21. Demystifying Dysautonomia with Svetlana Blitshteyn, M.D.

In this episode, Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, a board-certified neurologist specializing in dysautonomia, elaborates on the various disorders under the dysautonomia umbrella, focusing primarily on POTS. These conditions often co-occur with connective tissue disorders like EDS and Marfan syndrome. She provides an overview of who is at high risk for POTS, the common symptoms, and associated comorbidities such as small-fiber neuropathy, MCAS, and IBS. Diagnostic criteria for POTS include a significant increase in heart rate upon standing without a drop in blood pressure. Dr. Blitshteyn also discusses the potential links between dysautonomia and autoimmune disorders, noting the presence of certain antibodies in POTS patients. She touches on the impact of these disorders on patients' lives, highlighting that while some improve over time, many experience chronic symptoms. Lastly, there is an exploration into the use of immunotherapy for severe POTS cases resistant to standard treatments.