15 Types of Dysautonomia: Symptoms, Causes, and More

If your body sometimes acts like it forgot how to “automatic,” you’re not imagining things.
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for disorders of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)the behind-the-scenes crew that runs
your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature control, sweating, digestion, and more.
When the ANS gets glitchy, you can feel dizzy, wiped out, sweaty (or weirdly not sweaty), nauseated, foggy, shaky, or like your heart is trying to win a sprint… while you’re just standing there.

Dysautonomia can be mild, episodic, or seriously disruptive. It can show up on its own, tag along with another condition, or appear after illness or injury.
The tricky part is that symptoms can look “random” until you recognize the pattern: your automatic functions aren’t regulating smoothly.

What Is Dysautonomia, Exactly?

Dysautonomia means abnormal function of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS has two big branchessympathetic (your “go mode”) and parasympathetic (your “rest and digest” mode).
In dysautonomia, the balance and signaling between these systems may be off, leading to misfires in heart rate and blood pressure control, digestion, temperature regulation, pupil response, bladder function, and sweating.

Some dysautonomias are “primary” (the autonomic dysfunction is the main event), while others are “secondary” (autonomic dysfunction occurs because of another condition such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease, infection, or nerve injury).

Common Dysautonomia Symptoms (The Greatest Hits)

Symptoms vary by type, but these are common across many forms:

• Orthostatic intolerance: feeling worse when standing (lightheadedness, dizziness, near-fainting)
• Heart rate changes: fast heart rate, palpitations, or “pounding” heart
• Blood pressure instability: low BP, high BP surges, or both
• Fatigue (often profound) and exercise intolerance
• Brain fog: trouble concentrating, memory lapses, slowed thinking
• GI issues: nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or gastroparesis-like symptoms
• Temperature intolerance, heat sensitivity, or chills
• Sweating changes: too much, too little, or patchy sweating
• Bladder or sexual dysfunction
• Headaches, tremor, weakness, or visual disturbances (like blur or tunnel vision)

What Causes Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia isn’t one single causeit’s a category. Depending on the type, common contributors include:

• Autoimmune activity (the immune system mistakenly targets autonomic nerves)
• Neuropathies (damage to small nerve fibers, including autonomic fibers)
• Genetic conditions (rare inherited disorders affecting autonomic development)
• Neurodegenerative disorders that involve autonomic pathways
• Metabolic disease (especially diabetes-related nerve damage)
• Post-viral or post-infectious changes (including post-COVID conditions)
• Trauma affecting the nervous system (e.g., spinal cord injury)
• Medications, dehydration, or deconditioning can worsen symptoms even when they aren’t the root cause

15 Types of Dysautonomia

Below are 15 commonly discussed forms of dysautonomia (including primary disorders and dysautonomia that occurs secondary to other conditions).
If you’re reading this because you feel lousy when you stand up: yes, there are multiple flavors of “standing makes me feel like a collapsing beach chair.”

1) Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS is marked by an exaggerated heart rate increase when standing, along with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance.
Many people also have fatigue, brain fog, headaches, nausea, and exercise intolerance.

• Common symptoms: fast heart rate on standing, lightheadedness, brain fog, fatigue, palpitations
• Common associations: post-viral onset, joint hypermobility disorders (including Ehlers-Danlos), deconditioning, possible autoimmune overlap
• Typical management: hydration, salt strategies (when appropriate), compression garments, graded reconditioning, and targeted medications as prescribed

2) Neurocardiogenic Syncope (Vasovagal Syncope)

This is the classic fainting reflex: the nervous system overreacts to a trigger (like heat, standing, blood draws, stress, or pain),
causing a drop in blood pressure and/or heart ratethen lights out.

• Common symptoms: fainting, nausea, sweating, “gray-out,” tunnel vision, clammy skin
• Common triggers: prolonged standing, heat, seeing blood, fear, straining
• Typical management: trigger avoidance, counter-pressure maneuvers, hydration, and evaluation when episodes are frequent or risky

3) Orthostatic Hypotension (OH)

Orthostatic hypotension is a significant drop in blood pressure when standing.
It can happen from dehydration or medicationsbut it can also be a sign of autonomic dysfunction.

• Common symptoms: dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, fatigue, “coat hanger” neck/shoulder ache
• Common causes: dehydration, blood loss, medication effects, autonomic disorders, aging-related changes
• Typical management: slow position changes, fluids, compression, medication review, and treating the underlying cause

4) Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (nOH)

nOH is orthostatic hypotension caused by impaired autonomic nerve signalingoften due to disorders that affect the nervous system’s blood pressure controls.
It’s frequently discussed in the context of certain neurodegenerative conditions or autonomic neuropathies.

• Common symptoms: dizziness on standing, syncope, weakness, blurred vision
• Common associations: Parkinson-related autonomic failure, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, autonomic neuropathies
• Typical management: non-drug measures plus medications that support blood pressure when appropriate

5) Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST)

IST involves an abnormally fast heart rate at rest or with minimal exertion, without a normal physiological reason (like fever or exercise).
It can overlap with other autonomic conditions and may feel like your heart is “over-caffeinated” even when you aren’t.

• Common symptoms: persistent rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, lightheadedness, exercise intolerance
• Possible mechanisms: autonomic imbalance and/or sinus node hypersensitivity
• Typical management: ruling out secondary causes, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted heart-rate control strategies

6) Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF)

PAF is a rare neurodegenerative disorder where autonomic failure is the main feature.
Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is typical, and other autonomic functions (bladder, bowel, sweating, temperature regulation) may also be affected.

• Common symptoms: nOH, urinary issues, constipation, sweating abnormalities, sexual dysfunction
• Typical onset: often midlife or later
• Typical management: symptom-targeted treatment, blood pressure strategies, and monitoring over time

7) Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) with Autonomic Failure

MSA is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can cause prominent autonomic dysfunction (like orthostatic hypotension and urinary problems),
often along with movement symptoms (parkinsonism or cerebellar signs).

• Common symptoms: orthostatic hypotension, urinary urgency/incontinence, constipation, sweating changes
• What makes it distinct: autonomic failure plus neurologic signs from central nervous system degeneration
• Typical management: coordinated care for blood pressure, bladder/bowel, mobility, and safety

8) Baroreflex Failure (Afferent Baroreflex Failure)

The baroreflex is your body’s rapid blood pressure “autopilot.” When it fails, blood pressure can swing dramaticallyspikes, crashes, and everything in between.
Some people experience hypertensive surges triggered by stress, plus periods of low blood pressure.

• Common symptoms: volatile BP, headaches, flushing, tachycardia, hypotensive episodes
• Possible causes: neck surgery, radiation, nerve injury affecting baroreceptor pathways
• Typical management: careful BP strategy, trigger management, and specialist-guided medication plans

9) Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG)

AAG is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks parts of the autonomic nervous system.
Symptoms can appear subacutely (sometimes rapidly) and may involve multiple autonomic domains.

• Common symptoms: severe orthostatic hypotension, GI dysmotility, urinary retention, dry eyes/mouth, sweating changes
• Clue for clinicians: antibody testing (including ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibodies) may support diagnosis
• Typical management: immunotherapy strategies plus symptom support, guided by specialists

10) Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (DAN)

Long-standing diabetes can damage autonomic nerves, leading to diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
It may affect the heart and blood vessels, the GI tract (including gastroparesis), sweating, and sexual or bladder function.

• Common symptoms: resting tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, gastroparesis, constipation/diarrhea, erectile dysfunction
• Core driver: nerve injury related to diabetes (risk increases with duration and glucose control challenges)
• Typical management: glucose management, symptom-targeted care, and screening for complications

11) Small Fiber Neuropathy–Associated Dysautonomia

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects small sensory fibers and can involve autonomic fibers, too.
That means symptoms may include both pain/tingling and autonomic issues such as sweating changes, dry eyes/mouth, GI symptoms, and orthostatic dizziness.

• Common symptoms: burning/tingling pain plus autonomic complaints (sweat, BP, GI, bladder)
• Possible causes: diabetes, autoimmune conditions, infections, or idiopathic (unknown) causes
• Typical management: treat underlying cause when found, symptom management, and targeted nerve pain strategies

12) Dysautonomia in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) / Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Many people with joint hypermobility disorders report dysautonomia symptomsoften POTS-like orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, and brain fog.
The exact reasons vary and may include blood vessel tone differences, deconditioning, and overlapping conditions.

• Common symptoms: dizziness on standing, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, brain fog
• Common association: joint hypermobility disorders (including Ehlers-Danlos)
• Typical management: individualized activity building, symptom supports, and a multi-system care approach

13) Post-Viral Dysautonomia (Including Long COVID–Associated Dysautonomia)

Dysautonomia can develop after viral illness. In the post-COVID era, clinicians have increasingly recognized autonomic symptoms (including POTS-like presentations)
as part of some people’s post-COVID conditions.

• Common symptoms: orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, fatigue, brain fog, exercise intolerance
• Common pattern: symptoms persisting weeks or months after infection
• Typical management: pacing, hydration strategies, reconditioning plans, and symptom-targeted therapies under medical guidance

14) Autonomic Dysreflexia (Spinal Cord Injury–Related Dysautonomia)

Autonomic dysreflexia is an emergency syndrome that can occur after spinal cord injury (especially at or above T6).
The autonomic nervous system overreacts to a trigger (often bladder or bowel irritation), causing a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.

• Common symptoms: sudden severe high BP, pounding headache, flushing/sweating above injury level, anxiety
• Common triggers: bladder distention, constipation, skin irritation, medical procedures
• Typical management: immediate trigger removal and urgent medical treatment; prevention planning is key

15) Familial Dysautonomia (Riley–Day Syndrome / HSAN III)

Familial dysautonomia is a rare inherited disorder affecting autonomic and sensory nerve development.
It typically begins in infancy or childhood and can involve feeding issues, temperature and blood pressure instability, reduced tears, and other neurologic symptoms.

• Common symptoms: impaired tear production, BP instability, GI and swallowing problems, temperature regulation issues
• Cause: genetic (autosomal recessive) condition affecting autonomic/sensory neurons
• Typical management: multidisciplinary support for respiratory, GI, neurologic, and safety needs

How Dysautonomia Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually starts with symptom patterns and basic measurementsespecially what happens to your heart rate and blood pressure when you change posture.
Because dysautonomia can be secondary to other conditions, clinicians often evaluate for underlying contributors (like diabetes, autoimmune disease, medication effects, anemia, dehydration, or neurologic conditions).

Common tests and evaluations may include:

• Orthostatic vitals: heart rate and blood pressure lying down vs. standing
• Tilt table testing: monitors your cardiovascular and nervous system response to controlled position changes
• ECG and heart monitoring: rules out rhythm issues that can mimic dysautonomia
• Sweat testing and other autonomic function tests (depending on symptoms)
• Blood tests: to look for autoimmune clues, metabolic issues, or other contributors
• Targeted evaluations for GI, bladder, or neurologic symptoms when indicated

Treatment and Daily Management

Dysautonomia treatment is usually a mix of (1) addressing the underlying cause when possible and (2) managing symptoms so you can function.
Plans vary by diagnosis, age, blood pressure pattern, coexisting conditions, and how your body reacts to standing, heat, exertion, and stress.

Practical strategies that often help (with clinician guidance)

• Hydration and, for some people, salt strategies to support blood volume (not appropriate for everyoneespecially certain heart/kidney conditions).
• Compression garments (waist-high options can be more effective than socks alone for some people).
• Slow position changes: sit on the edge of the bed before standing; avoid “floor to sprint” transitions.
• Temperature management: heat can worsen symptomscooling measures can be surprisingly powerful.
• Physical reconditioning: carefully structured activity (often starting with recumbent exercise) can help build tolerance over time.
• Trigger tracking: meals, standing, dehydration, sleep loss, and stress can all change symptoms.

Medications (individualized)

Medications may be used to support blood pressure, control heart rate, improve GI motility, or address pain and sleep issues. The “right” medication depends on your specific dysautonomia type and your blood pressure/heart rate pattern.
This is one reason dysautonomia care often works best when it’s tailoredbecause giving a BP-raising medication to someone who has frequent hypertensive surges is not the vibe.

Medical note: This article is for education only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical care. If you suspect dysautonomia, a clinician can help rule out dangerous causes and build a safer plan.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Some dysautonomia symptoms are miserable but not immediately dangerous. Others can be urgent.
Seek emergency care (or local emergency services) if you have:

• Severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of stroke
• Fainting with injury, fainting during exertion, or fainting with new heart symptoms
• Symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia (sudden severe headache and high blood pressure) if you are at risk due to spinal cord injury
• Severe dehydration, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down

The Bottom Line

Dysautonomia is a real, physiology-based disruption of the autonomic nervous systemnot a personality flaw, not a “try yoga harder” failure, and not a made-up plot twist.
The key is recognizing patterns (especially posture-related symptoms), identifying the specific type (or underlying cause), and building a targeted management plan.
With the right evaluation and supports, many people improve their daily functioneven if their autonomic nervous system remains a bit of a diva.

Experiences People Commonly Describe (Real Life, Not a Textbook)

Living with dysautonomia can feel like your body is running an unpredictable software update… during a presentation… while you’re standing in line… in the heat… after a normal-sized lunch.
Because symptoms often fluctuate, people may look “fine” while feeling anything but. Many describe the early stage as confusing: a string of odd symptoms that don’t seem connected until someone finally says, “Let’s check what happens when you stand up.”
That moment can be validatingand also frustratingbecause it may come after months (or years) of being told it’s anxiety, dehydration, “just stress,” or that they need to sleep more. (To be fair, everyone could use more sleep. But sleep doesn’t usually fix a malfunctioning baroreflex.)

A common theme is energy unpredictability. People may be able to do a task one day and struggle the next, even if nothing obvious changed.
Many learn to plan around “upright time”how long they can stand before symptoms spike. Grocery shopping, showers, and cooking are frequent trouble spots because they combine standing, heat, and exertion.
Some people become experts in strategic sitting: sitting to chop vegetables, sitting to fold laundry, and sitting to brush teeth like it’s an Olympic event. (Gold medal in “functional adaptation.”)

Another frequently described experience is brain fognot just “I forgot my keys,” but “my thoughts are moving through molasses.”
Students may notice it when reading feels unusually slow or when test-taking stamina crashes. Adults may feel it at work when multitasking becomes harder.
That fog can be emotionally heavy, especially when it collides with expectations (“Why can’t I do what I did last year?”).
Many people say it helps when family, teachers, or managers understand that symptoms can be cognitive as well as physical.

People often describe a long process of trial-and-errorfiguring out triggers (heat, dehydration, large meals, sleep loss), learning which supports help (compression, hydration routines, pacing),
and discovering the difference between “pushing through” and “crashing later.” Pacing is a skill, not a motivational poster.
Some find that small changeslike drinking fluids before standing-heavy activities, using cooling tools in summer, or switching to recumbent exercisemake life noticeably more manageable over time.
Others emphasize the importance of treating the underlying driver when one exists (like diabetes-related nerve damage or autoimmune autonomic issues).

Socially, dysautonomia can be isolating. Canceling plans because your body decided “standing is illegal today” can make friendships trickyespecially when you’re tired of explaining.
Many people say support groups (online or local), therapy for coping skills, and clinicians who take symptoms seriously can reduce that isolation.
Not because dysautonomia is “all in your head,” but because chronic symptoms are a lot to carry, and emotional support is part of good healthcare.

Finally, many people describe learning how to make medical appointments more productive: bringing a symptom log, documenting heart rate/BP patterns, listing triggers, and describing function changes (“I can stand for 5 minutes before I have to sit”).
Clear, specific examples help clinicians see the pattern quickly. Dysautonomia care can be a marathon, but having good data turns it into a route with actual mile markers.