Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS is a form of dysautonomia, or dysregulation of the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. Traditionally, it has been viewed as a peripheral nervous system (any part but the brain and spinal cord), and classified as either a nerve, adrenal, or tissue problem. The new article discussed suggests re-classifying it as a central nervous system disorder because it primarily affects the parts of the brain that regulate the autonomic nervous system. These parts include the brainstem, cerebellum, limbic system, amygdala, and insular cortex. This change can lead to more research on the best therapies for POTS. Check out the video for more in depth information on POTS and the basis for our treatment approach!
Blitshteyn S. Is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) a central nervous system disorder? [published online ahead of print, 2021 Mar 7]. J Neurol. 2021;1-8.
