Who Specializes in Dysautonomia Treatment?

Introduction to Dysautonomia and the Need for Specialists

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and maybe even a little scared. Maybe you’ve been dealing with strange symptoms that don’t seem to fit neatly into one box. Maybe you’ve seen multiple doctors, had countless tests, and still don’t have clear answers. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you might be dealing with dysautonomia.

Let’s start at the beginning.

What Is Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia is a term used to describe a group of conditions where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) doesn’t function properly. The ANS controls all the things your body does automatically—like regulating your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and even temperature.

When the ANS isn’t working right, the symptoms can feel random, confusing, and often invisible to others.

There are several types of dysautonomia, but the most common include:

• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) – causes a significant increase in heart rate when standing
• NCS (Neurocardiogenic Syncope) – leads to sudden fainting due to a drop in heart rate and blood pressure
• Other autonomic disorders – which may overlap or appear alongside chronic fatigue, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or mast cell issues

Common Symptoms of Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia can look different from person to person. Some people experience intense fatigue; others might faint without warning. Many people deal with a long list of symptoms before they get any real answers.

Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Nausea, bloating, or digestive issues
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath or “air hunger”
• Cold hands and feet or temperature regulation issues

Because these symptoms often overlap with other conditions—or are dismissed as anxiety—it’s easy for dysautonomia to go undiagnosed for years.

Why You Need a Specialist

Here’s the hard truth: not all doctors are familiar with dysautonomia, and that can leave patients stuck in limbo.

General practitioners and even some specialists may overlook the signs, or treat only the symptoms without identifying the root cause. That’s where a specialist in autonomic disorders comes in. These providers understand the nuances of the condition, know which tests are needed, and can create personalized treatment plans that actually make a difference.

Specialized care matters because:

• The condition is complex and varies between patients
• A proper diagnosis requires specific testing (like tilt table tests or autonomic function studies)
• Treatment often involves multiple systems—cardiac, neurological, gastrointestinal
• Management is long-term, and often needs medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and environmental modifications

The right specialist doesn’t just treat your symptoms—they listen, investigate, and advocate for your long-term health.

Dr. Diekman’s Story: Why This Matters So Much

At Diekman Dysautonomia, we don’t just understand this condition—we live with it.

Dr. Sarah Diekman isn’t just a physician trained in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. She’s also a POTS patient. Her journey through medical school was almost derailed by symptoms that nobody could explain—fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, a racing heart. She was told to push through. She was given bills, not answers.

Like many patients, Dr. Diekman eventually had to do her own research. She walked into a medical library, desperate for clarity, and found the diagnosis that fit: POTS. After flying across the country to get confirmation, she began the long process of managing her health—and finishing her medical training.

Now, she uses that lived experience to help others get the care she struggled to find. Her clinic exists to make sure you don’t have to go through that journey alone.

You’re Not Alone—And There Is Help

Whether you’ve just heard the word “dysautonomia” for the first time or you’ve been fighting for a diagnosis for years, know this: there are doctors who understand this condition and can help.

At Diekman Dysautonomia, we specialize in listening first, diagnosing thoroughly, and creating treatment plans that make life feel manageable again. We know how hard it can be to get here—and we’re ready when you are.

The Complexity of Dysautonomia: Why Specialized Care Is Essential

If you’re living with dysautonomia—or suspect you might be—you’re probably familiar with this feeling: you’re bouncing from doctor to doctor, collecting diagnoses (or worse, dismissals), and still left wondering what’s really going on.

You’re not imagining things. Dysautonomia is complex. It doesn’t affect just one part of the body. It’s not something one specialist can solve. And most importantly: you’re not alone in this.

Let’s break down why specialized care is essential for managing dysautonomia—and how the right approach can change everything.

Dysautonomia Isn’t Just One Thing—It’s a Whole-Body Condition

Dysautonomia refers to a group of disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—the part of your body responsible for automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and more.

That means when the ANS is out of balance, symptoms can show up just about anywhere in the body.

Let’s take a look at how this plays out:

• Cardiovascular system: Conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) cause rapid heart rate when standing and can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting.
• Neurological system: NCS (Neurocardiogenic Syncope) causes sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure, often resulting in fainting spells.
• Digestive system: Many people with dysautonomia experience nausea, early satiety, constipation, or other forms of gastrointestinal distress due to poor nerve signaling in the gut.
• Respiratory system: Shortness of breath, or the feeling of “air hunger,” is also common.
• Cognitive function: Brain fog, memory issues, and concentration problems are frequent complaints.

So, no—this isn’t “just anxiety.” And it’s not something that a single prescription or one-size-fits-all approach can fix.

Why One Doctor Isn’t Enough

Here’s the challenge: dysautonomia doesn’t fall neatly into one medical category. Cardiologists might help with your heart rate. Neurologists might address fainting or nerve-related symptoms. Gastroenterologists might look at digestion. But none of them may be looking at the full picture.

“I saw so many doctors before I got a diagnosis. They each looked at one piece of the puzzle—but nobody saw the whole thing.”
— Dr. Sarah Diekman, MD, JD, MS, MPH, FCLM

Dr. Diekman’s personal experience navigating dysautonomia as both a patient and a physician speaks volumes. Like many patients, she was misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Why? Because each doctor only saw a sliver of the condition.

It wasn’t until she took matters into her own hands—researching, coordinating care, and ultimately building a clinic around that very need—that she found a way forward.

The Power of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Dysautonomia is a medical challenge that demands teamwork.

A coordinated care approach may include:

• Cardiologists – for monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and managing POTS or NCS symptoms.
• Neurologists – to address syncope, migraines, neuropathies, and autonomic testing.
• Gastroenterologists – when dysautonomia impacts digestion and GI motility.
• Sleep specialists – for insomnia or non-restorative sleep often tied to ANS dysfunction.
• Physical therapists – especially those trained in dysautonomia-specific exercise programs.
• Primary care physicians – to help coordinate referrals and monitor overall progress.
• Occupational/environmental medicine specialists – like Dr. Diekman herself—who bridge the gap between medical care, daily function, and lifestyle adaptations.

When all these professionals communicate and collaborate, the result is a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual—not just a band-aid for symptoms.

Why Specialized Clinics Matter

Most traditional clinics aren’t built to handle something like dysautonomia. They’re not designed for long appointments, multi-specialty input, or the kind of detective work this condition often requires.

At Diekman Dysautonomia, things are different.

Because Dr. Diekman has walked in her patients’ shoes, she’s built her practice to reflect what she wishes she had when she was fighting for answers:

• Longer visits
• Integrated care
• Compassionate listening
• Real solutions tailored to everyday life

Key Specialists for Dysautonomia Treatment: Who You Might Need on Your Team

If you’ve been diagnosed with dysautonomia—or are still trying to figure out what’s going on—it can feel like you’re constantly being passed around from doctor to doctor. One might tell you it’s anxiety. Another might run tests, only to send you home with no real answers. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and isolating.

Here’s the truth: dysautonomia is complex, and managing it often requires a team of specialists. No single doctor usually handles it all, because the autonomic nervous system touches nearly every part of the body—from your heart rate and digestion to your cognitive function and energy levels.

To help you get the right care (or advocate for someone you love), here’s a breakdown of the key specialists who treat dysautonomia, what they do, and when to consider seeing them.

1. Cardiologists

What They Do:

Cardiologists manage heart-related symptoms like abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, and fainting—all common in conditions like POTS or NCS.

When to See Them:

• If your heart races when you stand up (tachycardia)
• If your heart rate drops unexpectedly (bradycardia)
• If you feel faint, dizzy, or lightheaded when upright (orthostatic intolerance)

A cardiologist can run tilt-table tests, ECGs, and Holter monitors to assess how your cardiovascular system reacts to position changes or stress.

2. Neurologists

What They Do:

Neurologists focus on the autonomic nervous system, especially when your symptoms involve brain fog, dizziness, or issues with temperature regulation, sweating, or light sensitivity.

When to See Them:

• If you experience “foggy brain,” memory issues, or concentration problems
• If you have frequent dizzy spells or unexplained sensory changes
• If you’ve ruled out heart issues but still feel “off”

They can help determine if you have autonomic neuropathy or related neurological conditions.

3. Electrophysiologists

What They Do:

Electrophysiologists are heart rhythm specialists. They diagnose and treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which are common in dysautonomia.

When to See Them:

• If your heartbeat feels erratic, skips, or pounds
• If you faint without clear explanation
• If a cardiologist suspects a deeper electrical issue in the heart

This specialist might recommend additional heart rhythm monitoring or medication to stabilize your cardiac symptoms.

4. Gastroenterologists

What They Do:

Digestive issues and dysautonomia often go hand-in-hand. Gastroenterologists treat symptoms like nausea, bloating, constipation, or gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).

When to See Them:

• If you feel full after just a few bites
• If your nausea is constant or unpredictable
• If bloating or GI discomfort disrupts your daily life

A GI specialist can assess how your autonomic dysfunction is affecting your gut and help tailor dietary or medical treatments.

5. Endocrinologists

What They Do:

These specialists handle hormonal imbalances that might be influencing or mimicking dysautonomia symptoms—especially those related to the thyroid, adrenal glands, or metabolism.

When to See Them:

• If your fatigue is extreme and unexplained
• If weight, appetite, or temperature regulation feels “off”
• If labs suggest thyroid or cortisol abnormalities

They play an important role in ruling out (or managing) underlying endocrine disorders that can complicate dysautonomia.

6. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Specialists

What They Do:

Also called physiatrists, PM&R specialists help patients regain strength and function, especially after long periods of being bedridden or limited by symptoms.

When to See Them:

• If you’ve lost mobility or stamina due to dysautonomia
• If your body deconditions quickly
• If you’re ready for a safe, guided return to activity

They often coordinate with physical therapists to design customized rehab plans for energy conservation and gradual recovery.

7. Psychiatrists & Therapists

What They Do:

Living with a chronic condition like dysautonomia can take a serious emotional toll. Mental health professionals help with anxiety, depression, and the stress of feeling misunderstood or dismissed.

When to See Them:

• If you feel overwhelmed or isolated
• If your illness is affecting your mood, sleep, or relationships
• If you’re struggling with fear around symptoms or flare-ups

Having someone to talk to—who gets it—is just as important as any medical test.

Bringing It All Together: You Deserve a Team That Listens

When to See Which Specialist: Symptom-Based Guidance for Dysautonomia

If you’ve been dealing with unexplained dizziness, heart palpitations, brain fog, or constant nausea, you’ve probably been passed around from one doctor to another with few answers and a lot of frustration.

Dysautonomia is complicated—no doubt about it. It’s a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls just about everything your body does automatically. And when that system is out of balance, symptoms can show up in all kinds of ways: heart rate changes, digestive issues, muscle fatigue, even anxiety.

So the big question becomes: Who do you actually need to see?

Let’s break it down by symptoms. Here’s a symptom-to-specialist guide to help you navigate your care more confidently.

Cardiac Symptoms

Symptoms:

• Rapid heart rate when standing
• Fluctuations in blood pressure
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes

Who to see:
Cardiologist
Electrophysiologist (a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm issues)

When your heart seems to be racing or crashing without warning, especially when standing up, that’s a red flag for conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or NCS (Neurocardiogenic Syncope). A cardiologist can help rule out other cardiac conditions and start testing for autonomic involvement. If rhythm problems are a focus, an electrophysiologist may be the best fit.

Pro tip: Not all cardiologists are familiar with dysautonomia. Look for one with experience in autonomic testing or who’s open to collaboration with specialists.

Neurological Symptoms

Symptoms:

• Lightheadedness
• Brain fog
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches or migraines

Who to see:
Neurologist (preferably with autonomic experience)

Neurological symptoms are among the most common and most frustrating parts of dysautonomia. They can make it hard to function day-to-day, especially when you’re struggling to think clearly or stay upright without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

A neurologist can help determine whether your symptoms are rooted in nervous system dysfunction and may perform autonomic testing like tilt-table tests or QSART. Just make sure they’re familiar with autonomic disorders—not all are.

Digestive Symptoms

Symptoms:

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Early fullness after eating

Who to see:
Gastroenterologist

Many people with dysautonomia experience gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) or other forms of gastrointestinal dysmotility. These symptoms can be incredibly disruptive, not to mention painful and socially isolating.

A gastroenterologist can help diagnose and manage these symptoms, but again—look for one who has treated patients with autonomic conditions, as the treatment approach can be different from more typical GI cases.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Symptoms:

• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Trouble walking or standing for long periods
• Poor coordination or balance

Who to see:
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Specialist
Physical Therapist (with dysautonomia experience)

When your body feels like it’s shutting down physically, rehab doctors (also called physiatrists) can help restore function and improve mobility. Physical therapy tailored to dysautonomia can focus on recumbent exercises, gradual conditioning, and improving circulation—all essential components of managing symptoms without triggering a crash.

Psychological Symptoms

Symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Health-related stress
• Emotional burnout from chronic illness

Who to see:
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Therapist (LCSW, LPC, etc.) familiar with chronic illness

Let’s be clear: psychological symptoms don’t mean your illness is “all in your head.” But dealing with dysautonomia can absolutely take a toll on your mental health—and managing that piece is just as important as treating the physical symptoms.

Therapists can help with coping strategies, grief over lost abilities, and setting boundaries. Psychiatrists can assist with medications if needed. If possible, look for a mental health provider who’s familiar with chronic invisible illnesses. It makes a difference.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Dysautonomia Care

If you’ve been living with dysautonomia—or suspect you might be—you’ve probably experienced the frustrating medical maze. Cardiologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, rheumatologists… appointments, tests, and still no clear answers.

This isn’t uncommon. Dysautonomia is a complex condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and more. Because symptoms vary so widely and affect multiple systems, no single specialist can manage everything effectively. That’s where a multidisciplinary approach becomes essential.

What Is a Multidisciplinary Approach?

A multidisciplinary approach simply means multiple specialists working together—not in isolation—to treat you as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms.

Think of it like this: instead of bouncing between doctors who only see their “slice” of the problem, a multidisciplinary team sees the full picture. They communicate. They coordinate. They build an integrated care plan.

At Diekman Dysautonomia, we believe this model isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.

Why Dysautonomia Needs a Team

Dysautonomia rarely plays fair. One patient might struggle with dizziness and fainting, while another deals with gut issues, brain fog, or chronic fatigue. Most deal with all of the above—and more.

Here’s a breakdown of how different specialists contribute:

• Cardiologists help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, especially in cases like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
• Neurologists evaluate fainting spells, brain fog, and nerve function.
• Gastroenterologists manage nausea, constipation, or other GI symptoms tied to dysautonomia.
• Physical therapists help with reconditioning, blood pooling, and safe movement.
• Mental health professionals support emotional well-being and help patients cope with the daily challenges of chronic illness.
• Occupational & Environmental Medicine physicians focus on helping patients return to work, school, or daily life safely and sustainably.

The reality is, you need all of them talking to each other. When they do, care improves. When they don’t, patients fall through the cracks.

Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Team

Here’s what a team-based model can offer you:

Fewer Misdiagnoses

When specialists share insights, it’s easier to rule out unrelated conditions or recognize overlapping syndromes.

Better Symptom Management

Each symptom gets addressed—not ignored or chalked up to anxiety.

Faster Answers

Instead of going in circles, a team works toward a unified diagnosis and treatment plan.

Improved Quality of Life

The ultimate goal isn’t just managing symptoms—it’s helping you get back to living your life.

Dr. Diekman’s Perspective: “No One Should Have to Navigate This Alone”

Dr. Sarah Diekman knows the system—because she’s been through it. During medical school, she faced an avalanche of unexplained symptoms. Like many dysautonomia patients, she was dismissed, misdiagnosed, and overwhelmed.

Eventually, she took matters into her own hands—researching, advocating, and finally getting diagnosed with POTS. That personal journey shapes how she practices medicine today.

“I didn’t have a mentor or coordinated care. I don’t want my patients to go through what I did. That’s why we build a team around each person, not just a treatment plan.”

At Diekman Dysautonomia, this isn’t just a philosophy—it’s built into how care is delivered. When necessary, Dr. Diekman collaborates with other specialists to make sure no part of the condition is overlooked. That’s the power of firsthand experience combined with medical expertise.

How to Find Dysautonomia Specialists (Especially in Oakland, Maryland)

If you’re dealing with symptoms like unexplained dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, or constant fatigue—and the doctors you’ve seen so far seem just as confused as you are—you’re not alone. Finding a specialist who understands dysautonomia isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. You just need to know where to look, what to ask, and who to trust.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you find the right dysautonomia specialist—especially if you’re located in or near Oakland, Maryland.

1. Start With Trusted Online Directories

The internet can be overwhelming, but there are a few reputable websites that have already done the hard work of compiling specialist lists for people with autonomic disorders.

Check out:

• Dysautonomia International’s Physician Directory
  They maintain a searchable list of doctors with experience treating conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Neurocardiogenic Syncope, and other forms of dysautonomia.
• Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center or Cleveland Clinic’s Neurology Department
  Even if you’re not planning to travel, these national centers often have referral networks or can help you find someone closer to home.

Just be aware: some directories may be outdated, and not every name on the list is taking new patients. Use them as a starting point, but don’t stop there.

2. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor (Even If They Seem Unfamiliar)

Yes, even if your PCP doesn’t know much about dysautonomia, they can still help you get a referral.

Here’s what to say:

“I’m experiencing symptoms that are consistent with dysautonomia, particularly [insert symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue]. I’d like a referral to a specialist—ideally someone familiar with POTS or autonomic disorders.”

Ask if they can refer you to:

• A cardiologist with experience in orthostatic intolerance
• A neurologist who understands autonomic dysfunction
• Or better yet, a clinic or physician who specifically treats dysautonomia, like Diekman Dysautonomia in Oakland

Pro tip: Bring supporting materials to your appointment, such as Dysautonomia International’s overview documents, symptom trackers, or printouts. It shows you’re proactive—and it helps guide your doctor’s referral.

3. Tap Into Patient Advocacy & Support Groups

Sometimes, the best advice doesn’t come from a doctor—it comes from someone who’s been where you are.

Online communities and advocacy groups are full of people navigating the same diagnosis (or trying to get one). They’ve already sifted through specialists, made appointments, and dealt with dead ends. Their recommendations can be gold.

Try these:

• Facebook groups for POTS or dysautonomia in Maryland or the Mid-Atlantic region
• Reddit: r/dysautonomia and r/POTS have long-running threads about finding doctors
• Support groups hosted by Dysautonomia International
• Diekman Dysautonomia’s own patient community—if you become a patient, you’ll be part of a network that truly understands what you’re dealing with.

These groups are also a great place to learn what questions to ask a potential specialist and what red flags to watch for.

4. Look for Multidisciplinary Care When You Can

Dysautonomia is a complex condition—it doesn’t fit neatly into one medical box. That’s why the best care often comes from multidisciplinary teams who understand how the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems interact.

At Diekman Dysautonomia in Oakland, Maryland, we approach care holistically. That means looking at:

• Underlying autoimmune or inflammatory issues
• Nutritional status
• Environmental factors
• Occupational functioning
• Mental and emotional health

Dr. Sarah Diekman is both a physician and a dysautonomia patient. She knows the maze you’re trying to navigate, and she built her clinic to be the kind of place she once searched for—where patients are heard, understood, and guided toward real answers.

5. For Patients Near Oakland, Maryland – You Have a Local Option

If you’re in Western Maryland, Northern West Virginia, or Southwestern Pennsylvania, you don’t need to travel across the country for specialized care. Diekman Dysautonomia, based in Oakland, MD, offers:

• Personalized treatment plans
• Specialized care for POTS
• Virtual and in-person visits
• Coordination with your other providers
• A deep understanding of both POTS and related conditions, including Care for Long COVID

Dr. Sarah Diekman’s Personal Story and Approach to Dysautonomia Treatment

If you’ve been living with unexplained symptoms—lightheadedness, fatigue, brain fog, or a racing heart—and struggling to get answers, you’re not alone. In fact, you may find comfort and strength in the story of Dr. Sarah Diekman, a physician who has stood exactly where many of her patients are now: exhausted, confused, and searching for help in a healthcare system that didn’t seem to understand.

Today, Dr. Diekman leads a dedicated dysautonomia clinic in Oakland, Maryland. But before the white coat, she was a patient—misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and fighting to be heard.

Before the Diagnosis: Living the Questions

Dr. Diekman’s journey into medicine wasn’t supposed to include illness. She began medical school with the goal of helping others—but instead of just hitting the books, she was hit with a flood of mysterious symptoms.

“I was struggling to function—for school, for daily life. My heart would race, I felt dizzy constantly, and I couldn’t keep up,” she recalls.

Despite seeking medical attention, she found herself running into brick walls. Doctors dismissed her, offered little explanation, and the medical bills kept coming—even though she had insurance. She kept pushing forward, trying to survive school while her body told her something was deeply wrong.

Sound familiar?

Taking Diagnosis into Her Own Hands

With few answers and limited support, Dr. Diekman did what many chronically ill patients are eventually forced to do: she became her own advocate.

“I went to the medical library and started digging,” she says. “Eventually, I came across POTS—Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome—and it fit.”

It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick. She flew across the country to get a formal diagnosis. But it was a turning point. Now she had a name for what she was experiencing. And with that came a path forward.

Building Her Life With—and Around—POTS

A diagnosis didn’t mean life suddenly became easy. POTS is a chronic condition, and Dr. Diekman still manages it today. But what followed is nothing short of extraordinary.

Through trial, error, and persistence, she found ways to function and even thrive. She completed medical school, earned multiple degrees (MD, JD, MS, MPH, FCLM), and completed her residency in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Johns Hopkins.

All while managing a condition that many doctors still struggle to recognize.

“It was not easy. It was not always pretty. But it has been done,” she says.

A Different Kind of Doctor

Dr. Diekman’s lived experience has shaped her entire medical practice. She knows what it’s like to sit on the other side of the exam table—scared, dismissed, and desperate for someone to take you seriously. That’s why her approach to care is so different from what many dysautonomia patients are used to.

Here’s what sets her apart:

She Listens First

At Diekman Dysautonomia, patients aren’t rushed through appointments or brushed off. Your story matters—and often, your symptoms are the biggest clues.

She Believes in Advocacy

Dr. Diekman encourages patients to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and stay informed. She knows how crucial it is to advocate for yourself, especially with a misunderstood condition like dysautonomia.

She Embraces a Team-Based Approach

Dysautonomia can affect multiple systems in the body. Dr. Diekman helps patients build a team of specialists tailored to their specific symptoms—cardiologists, neurologists, GI doctors, and more.

She Educates Continuously

Because the field of autonomic disorders is evolving, she commits to ongoing education—staying up-to-date on diagnostic tools, research, and treatment strategies.

Patient Empowerment: Advocating for Yourself in Dysautonomia Care

Living with dysautonomia—whether it’s POTS, NCS, or another form—can feel like you’re constantly explaining yourself. To doctors. To friends. To your own body. The symptoms are often invisible. The journey to a diagnosis is usually long. And navigating treatment? That’s a whole job in itself.

That’s why patient empowerment isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. Learning to advocate for yourself in medical settings can make the difference between feeling dismissed and feeling seen.

Let’s talk about how you can take control of your care and become an active, informed participant in your treatment plan.

1. Track Your Symptoms Like a Scientist

It’s frustrating to walk into a doctor’s office and be asked, “So how have things been since your last visit?” only to realize your mind is a blur of random bad days and half-remembered symptoms.

The solution: symptom tracking. Think of it like collecting data on your own body. This isn’t about obsessing—it’s about having proof.

What to track:

• Symptoms (dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, etc.)
• Time of day
• Triggers (standing, eating, heat, stress)
• Treatments used (meds, fluids, compression, etc.)
• Response to treatments (helped? made worse? nothing?)

You can use a notebook, an app, or a spreadsheet—whatever’s easiest to keep up with. Over time, this creates a clear picture of patterns your doctor might not catch in a 15-minute visit.

Bonus tip:

Bring printed copies or screenshots to appointments. Some patients even write a one-page summary for new doctors to help speed up the conversation.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Second Opinion

Dysautonomia is complicated. Some doctors have never heard of it. Others know the basics but don’t see it often. Second (or third) opinions are not a betrayal—they’re smart.

Here’s why second opinions matter:

• You may get access to different testing or approaches.
• Another provider might spot coexisting conditions (like MCAS, EDS, or autoimmune overlap).
• A fresh set of eyes can bring new ideas when treatment stalls.

You don’t need to justify getting another opinion. A good doctor will understand and support your decision.

And if you’ve been told “it’s just anxiety” one too many times? You especially have the right to seek out someone who listens—and who takes you seriously.

3. Be Ready to Advocate (Even When It’s Exhausting)

Here’s the truth: you may end up knowing more about dysautonomia than some of the providers you see. That’s not a flaw in you—it’s a gap in the system.

So yes, you might have to educate your doctor. You might have to explain what POTS is. You might have to gently push back when your symptoms are brushed off.

Some ways to advocate effectively:

• Come prepared with your symptom tracker and a list of concerns.
• Bring medical articles or printouts if needed (but don’t overwhelm).
• Say things like:
  “I understand this isn’t your specialty, but this is what’s helped other patients with similar symptoms…”
  “I’ve read about this treatment approach. Can we discuss whether it might apply to me?”
• Ask for referrals to specialists or dysautonomia-focused clinics (like ours).

And if you hit a wall? You are allowed to say, “This provider isn’t the right fit for me.” Find someone who listens.

4. Build a Team, Not Just a Doctor

Your care may involve a cardiologist, neurologist, GI specialist, physical therapist, or even a mental health provider. That’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen—but when they work together, it’s powerful.

Here’s how to make the most of a care team:

• Ask each provider to send notes to the others, or give you access to visit summaries to share.
• Use a patient portal or central document to track appointments, diagnoses, and meds.
• Appoint a “coordinator” if you can (often a primary care doc or someone like Dr. Diekman who understands dysautonomia holistically).

5. You Deserve a Doctor Who Gets It

We believe that you shouldn’t have to fight to be believed. At Diekman Dysautonomia, advocacy isn’t just something we encourage—it’s how we practice. Dr. Sarah Diekman has lived through the medical maze herself as a POTS patient. That experience drives how we treat, listen, and support every person who walks through our doors (or logs in for telemedicine).

Emotional and Psychological Support for Dysautonomia Patients

Living with dysautonomia isn’t just about managing physical symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or racing heartbeats. For many, the emotional toll of the condition is just as significant—and often, just as invisible.

When your daily routine is unpredictable, when simple tasks become exhausting, and when your body doesn’t respond the way it should, it’s natural to feel discouraged. If you’ve ever felt anxious, misunderstood, or just plain exhausted, you’re not alone—and more importantly, your feelings are valid.

The Psychological Weight of Chronic Illness

Dysautonomia is a chronic condition. That word—chronic—can be emotionally heavy. It means long-term, ongoing, sometimes lifelong. And when there’s no quick fix, it’s easy to start wondering: Will I ever feel like myself again?

The reality is, many patients with dysautonomia report feeling:

• Frustrated by the lack of answers or misdiagnoses.
• Isolated from friends and family who don’t fully understand the condition.
• Anxious about symptoms flaring up without warning.
• Depressed due to loss of independence or changes in lifestyle.

These aren’t signs of weakness. They’re natural reactions to a life that’s constantly shifting.

Finding the Right Kind of Mental Health Support

While seeing a neurologist or cardiologist is a crucial part of treating dysautonomia, don’t overlook the role of mental health professionals in your care team.

Here’s what to look for:

• Therapists who specialize in chronic illness: These professionals understand the intersection between physical and emotional health.
• Counselors trained in pain or fatigue management: They can help you develop coping strategies that are realistic and sustainable.
• Support groups (online or in-person): Sometimes, the best medicine is knowing you’re not alone. Talking to others who “get it” can be incredibly healing.

Mental health care isn’t about “fixing” your mindset. It’s about creating space to process your experience, learning how to manage the emotional ups and downs, and giving yourself the same compassion you’d offer someone else in your shoes.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

There is no shame in needing support. Living with dysautonomia can be exhausting—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Getting help doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re fighting smarter, not harder.

And if you’re a caregiver or family member reading this: your support matters more than you know. Just showing up, listening, and validating the experience of your loved one can make a world of difference.

Conclusion

Dysautonomia can feel like a maze. You might see doctor after doctor, only to be told your symptoms are “just anxiety” or “in your head.” That’s not just frustrating—it’s demoralizing.

But you don’t have to navigate this alone.

At Diekman Dysautonomia in Oakland, Maryland, you’ll be seen by a team that gets it. Led by Dr. Sarah Diekman, a physician who’s not only board-certified but also lives with dysautonomia herself, this clinic offers more than just medical care—it offers understanding.

We believe that managing dysautonomia requires a whole-person approach: physical, emotional, and psychological.

If you’re ready to take the next step, call us today. Whether you’re seeking diagnosis, treatment options, or just someone who will actually listen, we’re here for you.

Call 833-768-7633 to start your journey toward better care, better understanding, and better days.