Autonomic Disorders

Autonomic disorders are serious neurological conditions that can severely impact every aspect of your daily functioning. When the autonomic nervous system malfunctions, it disrupts essential life-sustaining processes that your body normally handles automatically. 

At Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center in Arizona, our board-certified neurologists provide expert diagnosis and treatment or management for these complex neurological conditions that dramatically affect your quality of life.

How Critical is an Autonomic Disorder?

Your autonomic nervous system is fundamental to survival as it controls vital functions including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, body temperature, digestion, and organ function. When this system fails (a condition medically known as an autonomic disorder or dysautonomia), it can lead to severe, life-altering symptoms that require immediate medical attention and expert neurological care.

Recognizing the Symptoms of an Autonomic Disorder

Dysautonomia often presents itself through various symptoms that can affect multiple body systems:

Cardiovascular Symptoms

• Dangerous drops or spikes in blood pressure

• Severe heart rate irregularities

• Fainting episodes (syncope)

• Impaired blood flow to vital organs

 Neurological Symptoms

• Profound dizziness preventing normal movement

• Severe cognitive impairment affecting work and daily tasks

• Debilitating fatigue resistant to normal rest

• Intense headaches and migraines

Systematic Effects

• Severe temperature regulation abnormalities

• Significant gastrointestinal dysfunction

• Major sleep disturbances affecting health

• Substantial exercise intolerance

• Critical balance problems increasing fall risk
  

Diagnosing an Autonomic Disorder at Neurology Associates

Our state-of-the-art facilities in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, provide comprehensive diagnostic services for autonomic disorders. Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment, which is why we employ a multi-faceted diagnostic approach.

Our evaluation process integrates multiple components to ensure a thorough understanding of your condition. This includes a detailed review of your medical history, focusing on symptom progression and previous treatments. We perform a comprehensive physical examination, paying special attention to neurological signs and autonomic function indicators. Additionally, we conduct targeted laboratory testing to rule out other conditions and confirm our diagnosis.

If we suspect your condition to be an Autonomic Disorder, we’ll conduct the following diagnostic tests to confirm and further assess your condition:

• Tilt Table Testing: A diagnostic procedure that monitors blood pressure and heart rate responses to positional changes. This test is vital for diagnosing conditions like orthostatic hypotension and POTS.

• Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART): A non-invasive procedure that evaluates small nerve fiber function by measuring sweat gland response to stimulation.

• Thermoregulatory Sweat Testing: This test comprehensively assesses your body's sweat production patterns using special indicators. It helps visualize and identify areas of abnormal sweating to diagnose sweat gland dysfunction.

• Heart Rate Variability Testing: An advanced analysis that provides crucial insights into autonomic control of heart rhythm. This test measures beat-to-beat variations using sophisticated software for detailed evaluation.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): A non-invasive procedure that records and analyzes brain wave patterns using scalp electrodes during a 60-90 minute session.
  

Our Expert Treatment and Management Approach for Dysautonomia

At Neurology Associates, we understand that treating autonomic disorders requires a sophisticated, multifaceted approach. Our treatment plans are individually tailored to address your specific symptoms and challenges, drawing from our extensive range of medical and therapeutic options.

Our medical management strategies often include carefully prescribed medication protocols to address various aspects of autonomic dysfunction. These might include medications to regulate blood pressure, manage heart rhythm, control specific symptoms, address pain, and reduce anxiety when needed. Each medication plan is carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure optimal effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

We believe in the power of integrative care approaches to complement traditional medical treatments. This includes working with you to develop effective lifestyle modification strategies, implement stress management techniques, and improve sleep patterns. Our team provides expert guidance on nutrition and hydration management, which can significantly impact autonomic function.

Schedule a Consultation with Us!

Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you understand and manage your condition through our comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approach. Our expert neurologists in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, provide specialized care tailored to your needs.

Take control of your health today by scheduling a consultation with our autonomic disorder specialists. We understand that seeking medical care should be convenient and accessible, which is why we offer both in-person appointments and teleconsultation services. Whether you prefer to visit our state-of-the-art facilities or connect with our experts from the comfort of your home, we're committed to providing you with exceptional neurological care that can help improve your quality of life. Connect with us today to begin your journey towards better health and enhanced well-being!