Dysautonomia: POTS & NCS

Dysautonomia (autonomic dysfunction) is a term used to describe any disorder/disease/malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It is associated with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

The autonomic nervous system controls functions that we do not consciously think about--blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, digestion, etc.

Basics of the Autonomic Nervous System

Dysautonomia Syndromes/Disorders include:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Neurocardiogenic Syncope
Orthostatic Hypotension
Multiple System Atrophy

Dysautonomia International
The Dysautonomia Project: Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders (book)
*This is a wonderful resource for both patients and healthcare providers to better understand Dysautonomia!

Dysautonomia Fighter (t-shirt)
Dysautonomia Problems (t-shirt)



Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia (autonomic dysfunction) and a form of orthostatic intolerance. It is characterized by an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) of at least 30bpm or more or >120bpm within the first 10 minutes of standing in the absence of orthostatic hypotension.

There are a number of conditions that are believed to be associated with POTS:

  • Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
  • Chiari Malformation
  • MS
  • Mast Cell Activation Disorders


Symptoms include but are not limited to the following:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Tachycardia (with standing)
  • Syncope or pre-syncope
  • Fatigue
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Heat intolerance
  • Chest pain
  • Blurred vision





POTS
Dysautonomia International- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome  



Neurocardiogenic Syncope (Vasovagal Response, Neurally Mediated Hypotension/Syncope) is a syndrome characterized by peripheral vasodilation (blood pooling in legs), hypotension (low blood pressure) and a drop in heart rate upon standing. If severe enough, the low blood pressure leads to syncope (fainting) or lightheadedness (pre-syncope) if less severe or if the patient is lying down.

Syncope = fainting

Symptoms include but are not limited to the following:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Skin paleness
  • Tunnel vision (some patients report their vision darkening usually right before blacking out)
  • Nausea
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Chest pain/uncomfortable feeling in chest
Neurocardiogenic Syncope