DYSAUTONOMIA RESOURCES

Stop Googling in the dark.

Here’s my curated collection of reliable dysautonomia guides, advocacy links, and support groups to help you manage your health with more confidence.

What is Dysautonomia?

“Dysautonomia” is an umbrella term for conditions that mess with your autonomic nervous system… the part of your nervous system that runs on autopilot.

Your autonomic nervous system controls the things your body does without you thinking about it… like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, temperature control, sweating, and digestion.

When you have dysautonomia, one or more of those “autopilot” functions don’t work the way they should. Because that system affects so many things, dysautonomia can show up in a lot of different ways… like dizziness, fainting, extreme fatigue, chest discomfort, and mood changes. It can be mild for some people and severe for others.

You might also hear it called autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy.

What is Dysautonomia?

“Dysautonomia” is an umbrella term for conditions that mess with your autonomic nervous system… the part of your nervous system that runs on autopilot.

Your autonomic nervous system controls the things your body does without you thinking about it… like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, temperature control, sweating, and digestion.

When you have dysautonomia, one or more of those “autopilot” functions don’t work the way they should. Because that system affects so many things, dysautonomia can show up in a lot of different ways… like dizziness, fainting, extreme fatigue, chest discomfort, and mood changes. It can be mild for some people and severe for others.

You might also hear it called autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy.

POTS Basics

POTS is one type of dysautonomia, which means the body’s “autopilot” nervous system isn’t working right. The autopilot system controls things you don’t think about, like your heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and body temperature.

With POTS, the big tell is what happens when you stand up…your heart rate jumps up way more than it should, and that comes with a specific set of symptoms.

What makes POTS different?
The big clue happens when you stand up…

  • Your heart rate jumps up way more than it should

  • You get a specific set of symptoms (often dizziness, lightheadedness, shaky feeling, brain fog, nausea, fatigue)

  • Symptoms usually improve when you sit or lie down

POTS Basics

POTS is one type of dysautonomia, which means the body’s “autopilot” nervous system isn’t working right. The autopilot system controls things you don’t think about, like your heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and body temperature.

With POTS, the big tell is what happens when you stand up…your heart rate jumps up way more than it should, and that comes with a specific set of symptoms.

What makes POTS different?
The big clue happens when you stand up…

  • Your heart rate jumps up way more than it should

  • You get a specific set of symptoms (often dizziness, lightheadedness, shaky feeling, brain fog, nausea, fatigue)

  • Symptoms usually improve when you sit or lie down

(Not a diagnostic checklist. just a "me too" list.)

Dysautonomia Symptoms

When your body’s “autopilot” is on the fritz…

Symptoms can vary widely and often fluctuate from day to day.

Standing & Circulation

-Dizziness, lightheadedness upon standing, rapid heart rate, shaky feeling

Brain & Nervous System

-Brain fog, headaches, sensory overload, sleep disturbances (insomnia/waking)

Temperature & Sweating

-Heat intolerance (too hot/cold), sweating issues

GI & Digestian

-Nausea, bloating, stomach issues

Fatigue & Recovery

-Extreme fatigue, post-excertional crash

You Don't Need Every Symptom

A “core set” is enough. Others may come and go.

You Don't Need Every Symptom

A “core set” is enough. Others may come and go.

ALERT:

wHEN SYMPTOMS ARE URGENT

  • Severe chest pain
  • Fainting with injury
  • Blue lips, severe shortness of breath
  • Stroke-like symptoms
  • Thunderclap headache

@MOMWITHATUBE

If you’re here for honest chronic illness life, dysautonomia support, and little doses of hope, you’ll like my Facebook corner.

@MOMWITHATUBE

If you’re here for honest chronic illness life, dysautonomia support, and little doses of hope, you’ll like my Facebook corner.

Last Updated: January 2026.
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