Classified as a dysautonomia, POTS is not considered a disease but rather a syndrome, meaning a cluster of symptoms are frequently seen together. POTS can be a primary syndrome or it can be secondary syndrome, meaning it is associated with a known disease …show more content…
In the primary form no other identifiable medical condition is found. Many of these patients will report the onset of symptoms after an acute viral illness, trauma, immunizations or surgery. Deconditioning as a result of the bed rest during an acute viral illness or vitamin deficiencies are also seen in the primary form. The development of the illness is surprisingly rapid and patients can frequently relate the exact day symptoms first began (Grubb 11). POTS can strike at any age but it seems to be more common in the adolescent years. More females are affected than males with a ratio of five to one (LeGras 2). Onset is usually around 14 years of age, often following a period of rapid growth. Symptoms progressively worsen and frequently reach their peak around age 16. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and often severe headaches may be of such intensity that the patient may be functionally disabled (Grubb et al, 4). In these patients POTS seems to be transitional and symptoms will slowly begin to improve. Although there is no cure for dysautonomia many of the patients with this form of POTS will outgrow or make a near full recovery by the early to mid-20s (Rowe