Dysautonomia (also called autonomic dysfunction) happens when the autonomic nervous system (ANS) doesn't work properly. The ANS controls involuntary body functions — things your body does automatically without you thinking about it.
In MS, demyelination (nerve damage) can disrupt these automatic processes, especially if Show Full Answer
Dysautonomia (also called autonomic dysfunction) happens when the autonomic nervous system (ANS) doesn't work properly. The ANS controls involuntary body functions — things your body does automatically without you thinking about it.
In MS, demyelination (nerve damage) can disrupt these automatic processes, especially if lesions develop in key areas of the brain or spinal cord. Dysautonomia in MS can show up in several ways, including:
- Bladder problems
- Digestive issues
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive sweating
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Rapid heart rate when standing (POTS)
- Fainting or blacking out One MyMSTeam member shared, "I have palpitations when I wake up in the morning and difficulty swallowing, along with many other symptoms that fit dysautonomia."
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it's really worth bringing them up with a neurologist. Some symptoms — like heart palpitations or fainting — can feel alarming and deserve proper evaluation.
August 11
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