Re: Adrenal Stress? - autonomic nervous system dysfunction Dysautonomia

[Guest guest]

Belinda, that definitely sounds like dysautonomia – autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Adrenal surges/high adrenalin is one of the typical symptom, but adrenals are just one of the organs affected (i.e. not THE cause).

Treatment depends on the actual causes – imo the same things that cause autism, and most/all of our kids have autonomic nervous system dysfunction, to varying degrees.

Def worth trying H1 histamine blockers – not guaranteed that they will work but there is not much as a first line option. Look into H1 type blockers, like ketotifen or loratidine or similar. Might help calm adrenaline and help with sleep. Beta blockers are sometimes used but much less successful and will be extremely dose sensitive imo.

Most websites on dysautomia describe its presentation in adults, most will have POTS and Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), which will not present that much in children. Trying to say that symptoms and diagnosis of dysautonomia will differ slightly in children, with less POTS and OI probably less obvious heart issues, until they reach adoloscence. Interestigly the male/female prevalence reverses around that time.

This website is more focused on dysautonomia in youths (again adolescents more than children). Thre is a good list of diagnosis that you may want to pursue (in order to get NHS treatments) http://www.dynakids.org/what.jsp

Dysautonomia is a medical term often utilized for a group of complex conditions that are caused by a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS regulates all of the unconscious functions of the body, including the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, metabolic system, and endocrine system. A dysfunction of the ANS can cause debilitating symptoms and may pose significant challenges for effective medical treatment.

Orthostatic intolerance (the inability to remain upright) is a hallmark of the various forms of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia conditions can range from mild to debilitating and, on rare occasions, can be life threatening. Each dysautonomia case is unique and treatment must be individualized and may include pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Patients should be evaluated by a physician who is well-versed in the recent treatment modalities.

Childhood dysautonomia conditions typically (but not always) strike adolescents, often after a period of very rapid growth. There is a female to male ratio of 5 to 1. Some patients report a sudden development of symptoms after a viral illness, immunization, or trauma. Others may see a more gradual onset. ....

The symptoms of dysautonomia conditions are usually " invisible " to the untrained eye. The afflicted child may visually appear to be as healthy as those around him. The manifestations are occurring internally, and although the symptoms are verified medically they are often not visible on the outside. Symptoms can be unpredictable, may come and go, appear in any combination, and may vary in severity. Often patients will become more symptomatic after a stressor or a physical activity. Patients may find themselves involuntarily limiting their life-style activities in order to compensate for the conditions.

Dysautonomia conditions are widely unknown to society at large. As a result, most people do not realize the impact such conditions have on those afflicted and their families. Children who have dysautonomia struggle with some of the most basic functions that healthy people take for granted, beginning with getting out of bed in the morning. Each day and each moment brings new and unexpected obstacles. Yet, despite the betrayal of an uncooperative body, these young individuals face life with profound courage and incredible strength.

Symptoms of dysautonomia may include: Tachycardia (extremely fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), palpitations, chest pain, dangerously low blood pressure, wide swings/sudden drops in blood pressure, orthostatic intolerance (the inability to remain upright), excessive fatigue, exercise intolerance, dizziness, fainting/near fainting, gastrointestinal problems, nausea, insomnia, shortness of breath, anxiety, tremulousness, frequent urination, convulsions, cognitive impairment, visual blurring or tunneling, and migraines.

Most of our DYNA members are diagnosed with conditions such as: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH), Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS), Vasovagal Syncope, Generalized Dysautonomia, Birth Dysautonomia, Non-Familial Dysautonomia, and Post-Viral Dysautonomia. There is also a distinctive form of dysautonomia called Familial Dysautonomia (FD). Familial Dysautonomia has been identified in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish extraction and has wonderful organizations directed towards serving the children afflicted with it.

Btw dysautonimia is extremely common in both fybromialgia and ME/CFS, you may want to have a look around those websites and forums for experiences and treatmments http://www.cfidsreport.com/Articles/CFS/Autonomic_Nervous_System_Dysfunction_CFS.htm

Hth

Natasa