It started with a feeling as if the floor had been pulled from under me. I brought my hand to the wall to steady myself. Then, the breathlessness came. No matter how short the walk, I couldn't get enough air to satiate myself. My heart thumped. My bladder felt like it was going to burst. I felt hot and sticky, with black shadows creeping into my vision.
I was experiencing my first dysautonomic episode, which would
later be diagnosed as POTs (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). All resulting from a simple concussion at the young age of 21.
Exploring The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
The ANS regulates involuntary body processes, e.g., heart rate, digestion, and physiological threat response. Basically all the things your body just does, without you spending time thinking about it. It is comprised of two main systems: the parasympathetic nervous system (calms the body, "rest and digest") and the
sympathetic nervous system (preps the body for action, "fight or flight").
And the ANS is tied into just about every body system you have — from your eyes, to your heart, your stomach, your bladder, your kidneys, and more. A balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems is crucial for well-being. Disruption can lead to dysautonomia.
Dysautonomia (ANS Dysfunction) Explained
Dysautonomia involves abnormal functioning of the ANS, which can be either permanent or reversible. There are multiple forms of dysautonomia, such as POTs, Vasovagal Syncope, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy, Baroreflex Failure, Familial Dysautonomia, Pure Autonomic Failure, and Multiple System Atrophy.
While dysautonomia can run in families, the vast majority is "secondary" — caused by another condition, such as a concussion or virus.
Symptoms often vary but include things like temperature irregularities, heart rate issues, gastrointestinal problems, blood pressure changes, headaches, sleep disruptions, sensitivity to light, and more.
At my worst, I experienced varying levels of all of them. I dealt with wild heart rate swings, from the 30s to 150s in a matter of seconds. My blood pressure was constantly changing, from highs to lows. I couldn't fall asleep. I would go from freezing cold to sweating, unable to regulate my temperature. Stomach aches and bowel issues plagued my days. At times, I'd pee as often as every 15 minutes. Every unconscious function was malfunctioning.
Concussion's Impact on the Nervous System
It took me years to learn that the cause of my dysautonomia was the head injuries I suffered in my early 20s. And that's not uncommon. Research has estimated that around 2/3 of post-concussion syndrome patients will develop some form of autonomic dysfunction, whether temporary or long-lasting.
Most concussion patients display sympathetic dominance, i.e., the body remains in a heightened state of alert. However, there can also be fluctuations between the two systems.
The good news is hope is not lost
There are a multitude of ways to treat dysautonomia, ranging from at home lifestyle changes, to medications and supplements. Some quick things you can do right now are:
Add bed risers to the top of your bed to slightly elevate your head while sleeping
Increase your sodium. (I take these pills 2X a day)
Drink 2X more water than you currently are
Wear compression stockings or socks (at least 20mmhg), to prevent the blood from pooling in your legs. Here are the ones I use.