Understanding dysautonomia and POTS
When a child experiences dizziness, fatigue, or digestive issues, it’s easy for these symptoms to be dismissed as stress or anxiety. But at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, pediatric neurologist Dr. Cindy Morris is helping families uncover the real cause: dysautonomia, including POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
“Dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system—the part that controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation,” explained Dr. Morris. “Most patients experience dizziness, but symptoms can affect the whole body.”
POTS, a subtype of dysautonomia, causes the heart rate to spike abnormally when standing. Diagnosis begins with orthostatic vital signs and may include a tilt table test. “It’s very symptom-based,” said Dr. Morris. “An MRI won’t show it. We rely on listening and observing.”
Treatment starts with increasing salt and water intake to improve blood volume. From there, care may include exercise plans, medications, and collaboration with GI and psychology specialists through the Imagine Clinic.
Dr. Morris’s approach is deeply personal. “I ask every patient what their three most bothersome symptoms are,” she said. “Then we go through a checklist—heat intolerance, palpitations, swelling, brain fog. It’s a puzzle, and I’m the detective.”
Many patients arrive after seeing multiple specialists. “By the time they make it to me, they’ve often been told it’s just anxiety,” she shared. “I’ve made more people cry in appointments—not because they’re upset, but because they’re relieved someone finally understands.”
That understanding is what sets SSM Health Cardinal Glennon apart. “We don’t just treat symptoms—we affirm that what these kids are feeling is real,” said Dr. Morris. “It’s not all in their head.”
If your child is experiencing unexplained symptoms, we’re here to help. At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, compassionate care isn’t just a promise, it’s our practice.
