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Dysautonomia Israel

Supporting the Dysautonomia & POTS Community in Israel

We are a patient-led organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources, and connecting patients and caregivers in Israel. We are inspired by the work of our partners at Dysautonomia International.

I Suspect Dysautonomia Join Our Facebook Group

What is POTS & Dysautonomia?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates vital functions that we don't consciously control, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and digestion. Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for conditions caused by a malfunction of the ANS.

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

POTS is one of the most common forms of dysautonomia. It's characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs when a person stands up, often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and brain fog. These symptoms often improve when the person lies back down.

Common Symptoms

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing
  • Rapid heart rate increase (tachycardia)
  • Chronic fatigue and exercise intolerance
  • "Brain fog" and difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea, bloating, and other digestive issues
  • Headaches, including migraines
  • Sweating abnormalities
  • Fainting (syncope)

For Patients

Patient Education Materials

  • Understanding your diagnosis and symptoms
  • Tips for managing daily life with chronic illness
  • Strategies for improving sleep and reducing fatigue
  • Nutrition and hydration guidance for POTS
  • POTS-friendly exercise and rehabilitation protocols
  • Navigating school and workplace accommodations

Community & Support

Connecting with others who understand your experience is crucial. Join our Facebook group to share stories, ask questions, and find a supportive community.

Join the Group

For Caregivers

Being a caregiver for someone with dysautonomia can be challenging. We provide resources to help you support your loved one while also taking care of your own well-being.

Caregiver Education Materials

  • Understanding the day-to-day challenges of dysautonomia
  • Practical tips for assisting with symptom management
  • Dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of chronic illness
  • Communication strategies for doctor appointments
  • Coping with caregiver burnout and finding support for yourself

What Your Doctor Should Know

This is a sharable document to help you discuss your symptoms with a doctor who may be unfamiliar with POTS or Dysautonomia. You can print this page and bring it to your appointment.

Key Diagnostic Indicators for POTS

  • Sustained increase in heart rate of $\geq 30$ bpm (or $\geq 40$ bpm for ages 12-19) within 10 minutes of standing.
  • Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance are present and relieved by lying down.
  • No orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drop of > 20/10 mmHg).

Common Treatment Strategies

  • Lifestyle Changes: Increased fluid (2-3L/day) and salt intake (2-10g/day), compression garments, and moderate, recumbent exercise.
  • Medication: Often includes beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, midodrine, and others as prescribed by a specialist.

For more information, please see our partners at Dysautonomia International.

Find a Doctor & Relevant Centers in Israel

This list is a community-sourced resource and not an official endorsement. Always do your own research. We mainly work with the Hypertension Unit at Sheba Hospital, which is noted below.

Medical Center Department / Unit Notes Location
Sheba Medical Center (Tel HaShomer) Hypertension Unit Specializes in diagnosing and managing hypertension and autonomic disorders. Features a neurocardiology clinic and performs dynamic tests for autonomic dysfunction. Ramat Gan
Sheba Medical Center (Tel HaShomer) Center for Familial Dysautonomia Treatment Provides care for the specific genetic disorder, Familial Dysautonomia. Ramat Gan
Hadassah Medical Center Familial Dysautonomia Center Another dedicated center for the treatment of Familial Dysautonomia. Jerusalem
Ichilov (Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center) Neurology / Cardiology Major hospital that may have relevant specialists. Tel Aviv

Contact Us

Have a question or want to get in touch? Fill out the form below or email us directly at hi@dysautonomiaIsrael.org.

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