Dysautonomia

What is Dysautonomia? 

When we think about our nervous system, we most commonly think about our brain and spinal cord. We also have nerves that run all over our bodies so we can feel and move. In addition, we have a lesser-known part called the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

You may have heard of the “fight or flight” reaction. This happens when we sense danger and we either “fight” or “flee.” Our ANS system is part of the nervous system that helps keep us safe, regulate our organs, and keep us alive.

There are two components to the ANS. The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic part is the “fight or flight.” The sympathetic part keeps our body processes in check.

Dysautonomia can be related to many disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos system, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Signs and symptoms of dysautonomia include:

It is essential to address autonomic dysfunction as part of your treatment program. Our physical therapists are educated in these disorders and will address them as needed in your therapy program. 

While therapists do not treat the autonomic nervous system directly we do take care of patients with diseases that affect the ANS. By our intervention with motor and sensory systems, we can help address issues of the ANS.