Dysautonomia  is an umbrella term used for conditions which cause dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System.

The conditions under the umbrella may be someone’s primary diagnosis, but people can also experience them secondary to another condition. For example; it is not uncommon for people living with Parkinson’s Disease to have a form of Dysautonomia such as Orthostatic Hypotension (low blood pressure with changes in posture).  Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used for conditions which cause dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System. The conditions under the umbrella may be someone’s primary diagnosis, but people can also experience them secondary to another condition. For example; it is not uncommon for people living with Parkinson’s Disease to have a form of Dysautonomia such as Orthostatic Hypotension (low blood pressure with changes in posture).

The Autonomic Nervous System controls all automatic functions in the body, including but not limited to:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate
• Thermoregulation (control of body temperature)
• Digestion

People with Dysautonomia can have symptoms in any area of the body as the image below shows:

The Autonomic Nervous System contains 2 branches; the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. It is common very people living with Dysautonomia to experience an increase in activity of the Sympathetic System. The blow image shows the role of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic branches.

If you or your loved one is living with Dysautonomia you may want to consider intervention with an Allied Health Professional. Depending on the type of Dysautonomia there are many lifestyle changes such as increasing fluids, exercise and mindfulness which can help improve system management.

So which Allied Health Professional should you see?

If you have any questions for the team, or would like to book an appointment, please get in touch, or call our referrals team on (02) 9906 7777.