Symptoms Management: Autonomic Loss of Function

In her presentation, Dr. Jill Schofield, an internist with expertise in autonomic function and dysfunction, discusses the management and understanding of dysautonomia, particularly focusing on cardiovascular aspects like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Dr. Schofield explains the complexity of the autonomic nervous system and its role in maintaining homeostasis. She emphasizes the potential of cardiovascular dysautonomia being overshadowed by other symptoms in conditions like multiple sclerosis, but highlights its significant impact on quality of life. The talk includes discussing symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance due to impaired autonomic response to standing, caused by inadequate blood perfusion to the brain. Dr. Schofield also covers various management strategies, including lifestyle changes, graded exercise beginning with recumbent positions, and the importance of both salt and fluid intake to maintain blood volume. She identifies triggers and stresses the importance of avoiding them to manage dysautonomia better, offering practical advice like using compression garments and avoiding stressful or overwhelming environments.