muscle spasms.

If you’re suffering from dysautonomia and are struggling to manage your pain, our specialists may be able to help you find relief. Our expert physicians at the San Antonio offices of Dr. Raul Martinez have extensive experience helping dysautonomia patients manage their symptoms, and we want to help you achieve the best possible quality of life. Since no one treatment is universal for the disorder, we offer customized treatment plans to our patients to address their unique conditions and symptoms.

We’re proud to offer cutting-edge treatment options, and we specialize in treating a wide variety of medical conditions. So if you’re ready to find out how we can help you, be sure to check out our treatment education resources or schedule an appointment today.