Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia refers to a group of medical conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling many involuntary bodily functions. The autonomic nervous system regulates things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, body temperature, and other essential processes that occur automatically without conscious control.

In dysautonomia, there is a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, leading to disruptions in how various organs and systems in the body function. The causes of dysautonomia can vary and may include genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, nerve damage, infections, or other underlying medical conditions.

Dysautonomia can result in a wide range of symptoms that may vary among individuals but commonly include:

• dizziness
• difficulty standing
• palpitations or increased heart rate
• difficulty concentrating
• fatigue
• nausea or digestive system problems
• breathing difficulties

Other related symptoms may not only impact at home, but also at work, including:

• temperature regulation difficulties - sensitivity to temperature changes, excessive sweating, or difficulty adjusting to temperature changes
• neurological symptoms - headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or cognitive impairment
• cardiovascular issues - fluctuations in heart rate, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or palpitations

Living with dysautonomia can present many challenges. People with Dysautonomia may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can impact their ability to work, study, or engage in social activities. It can impact social relationships, as people may need to make lifestyle adjustments, cancel plans due to symptoms, or limit their participation in certain activities. Finding understanding and support from family, friends, colleagues and peers is crucial.

Dysautonomia does not stop you from having dreams, goals, or career plans. However, it may mean your employer needs to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you can meet your performance objectives. An example of a reasonable adjustment would be that you may need to work flexibly, part time or in a job share if you are no longer able to meet full time hours to manage your symptoms more effectively. Employers are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure reasonable adjustments are implemented and you are supported to meet your full potential.