What is the prognosis for autonomic dysfunction?

[Richard1030]

I have been feeling pretty bad since June.  I have had nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, chills,sweats and more.  I was diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction this weekend.  I was also told I had orthostatic hypotension and was in the hospital this past weekend.  They tried daily IV fluids but I remained orthostatic.  I was told that with the autonomic dysfunction there was not much they could do, except put me on a medication that would seriously raise my blood pressure.  I already have high blood pressure and was advised not to take ny of my hypertensive meds.  I have a neurology appt. on Nov. 2 and have been told that since this is considered a chronic problem there is no urgency.  I have been trying since early July to get to the bottom of all this, first at the VA hospital in NH and then at the VA hospital, here in Atlanta, GA.  In NH, after 3 ER visits and 1 stress test, they said all my results were normal and they could find nothing wrong.  Here in GA I have been diagnosed with prostatitus, bradychardia, and orthostatic hypotension.  After my recent 4 day hospital stay, I was told they think it is an autonomic dysfunction.

Is this something that I am just going to have to learn to live with?  My search for a prognosis for autonomic dysfunction on the internet has not been very encouraging.

Thank you.

[lindaibm]

I also have been struggling with what I believe are 2-3 possible Autonomic Dysfunctions: POTS, Neurally Mediated Orthostatic Hypotension (and Syncope), many times of extreme Hypertension. It is believed this has been caused by gradual deterioation of the Autonomic System (i.e., afferent baroreceptors) due to bilateral Aides Tonic Pupil that I have had for at least 3 decades. It's common for my blood pressure to be in the 50/35 range and at times in the 250/150 range. It has actually gone to 300/180 before going into a prolonged Grand Mal Seizure that led to shutting down all of my senses, including my ability to breathe. I turned deep shades of blue and experienced swelling in my brain. I knew nothing for several days in the hospital. My blood pressure rises in "seconds" well over 200. Likewise, it also falls in seconds from sitting or lying to standing. I have been to many specialists  in  many places.

I would like to compare symptoms and discuss if you have found any "real" help or a helpful doctor. Thanks.

[Richard1030]

Thank you for your response.  I have my neurology appointment next Tuesday and will see what comes out of that.  Meanwhile I will try to keep to normal activities as much as I can.  My wife has made it clear that, for the time being, power tools and ladders are out of the question.  (Something about unsteadiness and tremors making those things unsafe.)

Thanks, again

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[Dr Sharma]

Welcome to the neurology forum of medhelp. Thanks for writing in. You have orthostatic intolerance due to autonomic dysfunction causing light headedness, palpitations, weakness and tremors while attempting to be upright. This is due to inadequate blood pressure in the cerebral circulatory system.
Diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension is made when someone experiences a decrease of blood pressure ,not more than 20/10 mm Hg when trying to stand and heart rate increase of less than 30 beats/min. MRI brain and clonidine test to differentiate between parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy. Consult your neurologist, treatment is centred on supportive measuresand treatment of underlying diseases and disorders in cases of secondary autonomic dysfunction symptoms.
Orthostatic hypotension drugs used are fludrocortisones, ephedrine, midodrine along with head end elevation of the bed and dietary modifications to relieve symptoms of dizziness.
There are no specific cures for severe and progressive dysautonomias, hence attempt is made to maintain mobility and function as far as possible. Walking aids and for reaching,positioning devices, strategies for posture maintenance  and of  blood pressure while rising can be provided by occupational therapists. I hope this information helps you. Take care and keep me posted.