Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used to describe several different medical conditions that cause a malfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System. The Autonomic Nervous System controls the "automatic" functions of the body that we do not consciously think about, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, dilation and constriction of the pupils of the eye, kidney function, and temperature control.
M.E./CFS
Solve ME
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a serious, chronic, complex, and systemic disease associated with neurological, immunological, autonomic, and energy metabolism dysfunction. Individuals with ME/CFS experience a range of symptoms including significant impairment in function, post-exertional malaise, sleep impairment, cognitive issues, pain, orthostatic intolerance, flu-like symptoms, sensory intolerance, gastrointestinal and genitourinary issues. Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the hallmark of the disease in which even trivial amounts of activity result in a prolonged exacerbation of symptoms and a further reduction in function.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition which can develop in children or adults. MCAS forms part of a spectrum of mast cell disorders.
Chemicals called "mast cell mediators" are released too frequently or abundantly, and/or in response to triggers that are not typically considered to be harmful, for example; foods or chemicals in the environment. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body.
EDS: Ehler's-Danlo's Syndromes
and other forms of Hyper-mobility Syndrome & Connective Tissue Disorder
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. The conditions are caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Each type of EDS has its own set of features with distinct diagnostic criteria. Some features are seen across all types of EDS, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility.
Joint hypermobility is observed throughout the body in most types of EDS, but hypermobility may be limited to the hands and feet in some types. Although joint hypermobility is observed across all types of EDS, not everyone with a type of EDS has joint hypermobility.
Fibromyalgia (pronounced fy-bro-my-AL-ja) is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects an estimated 5 to 8 million Americans. While it occurs most often in women, it can occur in men and children, and all ethnic backgrounds. For those with severe symptoms, fibromyalgia (FM) can be extremely debilitating and interfere with basic daily activities. Many with Fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Migraines, and Interstitial Cystitis.
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease which in the US is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi or newly discovered Borrelia mayonii. The bacteria can attack all of the systems in the body and produce many different Lyme disease symptoms, which is why it has often been called the great imitator.