Autonomic Disorders Treatment in India

Myra Roy, a 58-year-old retired librarian,...

Myra Roy, a 58-year-old retired librarian, had always been active but began experiencing unexplained episodes over two years. She would suddenly feel dizzy and lightheaded, her vision would blur, and she'd nearly faint when standing up from her chair or getting out of bed. Simple tasks like grocery shopping became exhausting, as she'd break into cold sweats and feel her heart pounding erratically. Her primary care doctor ruled out cardiac issues and suggested it might be anxiety, but Myra knew it was physical. She felt frustrated and scared, withdrawing from social activities for fear of an episode in public. A neurologist, Dr. Evans, suspected Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a type of dysautonomia. He recommended autonomic testing, including a tilt table test and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART). The testing day was challenging; the tilt table test provoked her familiar, frightening symptoms under controlled conditions, which was emotionally draining but also validating. The tests confirmed POTS. With a clear diagnosis, Myra started a treatment plan of increased salt/fluid intake, compression garments, and a tailored exercise regimen. Six months later, while she still has bad days, her episodes are less frequent and severe. She can garden again and meet friends for coffee. The emotional journey shifted from fear and isolation to validation and cautious optimism. She now has a name for her condition and a path forward, regaining a sense of control over her life.