Dysautonomia 

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Cardiovascular 

• Increased or decreased heart rate

• Heart palpitations (can feel your heart pounding or racing) 

• High blood pressure or low blood pressure

• Blood pooling in the extremities, pale face, purple hands and feet

• Chest pain or pressure and shortness of breath

Orthostatic

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing 

• Fainting or near fainting

• Difficulty standing still, feel better if moving around

• Difficulty walking/poor balance

Neurological

• Headaches, migraines and cognitive impairments

• Tingling, internal shaking or tremor

• Blurred vison, light sensitivity

Thermoregulation 

• Excessive sweating, inability to sweat

• Temperature dysregulation, cold hands and feet

• Flushing (reddening of face, neck or upper body)

Gastrointestinal, Pain & Other Autonomic

• Abdominal pain, upset stomache, slow digestion

• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Urinary frequency and retention

Systemic & Energy

• Fatigue and exercise intolerance

• Muscle weakness

• Sleep disturbances

MANAGING SYMPTOMS

Cardiovascular and Orthostatic

• Eat salty snacks to help control blood pressure and blood volume (always check with your doctor first)

• Wear compression garments to improve circulation and prevent blood pooling

• May need to lay down to manage dizziness

• Use a shower chair or walking stick with a folding chair to avoid long periods of standing

• Use a long shoe horn or grabber/reacher to avoid bending over unnecessarily

• Learn vagal maneuvers (like humming, breathing techniques, cold water face submersion, etc.) to help manage heart rate spikes

• Use a heart rate monitor to ensure your heart rate doesn't get too high; if it does, stop and rest right away to prevent a flare

• Talk to your doctor about prescriptions to help manage heart rate and blood pressure

Neurological

• Use assistive technology like medication alarms and pill dosette, symptom tracking apps like Visible, Cefaly neuromodulation therapy for migraine

Thermoregulation 

• Take luke warm showers to prevent overheating

• If you have heat intolerance stay cool with ice packs, cold wet towels, portable fans, cooling blankets/mattress pads and air conditioners

• If you have cold intolerance stay warm by dressing in layers (including hats and mitts) and using heated blankets/mattress pads

Gastrointestinal, Pain & Other Autonomic

• Eat smaller more frequent meals to manage blood flow to the gut and maintain steady blood sugar

• Limit dehydrating substances (like alcohol and caffeine)

• Talk to your doctor about prescriptions to help manage digestive symptoms

Systemic & Energy

• Prioritize good sleep hygiene, deep sleep is needed to lower your heart rate, and relax your muscles

• Use the pacing strategy (balancing activity and rest) to limit symptom flares

• Work with a Physical Therapist to create a safe exercise plan to build strength without triggering flares

• Work with an Occupational Therapist to make changes to your home, work, and daily routines that will reduce orthostatic stress on your body

HELPFUL WEBSITES

• Dysautonomia Support Network  https://www.dysautonomiasupport.org

• Dysautonomia International  https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org