Autonomic Dysfunction

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Autonomic Dysfunction

Low blood pressure and dizziness, increased thirst, polyuria, cold

extremities, and night sweats are a few of the symptoms that reflect

autonomic dysfunction in CFIDS/FMS. A recent study at Hopkins Hospital

showed that a majority of CFIDS patients had neurally mediated hypotension

(NMH) on tilt table testing.22 This means that CFIDS/FMS patients can

severely drop their blood pressure with standing or minimal exertion. If the

patient has a low BP or dizziness or a positive tilt table test, a treatment

trial is appropriate. I predominantly use clinical history and the poor

mans tilt table test (free instead of $1,800), which consists of having

the patient stand and lean against the wall for ten minutes. If this

aggravates symptoms, the test is positive. Treatment consists of markedly

increasing salt and water intake. Treating adrenal insufficiency as

discussed above is also helpful. For those familiar with applied kinesiology

using Autonomic Response Testing (developed by Dr. D Klinghardt) and other

protocols can also be helpful. The medications Fluoxetine (Prozac),

sertraline (Zoloft), ephedrine (not pseudoephedrine), and dextroamphetamine

(Dexedrine) are also effective in treating NMH in CFIDS patients. I rarely

use Florinef in anyone over 18 years old.

http://www.townsendletter.com/Oct_2002/fibromyalgia1002.htm