Symptoms & Management of Autonomic Dysfunction in Ehlers-Danlos and Related Syndromes

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA - CHARLESTON, SC - JANUARY 4, 2020

The primary job of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is to maintain balance in the body and to respond to biological stress. It governs a lot of our involuntary bodily functions, or bodily functions that we do not consciously change. For instance, the ANS controls your heart rate, digestion of food, and breathing. When this system gets out of whack, sometimes called "dysautonomia", it can cause some pretty irritating symptoms that can affect any number of organ systems-- often making it hard to pinpoint a diagnosis or cause.

Dr. Alan Pocinki describes dysautonomia symptoms common in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and similar conditions like Chiari malformation. While the biological mechanisms for these symptoms are still not well-understood, there are real options available for patients who would like to try and find relief. Dr. Pocinki describes these options and what to look out for in patients with these symptoms.

This presentation was given on January 4, 2020 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. (2020)

 

Revised: 3/2020