Expert Q&A Comorbidities in Dysautonomia: Cause, Consequence or Coincidence

In a Q&A session during the 2020 Dysautonomia International Virtual Conference, experts including Dr. Clair Francomano and Dr. Brent Goodman discussed comorbidities in dysautonomia, specifically focusing on how conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and various autoimmune disorders often co-occur with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). They emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between correlation and causation among these conditions, highlighting a need for detailed research to uncover the underlying mechanisms. Dr. Goodman noted that conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome are common comorbidities in dysautonomia and discussed how hormonal changes could exacerbate symptoms, especially in women. Dr. Francomano called for multidisciplinary approaches and more comprehensive studies to better understand and manage these interconnected disorders. The session underscored the complexity of these conditions and the need for personalized care and extensive research to develop more effective treatments.