4 Medical Treatments That Help With Dysautonomia

Living with dysautonomia can be challenging. It is a complex condition that affects the nervous system, causing problems with regulating blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and other bodily functions. While there is no cure for dysautonomia, there are several medical treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. This blog post will discuss four medical treatments that can help with dysautonomia. 

Medications

People with dysautonomia may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and fatigue, among others. While there is no cure for dysautonomia, there are medications available that can help manage its symptoms.

Midodrine is a medication that helps increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. It is commonly used to treat orthostatic hypotension, a condition common in people with dysautonomia that causes a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Midodrine works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels to constrict, which helps increase blood flow and blood pressure. This medication is effective in improving symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

Fludrocortisone is a synthetic version of the hormone aldosterone, which helps regulate salt and water balance in the body. It is used to treat orthostatic hypotension by increasing blood volume and blood pressure. Fludrocortisone helps the kidneys retain salt and water, which can increase blood volume and raise blood pressure. This medication is especially beneficial for people with dysautonomia who are prone to dehydration and low blood pressure.

Pyridostigmine is a medication that helps improve nerve transmission by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects muscles. However, it can also be used to treat dysautonomia by improving nerve signals to the heart and blood vessels. Pyridostigmine has been shown to improve symptoms such as heart rate variability and blood pressure regulation in people with dysautonomia.

Ivabradine is a medication that helps lower heart rate by selectively blocking the sinus node, the natural pacemaker of the heart. It is used to treat heart failure and angina, but it can also be used to treat dysautonomia-related tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Ivabradine is effective in reducing heart rate without affecting blood pressure or cardiac function. It can help improve symptoms such as palpitations and fatigue in people with dysautonomia.

Droxidopa is a medication that helps increase levels of norepinephrine, one of the neurotransmitters that regulate the autonomic nervous system. It is used to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, a type of dysautonomia that is caused by a malfunction of the autonomic nerves. Droxidopa works by converting into norepinephrine in the body, which helps constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. This medication has been shown to improve symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue in people with dysautonomia.

Some of the medications that can help with dysautonomia include midodrine, fludrocortisone, pyridostigmine, ivabradine, and droxidopa. These medications work in different ways to improve symptoms such as orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and fatigue. It is important to talk to your doctor about which medications may be right for you, as well as any potential side effects and drug interactions. 

Compression Garments

Dysautonomia is a condition that can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms. Compression garments can help manage these symptoms by improving blood flow to the brain and reducing pooling of blood in the legs. But with so many compression garments on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.

Compression socks are the most common compression garment for dysautonomia. They apply pressure to the legs, improving blood flow and preventing blood from pooling in the legs. They can be worn all day and come in a variety of styles and compression levels. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate compression level for your needs.

Compression arm sleeves can also help with dysautonomia symptoms by improving blood flow to the arms and reducing swelling. They can be worn during the daytime and come in different compression levels, materials, and sizes. Some compression arm sleeves also have cooling properties, which can be beneficial during warmer months.

Compression shorts are another compression garment option that can help with dysautonomia. They apply pressure to the legs, aiding circulation and reducing pooling of blood. They can be worn during activity or all day, depending on your needs. Compression shorts come in different lengths, materials, and compression levels to best cater to your preferences.

Compression vests or waist-high compression garments can also help manage dysautonomia. By compressing the abdomen, these garments can increase blood flow to the upper body and reduce symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness. Discuss with your doctor whether this is the appropriate choice for your needs.

Full-body compression suits are the most complete compression garment option, aiding blood flow and circulation from head to toe. They can be beneficial for those with dysautonomia across their entire body, or for those who require further support to help ease their symptoms.

Compression garments can be a helpful tool for managing dysautonomia symptoms. Compression socks, arm sleeves, shorts, vests, and full-body suits are all options that can aid circulation and reduce symptoms. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best compression garment for your specific needs. 

Diet Modifications

While there is no cure for dysautonomia, there are lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. Below you can learn about dietary modifications that can help manage dysautonomia symptoms.

One of the most common symptoms of dysautonomia is low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. Increase your fluid and salt intake to help raise your blood pressure and alleviate these symptoms. It is important to incorporate healthy sources of salt, such as Himalayan pink salt, Celtic salt or sea salt, rather than processed salt. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

Caffeine and alcohol can hurt the autonomic nervous system and cause symptoms such as palpitations, headaches, and increased heart rate. It is best to avoid or limit the consumption of these substances to manage dysautonomia symptoms. Try switching to herbal tea or decaf coffee as a healthier alternative.

Eating a well-balanced diet can help support overall health and prevent nutritional deficiencies that can exacerbate dysautonomia symptoms. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, incorporate healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.

Research has shown that gut bacteria play a crucial role in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Eating foods that are rich in prebiotic and probiotic content can help balance gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. High-fiber foods such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits, as well as fermented foods like kefir, miso, and sauerkraut can help build gut health.

Food intolerances and sensitivities can trigger dysautonomia symptoms in some individuals. It is critical to identify and avoid these trigger foods to manage symptoms successfully. Foods such as gluten, dairy, soy, and processed carbohydrates are triggers for many dysautonomia patients. Speak with a registered dietitian to help identify any trigger foods and alternatives.

Dysautonomia symptoms can be debilitating and have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Incorporating dietary modifications can play a critical role in reducing symptoms and improving overall health for those with dysautonomia. By increasing fluid and salt intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, following a balanced diet, building gut health, and experimenting with food sensitivities, dysautonomia sufferers can take control of their symptoms and improve their overall wellness. Remember to speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to develop a diet that fits your specific needs as a person with dysautonomia.

Physical Therapy Services

Physical therapy is an effective way to manage many medical conditions, including dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Symptoms of dysautonomia can include dizziness, fainting, gastrointestinal issues, and temperature dysregulation. While the condition is not curable, several physical therapy services can help manage its symptoms.

One of the major physical therapy services that can help manage dysautonomia is exercise therapy. Exercise therapy includes cardiovascular exercises and low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and cycling. These activities promote blood flow and help improve cardiovascular function, which may help reduce symptoms of dysautonomia. Additionally, strength training can help improve muscle strength and coordination, which may help with symptoms such as weakness and instability.

Manual therapy is another physical therapy service that can help manage dysautonomia symptoms. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as massage and myofascial release to improve circulation and decrease muscle tension. By improving circulation, manual therapy can help reduce symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. Manual therapy can also help reduce pain and improve flexibility, which can be beneficial for those with dysautonomia.

Breathing exercises are another physical therapy service that can help manage dysautonomia symptoms. Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for dysautonomia symptoms. Additionally, deep breathing exercises can help improve oxygenation and promote relaxation, which may help reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

Postural training is a physical therapy service that focuses on improving posture and body mechanics. Dysautonomia can cause postural instability, which can lead to falls and injury. With postural training, patients learn techniques to improve posture and body alignment, which can reduce the risk of falls and improve balance. Postural training can also help reduce symptoms such as headaches and neck pain, which can be caused by poor posture.

Occupational therapy is another physical therapy service that can be beneficial for those with dysautonomia. Occupational therapists work with patients to improve functional skills such as dressing, grooming, and feeding. This can be especially helpful for those who experience symptoms such as weakness or tremors, which can make these tasks challenging. Occupational therapists can also work with patients to identify adaptive equipment or assistive technology that may make daily activities easier and more manageable.

Physical therapy services can be a beneficial way to manage dysautonomia symptoms. From exercise therapy to manual therapy to occupational therapy, several services can improve cardiovascular function, reduce muscle tension, improve posture and body mechanics, and help improve functional skills. If you have dysautonomia, talk to your healthcare provider about whether physical therapy services may be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. With the help of a physical therapist, you may be able to manage your symptoms more effectively and improve your quality of life.

While there's no cure for dysautonomia, medical treatments can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Medications, compression garments, IV fluids, and diet modifications can help alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Physical therapy services can help you improve your overall physical functioning and reduce symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness. It is essential to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that works for you.