Dystautonomia

Dysautonomia

            Dysautonomia is what is called an umbrella term because it encompasses several types of medical conditions. All of these conditions cause dysfunction of the nerves, which in turn works to regulate all no voluntary bodily functions. These functions are things such as heart rate, sweating, or blood pressure. This chronic illness deals with the automatic nervous system in which failure of the sympathetic components is being used in either excess or they are overactive. Parts of Dysautonomia can be in generalized areas of the body. It can be reversible in some forms but some are chronic and progressive. 

            Dysautonomia can be related to other chronic illnesses as well. It can be the primary condition or it can be in relation to other neurological diseases such as MS. Each diagnosis presents differently. No two patients are the same and they can present with similar conditions but still be very diverse. There is no known cure for this chronic illness. If the underlying disease is being treated then it can help treat parts of Dysautonomia as well. Symptoms have a wide range of how they present. Each of these symptoms has to be treated since the illness can’t truly be treated as a whole. 

            Some symptoms include getting light headed when standing too quickly, having to elevate one’s head while sleeping, numbness in limbs, and an unquenchable thirst. Each of these symptoms has to be treated at their location and cannot be treated as a whole symptom. Some things that are helpful and treat the symptoms are elevating the head, standing up slowly, a high salt diet and some medication. 

            I was diagnosed with this disease fairly recently. It seems to play into the MS and attaches itself in that way. It presents with getting light headed all the time, having sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, having to elevate my head while sleeping, insomnia, not having enough salt in my diet, and swelling of the limbs. I am on medication for the symptoms, and I do light exercise when I am able. I have increased the salt in my diet and although I can’t drink a lot of water (because I am finding that it hurts my stomach-a weird allergy) I try to get enough in. This disease is just another building block on my tower of illnesses.