Autonomic Dysfunction: Everything to know about it

What is it?

Autonomic dysfunction is also known as Dysautonomia and it broadly covers all the malfunctions caused in the autonomic nervous system. This means that if there is any dysfunction in the organs that control the involuntary actions in your body, you are a patient of Dysautonomia.

Involuntary actions range from the beating of the heart, the functions of the brain, digestion of food, secretion of hormones, purification of the air we breathe in and many more.

Causes and Symptoms

Any anomaly in the organs that control the involuntary actions of the human body will result in this disease. Some of the reasons why the dysfunction is caused are:

  • Diabetes
  • Brain injury
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Paralytic illness like botulism
  • Bacterial attacks like Lyme disease
  • Spine injure
  • Trauma
  • Mitochondrial disease
  • Genetic factors

The symptoms of this malfunction are quite common and easily detectable. Some are:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Too mach fatigue
  • Intolerance towards heat
  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Fluctuation in heart rate
  • Rampant headaches
  • Head rush
  • Constipation
  • Urinary retention
  • Abnormal dilation of pupils
  • Numbness and seizures
  • Craving for salty food

Though these symptoms are common, you may however find it difficult to conclude that these symptoms are those of Dysautonomia; the reason being that these symptoms are those of other disease as well.

Treatment and Cure

  • You must visit a specialist of Dysautonomia if you suspect that you are suffering from it. The main way to combat this malfunction is by the trial and error method. However the main crux of the treatment is to treat the underlying disease. Once that is controlled, these symptoms will also diminish. But there is not sure shot or permanent cure to Autonomic Dysfunction. The symptoms and the effects of this disease can be diminished at its best.
  • Some doctors might prescribe you some physical exercise. Be sure not to overdo it as the initial result may be rewarding but with time there are relapses to this disease.
  • Yoga is a great way to control this dysfunction because yoga is a scientific method to stretch your body so that particular organs can be exercised and their anomalies can be rectified. Tai chi is also quite helpful.
  • You may also consider massages that will relieve you of several types of discomfort.
  • Make sure to eat well and maintain control over your diet.

Photo Credit By: neurology.org