22. Managing Dysautonomia with Svetlana Blitshteyn, M.D.

In this interview, Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, a neurologist specializing in dysautonomia, discusses various strategies for managing POTS and related conditions. She highlights non-pharmacological approaches such as increased fluid and salt intake, compression garments, and specific exercises like using recumbent bikes or swimming. Dr. Blitshteyn emphasizes the importance of addressing comorbidities like EDS, autoimmune disorders, and MCAS, which frequently accompany POTS, to improve overall symptom burden. She also touches upon the role of sleep disturbances in POTS patients and the potential need for medications when symptoms are severe. The discussion extends to the impact of vaccinations and post-viral dysautonomia, including insights from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the need for personalized treatment approaches. She calls for more education on autonomic disorders in the medical community and anticipates advancements in research and treatment approaches.