The symptoms of dysautonomia conditions are usually “invisible” to the untrained eye. To the casual observer, the dysautonomia patient can appear to be healthy. The manifestations of the conditions are occurring internally, and although the symptoms are quantifiable and verifiable medically they are not visible on the outside (people cannot see fast heart rates, blood pressure changes, dizziness, migraines, stomach pain etc.).
Symptoms of dysautonomia can be unpredictable, may come and go, appear in any combination, and usually vary in severity (wax and wane).
Some symptoms seem to occur in intense phases.
Patients often become more symptomatic after a stressor or physical activity (which can mistakingly lead to chronic avoidance of physical activity contributing to additional decline).
Students are encouraged to remain in school if at all possible. Often they will require 504 or IEP modifications in their educational programs. Symptoms can occasionally be severe enough that patients may require consideration for placement in full or part time homebound teaching programs for health impaired students. The social isolation experienced by not being able to attend school or community activities is one of the hardest things for these patients to deal with. It is essential that school systems make every possible effort to help these students remain in school and/or to keep homebound students connected to their peers.
Since patients afflicted with dysautonomia are usually normal in appearance, it can be a hard condition for laypeople to understand. Even the general physician sometimes misses the clues leading to a proper diagnosis. The symptoms are often difficult for the very young patient to verbalize and the conditions are not always promptly recognized.
Traditionally, cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiologists can efficiently diagnose and treat dysautonomia patients. Sometimes neurologists and other specialists get involved as well. Families often find themselves desperately traveling great distances to the few pediatric dysautonomia specialists throughout the country for a proper diagnosis and innovative treatment.
Symptoms of dysautonomia may include:
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Orthostatic Intolerance |
Shortness of Breath Mood Swings Anxiety Vertigo Migraines Tremulousness Noise/light sensitivity Insomnia Frequent Urination Temperature Regulation Problems Brain fog/forgetfulness Inability to concentrate Difficulty with recall Appetite Disturbance Hypersensitivity to sensory stimulation |
