Dysautonomia: Why Conventional Medicine Often Misdiagnoses

Something is off. You know you don't feel right, but your family, friends and even doctors tell you 'you're fine'. The recurring headaches, dizziness, abnormal fatigue, constant thirst, tummy trouble, (such as reflux, GERD, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, etc), fast or slow heartbeat when you get up from laying down, and other symptoms can each point to a variety of causes. And, you go to the doctor and of course, you get a variety of explanations and treatments that don't seem like they're 'on target'. Why does this happen?

Well, most doctors are taught to look for the obvious symptoms and make some conclusions or general decisions before going deeper.  And for many ailments, this practice does get them 'on the green' so to speak and the patient generally going the right way toward feeling better. The problem is that most physicians aren't aware of the fact that dysautonomia can encompass so many different symptoms at once, and some physicians don't even recognize it as a separate definable condition. So, each symptoms is looked at and often treated separately, and the doctors can't see the forest for the trees--until the patient or someone familiar with dyautonomia points it out.

Sometimes there are so many symptoms present that it sounds like 'everything' is wrong, which often points the doctor to hypochondria, leading them further to conclude that the patient must need medicine for depression. Most doctors tend to stick to the numbers, test results and statistics, and this usually works out well. However, keeping those 'numerical and data blinders' on can keep them from seeing what is really going on. And the more a patient's folder fills up with lab tests and follow-up visits, it can give the illusion of progress. Meanwhile,  the patient can continue to suffer for years without real improvement.  For women, this can really wreak havoc, since between 75 and 80 percent of POTS patients are female and of the menstruating age. So if they don't get help but do get pregnant, this can lead to development issues for the baby.

What's the bottom line?  We're not here to pick on your family physician;  rather, we're here to explain why they miss misdiagnose sometimes, and to say speak up about your symptoms. And don't just accept a dysautonomia diagnosis if something doesn't feel right--especially if you are or are thinking about getting pregnant.

Even better, if you have a few of the symptoms described above and can't put your finger on why, take that one extra step and see the doctors at Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham AL. They'll quickly help you determine if you have dysautonomia, POTS or some related disorder and get you on the right track to feeling better--fast.

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200

Could Vitamin C Help Circulation for POTS Syndrome Sufferers?

It appears so. Dr. Julian Stewart, through over 10 years of  POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) research among adolescents found that symptoms of low flow POTS (LFP) which involves faintness and increased vasoconstriction, resulting in restricted blood flow, were reduced with the administration of Vitamin C. The vitamin C was administered systemically (not orally), and was found to normalize blood flow to the legs in all patients fairly quickly.

More specifically, peripheral resistances were decreased by nearly 50% after ascorbate (Vitamin C). Calf capacitance and venous resistance were decreased compared with control but normalized with ascorbate. These data provide experimental support for the concept that oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide possibly contribute to vasoconstriction and venoconstriction of LFP.  So it makes sense, as the researchers concluded, that the normalizing effect of vitamin C was due to its powerful antioxidant properties.

Could Vitamin C be good for dysautonomia patients in general?  It certainly seems possible, since better circulation or more normalized peripheral resistance would help lessen problems with blood and lymph fluids staying in one area too long, i.e. pooling in the legs, etc. This could enhance exercise tolerance, as well, for the same reason. 

Rather than wondering, however, your best bet is to seek the advice of a POTS syndrome specialist, such as those at Dyautonomia-MVP Center LLC in Birmingham, AL. This is a world class treatment center with some of the most experienced autonomic disorder doctors available. Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips will be able to help you determine if Vitamin C protocols would be helpful in your situation and help put together a plan that works for you.

 

Do yourself a favor and call for an appointment today at 205-286-3200.  Whether you're in the Birmingham AL area or not, they can still help as Dyautonomia-MVP Center LLC  works with dysautonomia and POTS patients nationwide.

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200

How Sleep Quality Affects Severity of Dysautonomia Symptoms

Getting good sleep is often much easier said than done for those with dysautonomia and related illnesses. Because the autonomic system isn't functioning properly (which has a lot to do with sleep quality), sleep isn't always as continuous or restful as they want and need it to be. A common issue with dysautonomia patients is unbalanced electrolyte levels, which are made worse by a diet that doesn't consistently supply good amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. This disrupts sleep because, without these necessary electrolytes, various mechanisms in the body used for repair and digestion must 'rob' organs and tissues for these nutrients to complete their processes. This 'robbing' effect can disturb the body's electrical system, both sympathetic and parasympathetic, affecting daily energy as well as sleep quality.

 

And, if you add stimulants that overtax the body's adrenal system coupled with inadequate hydration, and you've got a recipe for poor sleep quality and low energy or fatigue the next day. This isn't a good practice, even for those without a dysautonomia diagnosis. Because of recent research, many doctors are looking first to improve sleep their chronic fatigue and chronic pain patients, and those with dysautonomia for sure. So it makes sense to take a look at your daily habits as the closer you get to a good diet, lower stimulant intake and proper hydration, the more likely you are to get better sleep, which helps reduce the severity of a variety of unpleasant bodily malfunctions.

 

Do your own research on the above points, share your findings with your doctor and work with them on how to better improve your sleep habits. Take your own measurements and see how much sleep actually makes you feel best, correlating that with what you did the during the day with diet, exercise, hydration, electrolytes, etc. Some people need only 6 hours while others need 8-9 hours of sleep per night--but you have to see what works for you and understand that how much sleep you need also varies with your body's overall health.  It may also be a good idea to take a break before you feel tired, if possible and certainly when you do start to feel tired. Bottom line--listen to your body as it is constantly telling you how to proceed by how you feel.

 

For the best advice on anything related to dysautonomia, do yourself a favor and check out Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham AL. Whatever questions you have about anything related to an autonomic disorder, the doctors here at this facility bring more than 40 years of successful treatment experience and can answer virtually any concern you have. Call them today at 205-286-3200 and schedule an appointment. One piece of information at the right time could change your life for the better!

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200

Diet: It May Be a Big Factor Related to Dysautonomia

It's pretty widely accepted that another factor that contributes a great deal to overall well-being is a healthy diet full of whole natural foods, including quality clean protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables. And don't forget the good fats like omega 3, 6 and 9 from grass fed butter, avocados, olive oil, etc--they are sometimes the most healing of all!  No refined sugars or white flours, limit caffeine, and avoid chemicals, mold and preservatives. It's also a good idea to find out if you have any food allergies or intolerances--It’s amazing how many people food intolerances and allergies that they don’t realize are contributing to their symptoms. Keep in mind that a food allergy is handled differently than a food intolerance, so be sure to get your doctor or dietitian to help you determine which is which for you.

 

Unfortuntely, though, many regular MD-type doctors will disregard the idea of food intolerances, so you probably want to ask your dysautonomia doctor or another more natural-oriented physician, or a registered dietitian for help with evaluating whether food intolerances and allergies are an issue for you or not.  There is a great guide to figuring out what are your best and worst foods at a site called Bulletproof.com or you can look up the Bulletproof Diet online. There is a free diagram you can download and figure through your own testing what works for you and what doesn't.  One thing that does seem to consistently help people feel better in general is to completely stop eating anything made with wheat and try to eat organic and grass-fed meats / dairy so you avoid the herbicides and pesticides that disrupt your biology in so many ways.

 

For those with Dysautonomia, an increased sodium diet is usually recommended with extra fluid intake, which naturally helps maintain good blood volume and blood pressure. Some dysautonomia specialists recommend 2-4grams of salt per day (a full teaspoon is about 5 grams), and 64-96 ounces of water per day. Also, how often you eat affect your energy levels. Some say eat 6 small meals a day, instead of 3 large meals. Others say eat 3 meals a day. Still others recommend two meals and a snack or two per day. Bottoms line--you need to find out what pattern of eating works for you, so keep experimenting and find what pattern keeps you feeling the best for the longest periods of time.

For some real help with any dysautonomia symptoms and great overall health advice, you'll want to talk to physicians that specialize in that area.

 

Some of the best in the U.S. are located at Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham AL. Whatever questions you have about anything related to an autonomic disorder, the doctors at this facility bring more than 40 years of successful treatment experience and can answer virtually any concern you have. Call them today at 205-286-3200. You'll be glad you did!

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200

Dysautonomia or Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

As more and more research shows the various effects of mold mycotoxins on the human body, many people with dysautonomia are starting to take a second look at where they live and their air quality situation.  It's interesting to note the similarity in symptoms for exposure to black mold, which can include, brain fog, chronic fatigue, weakness, balance issues, peripheral neurological problems like tingling and numbness, headaches, all of which have been seen in various combinations and degrees of severity in patients with dysautonomia or related autonomic disorders.

This shouldn't be a big surprise, since mycotoxins are known to interrupt various cellular mechanisms, and specifically in the mitochondria where the majority of our 'energy' is produced.  And of course, interrupt or inhibit the binding of neurotransmitters (as mycotoxins can also do) and you'll have a variety of symptoms related to malfunctioning nerves. Just Google mold exposure and neurological disorders you'll see a lot of information, including reports from doctors and specialists pointing out that various neurological issues are clearly associated with mold exposure. Of course, dysautonomia is by definition a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system so it certainly makes sense to consider that mold could be the issue causing the dysautonomia symptoms--especially if you live in a water damaged home, or if you know that there is or has been mold in the home or where you work.

Of course, getting clear on whether you've got mold in your home or office will require testing and evaluation, which is easily done with inexpensive test kits. Whether you find that you have mold or not, if you have these types of symptoms (especially neurological) you'll probably want to speak to an autonomic disorder specialist or a combination MD and ND type doctor that will consider the full spectrum of possible causes instead of just prescribing the latest medication to you. And be sure to share your air testing results with them so they can choose the best treatments for you. 

Your best bet for expert autonomic disorder information is to call Dysautonomia-MVP Center LLC in Birmingham, AL.  Dr. Susan Phillips and Dr. Paula Moore are well known nationwide for providing answers when other healthcare providers haven't been able to. Call today for an appointment at 205-286-3200--you'll be glad you did.

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Dysautonomia--Is There A Link?

According to Dr. Richard Boles is a clinician and researcher skilled at providing helpful treatments for children and adults suffering from mitochondrial functional disorders such as autism, cyclic vomiting syndrome and depression, there appears to be some kind of link connecting mitochondrial dysfunction and dysautonomia symptoms.

Although dysautonomia is usually not life-threatening, it does affect a person's daily quality of life in a big way, and finding a way mitigate or eliminate this problem has become an ongoing area of study for many physicians. Dysautonomia is known to cause things like heat intolerance, erratic blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, intermittent GI dysfunction and other issues.  Dr. Boles is one of the few physicians specializing in functional disorders as they relate to mitochondrial disease.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), being that part of the nervous system which reacts to danger, is what is often 'out of whack' with respect to dysautonomia. More specifically, the sympathetic nervous system is that part of the autonomic system which causes us to react to danger, causing a cascade of biological changes preparing us to fight or run away.  What Dr. Boles and other doctors are noticing is that patients with mitochondrial disease or dysfunctioning mitochondria, theirs sympathetic systems work well, but their parasympathetic system operate properly, causing many of those symptoms we see in dysautonomia patients, like heat intolerance, erratic blood pressure, dizziness, etc--all because the parasympathetic nervous system isn't signalling accurately.

Now, what is behing the malfunctioning parasympathetic nervous system or causing the improper mitochondrial functioning is likely to be a variety of things, since it is known that there a variety of biochemical processes happening in the mitochondria that can be affected greatly by environmental toxins, dietary stress, and many other things.

Still, if you are working to get to the bottom of your symptoms and feel better, your best bet is to connect with world-class autonomic disorder doctors such as Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips at Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham, AL. They have some of the highest rates of success with autonomic disorder patient improvement due to their more than 40 years of combined experience. Call today for an appointment wherever you are-you'll be glad you did!

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200

Dysautonomia: Getting Better with The Right Exercise Program

Many doctors and other health professionals agree that, if you have an autonomic disorder, exercise as an important part of your treatment plan as any medications or nutritional programs that you're using. Of course, what type and how much exercise will be tolerated by each patient is an individual thing, and naturally each person should consult with their doctor before beginning or moving on to more advanced exercise programs.

The great news about adding an exercise program is that in most cases you can work out at home, at a fitness center, and either by yourself or with a friend, so there are lots of ways you can get it done and make it comfortable for you. Sometimes hiring a personal trainer is a good option, as well, if you're home-bound or just want to make sure you get off on the right foot with correct form, the best exercises for you personally, etc.

In general, dysautonomia patients usually fare better starting with exercises that do not cause orthostatic stress and moving toward better tolerance of exercises that can cause orthostatic stress--start with what's possible or comfortable and gently move toward what's more challenging to get stronger, etc. Some of the best exercises for dysautonomia are floor-based exercises such as yoga, pilates, or low-intensity weight lifting done from a seated or laying down position and swimming, and are usually good places to start.

Then, when the patient has spent a good amount of time building up tolerance to these exercises, they can begin attempting upright exercises like running, biking, or other upright exercises, stopping and resting as needed to continue to build tolerance. Patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) often report that after getting a solid execise program in place and staying with it for while that they can function better and feel like they have a better quality-of-life.

The other great thing about stretching, yoga, or whatever exercise program you choose, the exercise is going to increase blood flow and help nutrients (as well as medicines) get where they need to go and do a better job. 

If you want to find out more about how an exercise program could help reduce your dysautonomia or POTS symptoms, do yourself a favor and call Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham, AL.  Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips bring more than 40 years of results-based treatment to their patients and there's a very good chance they can help you get better, faster and enjoy life more. Call for an appointment today at 205-286-3200--you'll be glad you did.

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200