What is Dysautonomia? Types, Symptoms, and Causes

What is Dysautonomia? Understanding the Condition

Have you ever stood up too quickly, felt dizzy, and thought you were about to faint? Now imagine that feeling happening multiple times a day sometimes with no warning at all. That’s the reality for many people living with Dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for disorders involving the autonomic nervous system (ANS) the system that manages automatic bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. When the ANS doesn’t function properly, daily life can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.

🚨 My Personal Experience with Dysautonomia

No two cases of Dysautonomia are alike, but one sensation connects almost everyone: fainting feels like your body is shutting down beyond your control. For me, it was terrifying. I fainted 13 times a day on average, sometimes even more. My husband, ever the optimist, encouraged me to keep that “average” number as a way of staying positive.

My Dysautonomia was a complicated mix POTS, fainting spells, chest pain, fibromyalgia, severe hormonal imbalance, and overall weakness. I had a long list of symptoms, but as my husband always said, “Let’s keep it positive!”

For many people, the challenges extend far beyond fainting. Common struggles include brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, digestive distress, and unpredictable heart palpitations. Everyday tasks like eating a meal or walking across the room can suddenly become monumental challenges.

Types of Dysautonomia

Doctors typically classify Dysautonomia into three broad categories: Primary, Secondary, and Idiopathic.

1. Primary Dysautonomia

Here, the autonomic dysfunction itself is the main disorder. Some examples include:

• Familial Dysautonomia – A rare inherited disorder that impairs the development of the ANS.

• Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) – A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting balance, movement, and autonomic control.

• Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF) – A condition where the ANS gradually declines, leading to blood pressure instability and fainting spells.

2. Secondary Dysautonomia

This is the most common form, triggered by another underlying health condition. Some key causes include:

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – Characterized by dizziness and rapid heart rate when standing.

• Diabetes – Can damage nerves and affect heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure.

• Autoimmune Disorders – Conditions like Lupus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, or Multiple Sclerosis.

• Infections – Chronic infections such as Lyme Disease, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), or Long COVID.

• Neurological Conditions – Parkinson’s Disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or Chiari Malformation.

3. Idiopathic Dysautonomia

Sometimes, no cause can be identified. These cases are called idiopathic, making diagnosis and treatment much more complex.

Common Symptoms of Dysautonomia

Because the ANS regulates so many functions, symptoms vary from person to person. Below are the most common:

Cardiovascular Symptoms:

• Dizziness or fainting when standing (Orthostatic Intolerance)

• Rapid or slow heart rate (Tachycardia/Bradycardia)

• Fluctuating blood pressure

Neurological Symptoms:

• Brain fog and poor concentration

• Headaches and migraines

• Lightheadedness or vertigo

Digestive Symptoms:

• Nausea and bloating

• Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)

• Constipation or diarrhea

Metabolic & Hormonal Symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue and weakness

• Intolerance to heat or cold

• Unexplained weight fluctuations

Sleep & Mood Disorders:

• Insomnia or non-restorative sleep

• Anxiety and depression

• Sensory overload (sensitivity to lights, sounds, smells)

How Dysautonomia Impacts Daily Life

Dysautonomia doesn’t just bring physical challenges—it reshapes entire lifestyles:

• Exercise Intolerance – Even light activity can lead to exhaustion and symptom flare-ups.

• Social Isolation – Many avoid gatherings due to dizziness, brain fog, or fatigue.

• Unpredictability – Symptoms fluctuate daily, making it difficult to plan work or social commitments.

For some, the condition is mild. For others, it can be debilitating requiring constant adaptations and symptom management.

How is Dysautonomia Diagnosed?

Because it impacts multiple systems, Dysautonomia is often mistaken for anxiety, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome. A correct diagnosis usually involves:

• Tilt Table Test – Tracks blood pressure and heart rate when moving from lying to standing.

• Autonomic Function Testing – Measures nervous system responses to stressors.

• Blood Tests & Neurological Exams – Help identify or rule out underlying conditions.

If you suspect Dysautonomia, seek out a healthcare provider experienced in autonomic disorders.

Supporting Recovery & Wellness

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, many people find relief through lifestyle adjustments, medications, and supplements that target underlying imbalances.

For example:

• If hormonal imbalance is a trigger, Wellhistic’s Hormone & PMS Support can help stabilize cycles and reduce fatigue.

• For those struggling with sleep disruption, Sleep Bliss supports restorative rest, which is essential for managing flare-ups.

Next Steps: What Can You Do?

Learning about Dysautonomia is the first step toward managing it. In the next post of this series, we’ll explore Top 10 Medications for Dysautonomia their benefits, how they work, and potential side effects.

👉 Until then:

• Take our Dysautonomia Symptom Quiz (linked here)

• Join our Support Community for resources and guidance

• Read our next blog: Top 10 Dysautonomia Medications

💙 At Wellhistic, our mission is to go beyond symptom management—focusing instead on root causes and sustainable healing. Stay with us through this journey and take back control of your health.