Autonomic Function Disorders and POTS

The film features Dr. Laurence Kinsella, a board-certified neurologist who discusses autonomic function disorders with a focus on POTS. He uses the case of Darren Roesner, a patient with POTS, to illustrate how these disorders affect involuntary body functions, particularly blood pressure and heart rate upon standing. Symptoms include dizziness, syncope, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, which are commonly misdiagnosed. Kinsella shares the diagnostic process, including tilt table testing, which confirmed Darren's POTS and vasovagal syncope. Management includes non-pharmacological methods like graded exercise, compression garments, and in some cases, medications like beta-blockers. The combination of treatments has significantly improved Darren's condition, underscoring that while POTS isn't curable, it is manageable with proper treatment.