Dysautonomia: The Nervous System Disorder No One Talks About

Have you ever felt dizzy when standing up, experienced a racing heart for no reason, or dealt with mysterious fatigue that no doctor could explain? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. These are hallmark symptoms of a condition called dysautonomia, an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS). At Turnpaugh Health, we’re seeing more and more patients—especially women—struggling with these exact symptoms, often misdiagnosed or dismissed entirely.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what dysautonomia really is, why it’s so often overlooked, and how our root-cause approach can make a real difference.

What Is Dysautonomia?
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and even pupil dilation. Dysautonomia occurs when this system malfunctions, leading to a wide variety of symptoms that can seem disconnected or “all over the place.”

Common Symptoms of Dysautonomia:

• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting (especially when standing)

• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

• Low blood pressure or wide BP fluctuations

• Exercise intolerance

• Chronic fatigue or “crashes” after mild exertion

• Digestive issues (constipation, bloating, nausea)

• Brain fog and cognitive difficulties

• Heat intolerance or cold extremities

• Anxiety-like symptoms that aren’t emotionally driven

Subtypes You Might Have Heard Of:

• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): A form of dysautonomia where heart rate jumps dramatically upon standing.

• Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS): Involves fainting due to sudden drops in blood pressure or heart rate.

• Autonomic Neuropathy: Often related to diabetes, mold exposure, or chronic infections, affecting nerve function in the ANS.

What Causes Dysautonomia?
This is where functional medicine shines. Dysautonomia isn’t “in your head”—it’s usually a symptom of deeper dysfunction. At Turnpaugh Health, we look for root causes like:

• Chronic infections (e.g., Lyme disease, EBV, parasites)

• Mold toxicity / CIRS

• Autoimmune conditions

• Small fiber neuropathy

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (especially B12, magnesium, sodium)

• Trauma or nervous system dysregulation

• Mast cell activation or histamine issues

• Hormonal imbalances (especially adrenal dysfunction)

We don’t just chase symptoms. We connect the dots.

Functional Testing We May Use:

• Organic acids testing (OAT)

• Micronutrient panels

• Inflammatory markers and mold/mycotoxin panels

• Autoimmune antibody testing

• Heart rate variability (HRV) assessments

Our Approach to Dysautonomia:
Treatment plans are always personalized, but may include:

• IV hydration & nutrient therapy for acute support

• Electrolyte optimization with salt, minerals, and targeted hydration

• LDN or MCAS protocols for immune overactivation

• Gut and microbiome support

• Ozone therapy for chronic infection or inflammation

• Nervous system regulation tools (vagus nerve stimulation, craniosacral therapy, microcurrent neurofeedback)

• Hormonal balancing when adrenal or thyroid function is compromised

• Food-as-medicine approach to support mitochondrial and neurological health

You Are Not “Too Complex” For Us
Dysautonomia can feel overwhelming. Many patients come to us having seen dozens of specialists, carrying binders full of labs and no answers. If this is you, we want you to know:

You are not too complex.
You are not imagining it.
And there is a path forward.

Next Steps:
If you suspect you’re dealing with dysautonomia—or have a diagnosis but no support—schedule a consultation with one of our functional medicine providers. We’ll listen deeply, test thoroughly, and walk beside you with a comprehensive care plan.

🔗 Learn more about our approach to chronic illness at www.turnpaughhwc.com
📞 Call to schedule: 717-795-9566
📍 In-person or virtual visits available