Headache Management in POTS with Dr. Karissa Arca

In this podcast episode, Dr. Karissa Arca from Mayo Clinic Arizona discusses headache management in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Headaches, including migraines, are significantly more common in individuals with dysautonomia, such as POTS. Dr. Arca explains that migraine, a primary headache disorder, involves dysfunction in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, and impacts autonomic centers, which may explain its prevalence in POTS patients. Treatment strategies for migraines in POTS patients include both preventive and abortive therapies, with some overlap in medications used for both POTS and migraines. She notes the importance of considering gut issues when selecting treatments due to their frequency in POTS patients. Dr. Arca also emphasizes the need for better research to understand the link between POTS and headaches and suggests that patients with severe or disruptive headaches should seek medical attention. Finally, she encourages patients to prepare a detailed history of their symptoms and treatments when consulting specialists.