Dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system – the part of the nervous system that is responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure control. It results in an imbalance of the sympathetic nervous system (our “fight or flight” responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” responses). Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system causes many different symptoms in people and may be called different names depending on those symptoms: orthostatic intolerance, POTS, neuro-cardiogenic syncope or dysautonomia.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder characterized by orthostatic intolerance, a condition that often causes multiple symptoms, especially when standing for a long time. When a person with POTS stands up, there is a significant increase in the heart rate above the normal rate and the heart rate stays elevated longer than usual. This heart rate response is key to diagnosing POTS. With position changes, blood pressure may fall, stay the same or increase.

The purpose of this fundraising page is to support the expansion of a multidisciplinary neuro-dysautonomia program at Children's National Hospital to bolster care coordination and family support services and optimize each child’s care experience and long-term health.   

Thanks to the support and generosity of two community leaders dedicated to advancing care for children living with dysautonomia/POTS, every dollar donated to the Children’s National POTS/Dysautonomia Fund between now and June 30, 2023, will be matched up to $50,000. (That means your gift of $250 becomes $500!) We are incredibly grateful to the community members that made this generous match possible.

For 150 years, Children's National has been serving our community, pursuing life-saving research, and providing exceptional, compassionate care to children and families.

Every day our patients show determination and heart in the face of challenging illness. Thank you for helping us advance care for children and young adults in our community living with dysautonomia/POTS.