The Royal Music & Ar Group

Dysautonomia: The Rising Awareness of a Hidden Neurological Disorder

Dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), is gaining increasing attention in medical and public discourse. Once largely overlooked, this group of conditions is now emerging at the forefront of chronic illness research, particularly in the context of long COVID, wearable technologies, and personalized care.

What Is Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia refers to a broad range of conditions that result in malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and hormonal balance.

Common forms of dysautonomia include:

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – A condition in which standing up causes an abnormally high increase in heart rate, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and sometimes fainting.

Neurocardiogenic Syncope – Characterized by sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure, causing fainting.

Orthostatic Hypotension – A significant drop in blood pressure upon standing that can cause lightheadedness and blurred vision.

Other symptoms of dysautonomia span multiple body systems and may include nausea, palpitations, extreme fatigue, cognitive difficulties ("brain fog"), gastrointestinal problems, urinary issues, sweating abnormalities, and visual disturbances.

Who Is Affected?

It’s estimated that over 70 million people worldwide suffer from some form of dysautonomia. POTS alone affects an estimated 1 to 3 million Americans, with approximately 85% of patients being women between the ages of 15 and 50.

One of the most troubling aspects of dysautonomia is how long it typically takes for individuals to receive a diagnosis. Many patients report seeing multiple healthcare providers and waiting 4 to 7 years before being accurately diagnosed.

Why Dysautonomia Is Trending

Several factors have contributed to the rising awareness and interest in dysautonomia:

Long COVID Connection: One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the strong correlation between long COVID and dysautonomia. A large portion of patients experiencing long COVID symptoms — including fatigue, heart palpitations, and cognitive dysfunction — are now being diagnosed with POTS or other autonomic dysfunctions. Studies indicate that over 60% of long COVID patients exhibit signs of autonomic impairment.

Younger Patient Demographic: Unlike many chronic diseases that predominantly affect older adults, dysautonomia often impacts teenagers and young adults. This demographic shift has brought more attention to the disorder, especially through social media platforms where patients share their struggles and advocate for awareness.

Wearable Health Technology: With the rise of wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers, many individuals are discovering abnormal heart rate patterns and other signs of dysautonomia on their own. These tools are now being leveraged to support earlier diagnosis and better symptom tracking.