Dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) — the part of the body that automatically controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is one of the most common forms of dysautonomia. It causes an unusually high heart rate when standing or changing positions, which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and sometimes fainting.

Common Signs & Symptoms

• Rapid heartbeat when standing

• Lightheadedness or fainting

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Nausea or bloating

• Difficulty regulating body temperature

• Poor sleep quality

Many people with POTS also have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Long Covid, Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) — these conditions often overlap and contribute to complex, multi-system symptoms.

Tools for You

• How Do I Know If I Have POTS? Ten Minute stand Test (Website)

• Malmo POTS Symptom Score (Questionnaire)

Helpful Video links on What Are Dysautonomia & POTS?

• What Is POTS (YouTube)

• What Are Dysautonomia & POTS Playlist (YouTube)

• Connection to Other Multisystem Disorders Dysautonomia & POTs Playlist (YouTube)

• Hydration and salt (under medical advice)

• Compression garments

• Gentle physical therapy and pacing

• Mind-body strategies to calm the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Tools for You

• How Do I Know If I Have POTS? Ten Minute stand Test (Website)

• Malmo POTS Symptom Score (Questionnaire)

Helpful Video links on Treatment in Dysautonomia & POTS?

• Treatment in Dysautonomia & POTS Playlist (YouTube)

• Basics of POTS and MCAD self-care - Leslie Russek PT (61 min Video) (YouTube)

• Exercise progression in HSD/hEDS and POTS - Leslie Russek (56 min Video) (YouTube)

• OT Emily:Oh The pOTsabilities - Emily Rich OT (YouTube channel)

• DINET - Dysautonomia Information Network (Website)

• Dysautonomia International on YouTube (YouTube)

• Dysautonomia International (Website)

• Dysautonomia - The EDS Clinic Learning Center (Website)

• POTS - The EDS Clinic Learning Center (Website)

• Leslie Russeks "Hypermobility 101" (Website)

• Bendy Bodies Podcast - Linda Bluestein MD (Website)

• Elevation Wellness - Patricia Stott PT (YouTube channel)

• Movement & Exercise (M&BPC Website)

• Mindfulness Activities (M&BPC Website)