08/10/2026
💙 October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month
Dysautonomia, also known as autonomic dysfunction, is a group of conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system — the system that helps regulate things like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion and more.
One common form is orthostatic intolerance, where symptoms develop or worsen when standing or remaining upright. Two common types are:
• Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) — blood pressure drops when upright.
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) — heart rate increases abnormally when standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure.
Symptoms can vary, but may include:
💓 Fast heart rate & palpitations
🌀 Dizziness, lightheadedness & fainting
🧠 Brain fog & headaches
😴 Fatigue & exercise intolerance
👁️ Blurred vision
🥶 Temperature regulation problems & cold extremities
🦵 Leg swelling or colour changes when standing
🤢 Nausea & gastrointestinal symptoms
💧 Sweating, sleep and bladder disturbances
Dysautonomia can be invisible, unpredictable and life-changing.
This October, help spread understanding, reduce stigma and remind others that symptoms you can't see can still have a significant impact.
If this sounds like something you struggle with reach out to your medical professional for help. Once diagnosed, treatments can include:
💙Increasing fluids and sodium
💙Identifying triggers
💙Cooling garments
💙Gentle exercise rehab
💙Energy pacing
💙Compression garments
💙Prescribed medications.
(AI-generated image used; concept and accuracy reviewed by qualified Physiotherapist)
