ms with autonomic instability

[Tina3570]

Is it common for a person that has M.S. to have symptoms of autonomic instability?

[Patty0427]

Hi, Tina!

I am yet another person who was diagnosed with Autonomic Dysfunction, or AD, back in 2010. I was diagnosed with MS in 2007, but I was also prediagnosed with having it at least 12 years prior to that.

Back in 2010, I started having migraines that would not let up; they totally took over my life, and I was unable to function at all. I actually could not open my eyes, lift my head without severe pain, or focus my eyes. The headache had lasted for about a week, so I'd been suffering that long. The neurologist contacted my MS neurologist, and I was admitted to the hospital. During my 11 day stay, my blood pressure bottomed out so badly that I only had one number registering. I could not open my eyes at all, I was vomiting, I had a terrible foot drop, and I was unable to sleep; it felt as though I could stay awake for days, even though my body was incredibly exhausted. Finally, the diagnosis was made, and I was discharged on mitidrine, which had excellent results.
I had to take my blood pressure three times aday for a month, and finally, the symptoms subsided. When I went to my neurologist, he confirmed that AD was in fact very common in patients with MS, and that he was going to watch this from now on. (The reason why I had to see the other neurologist was because my doc didn't have privileges in the hospital where I was admitted.) I wasn't told I had POTS, I was told I had Dysautonomia.
Recently, I began having symptoms again. I can't control my sweating, my internal thermostat is completely off, my blood pressure is low again, the migraines are starting, and I am not sleeping at all. I'm calling the doc tomorrow, but pretty much, the treatment is supportive with medications. Since mitidrine has been discontinued, apparently, I'll have to ask him for something else. I'm not upset by this, just grateful that now, at least I know. I'm taking it, one day at a time, meditating, and hoping I can get back to my yoga practice and doing things around my home as soon as I am able.

I wish you all the very best of luck with this "wonderful" side effect of this very unpredictable disease. God bless.
~Patty

[tonyad]

    Hi Tina,
     Yes, and I am one of those who have a dx of MS and Autonomic Dysfunction (NCS).
it is more common than once thought. Now, that is not to say that just because someone has an Autonomic Dysfunction that they will or do have MS.

    How long have you been dx w/ MS? What Autonomic Dysfunction are you dealing with?  

     And....I also wnated to Welcome you to the Forum as I do not believe we have met yet :)  I hope you stick around and get info you need, ask questions you want, or just come to vent..

     Hope you had a great weekend.
~Tonya

[san635]

Yes. From all the research I have read it is a secondary cause resulting from the MS. Symptoms can range so greatly from individual to individual. The autonomic nervous system is so complex. It is difficult to run anyone test. When they rule out causes of Dysautonomia MS is listed as a cause.Try the website Dinet.org if you have not already. Mayo clinic in Rochester is very very helpful. We are there now. My daughters cause is different.