Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition in which a reduced blood volume occurs when standing up.
POTS is usually therefore triggered when a person stands up after lying down.
POTS is a form of dysautonomia — which refers to disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system is the body system that controls involuntary functions such as breathing, sweating, and heart rate – the functions of the body that occur without you actively thinking about them.
A dysautonomia disorder involves the failure of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system.
When someone suffers from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), standing can cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and brain fog. POTS cases can be mild for some people and more severe for others.
POTS cannot be cured, but there are a variety of treatments that can help manage symptoms.
Due to the nature of the disorder, POTS is often misdiagnosed. Common misdiagnoses include anxiety or panic attacks, chronic fatigue, vasovagal Syncope, or inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should check in with your GP or healthcare professional as soon as possible.
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
Insufficient blood flow to the brain can lead to lightheadedness or passing out when a person stands up. POTS results in a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system, which causes the blood vessels not to tighten enough, subsequently causing the brain not to receive enough blood. This can result in extreme dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up. This is one of the most common symptoms of POTs, both in the percentage of people that experience it and how often it occurs for patients who do.
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Fainting (Syncope)
Fainting, known medically as syncope, is the loss of consciousness due to decreased blood and oxygen to the brain. POTS reduces the blood flow back to the brain upon standing, so syncope is one of the most common signs someone may have the disorder. Other symptoms, such as lightheadedness and dizziness, can eventually lead to a total or near-total loss of consciousness. While fainting in itself is not particularly harmful, it can lead to injury if a person falls in the process. It is also a discomforting experience that can impact a person’s health and happiness.
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Brain fog
In POTS syndrome, brain fog was reported to be common and described most commonly as difficulty concentrating, thinking, and communicating. The reason for brain fog occurring isn’t currently known. Brain fog is a common symptom in many chronic disorders. However, if you are noticing brain fog and other symptoms associated with POTS, it may be a good idea to see a doctor about a diagnosis. While this symptom can be mildly irritating, it can have severe effects on a person’s ability to function in their day-to-day life over a long period of time.
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Sweating and shaking
In POTS patients, increased sweating has been reported, as well as decreased sweating. Shaking is also a common symptom for people with this condition. Shaking is potentially caused by a lack of proper blood flow to the brain when standing up. These tremors vary from person to person but, generally speaking, can make a sufferer more uneasy when upright. Sweating is caused by an increase in heart rate, which may be due to an increase in adrenaline and other stress hormones caused by improper circulation.
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Nausea and vomiting
Some people suffer from bouts of nausea and vomiting, as well as other IBS-like symptoms. The reasons for this are complex and are related to the fact that POTS changes the way the nervous system regulates the stomach. In severe cases, patients may become incontinent. These issues can range from being uncomfortable to debilitating, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Employment assistance for POTS
POTS symptoms can impact an individual’s day-to-day life; many people, however, are able to maintain a healthy work and life balance with the right support.
If you believe your POTS symptoms are affecting your ability to either find or keep a job, employment support is available to you for free.
With the Disability Employment Service, professional providers can help you to find meaningful work as well as help to make the workplace a more comfortable and accessible environment for you and your needs.
