How POTS Impacts Concussion Recovery

1. How POTS Impacts Concussion Recovery www.concussionspoteducation.com

2. Introduction Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing, leading to a variety of symptoms. When POTS is triggered or exacerbated by a concussion, it can present additional challenges for patients.

3. What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)? POTS is a form of dysautonomia, a condition affecting the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and more. In POTS, the heart rate increases significantly when transitioning from lying down to standing up, leading to dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.

4. Link between POTS & Concussions POTS in the general population is found to be 0.1-1% of the population being much more common in adolescent and young adult women. This percentage is found increase to around 7% in children and young adults after a concussion but is still more common in women than men.

5. POTS and Concussion

6. Symptoms of POTS Post-Concussion Orthostatic intolerance: Dizziness, lightheadedness, & fainting upon standing. Tachycardia: Significant increase in heart rate when standing. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness even after minimal physical activity. Brain fog: Difficulty with concentration, memory, and cognitive function. Headaches: Frequent and intense headaches, which may be migraines. Exercise intolerance: Inability to engage in physical activities without experiencing symptoms.

7. How to Diagnosis? Orthostatic Hypotension Pots A fall in systolic BP of at least 20 mmhg (30 mmhg in hypertensive patients), and/or a drop in diastolic BP of at least 10 mmhg within 3 minutes of standing from a supine position. HR increase of a minimum of 30 bpm, or > 40 bpm for patients aged 12-19 yo, when transitioning from supine to standing. These findings need to be found positive on at least 2 readings taken at least 1 min apart. This should occur within the first 10 min of standing.

8. Treatment of POTS 1. Lifestyle modifications: Adequate hydration, increased salt intake, compression leggings and maintaining a balanced diet. Exercise therapy: Gradual and controlled exercise routines tailored to individual needs. Medications: Certain medication can be helpful, discuss this with your physician. Dietician: Meeting with a dietician is usually a mainstay of POTS management and can be extremely helpful in maintaining appropriate blood volume. Physical therapy: To improve strength, balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Cognitive rehabilitation: Strategies to cope with cognitive difficulties. Psychological support: Counseling or therapy to manage emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

9. POTS Post-Concussion POTS post-concussion is a challenging combination of conditions that can significantly impact a person's life. Awareness, early diagnosis, & management are vital for improving outcomes and enhancing well-being.

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