POTS Assessment

At Hawthorn Medical and Wellness Hub, we now offer a diagnostic assessment for POTS.

What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, characterised by orthostatic intolerance and a significant increase in heart rate when standing, without the presence of orthostatic hypotension. The condition predominantly affects females (approximately 85%) and typically develops during adolescence or early adulthood. Diagnosis is often delayed due to symptom overlap with other complex medical conditions. Early detection and appropriate management can help minimise disruptions to education, work, and social development.

POTS Symptoms:

  • Orthostatic intolerance
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Sleep abnormalities
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Fatigue
  • Blood pooling in the extremities
  • Light sensitivity in the eyes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gastroparesis
  • Rapid gastric emptying
  • Hypersensitivity of the skin

Precipitating Triggers

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is frequently triggered by a major physiological or neurological stressor. Typical initiating factors include viral or bacterial infections, concussion, significant surgery, and hormonal changes such as menarche, pregnancy, or menopause. Occasionally, prolonged psychological stress or trauma may also play a role in the onset of autonomic dysfunction. Over one-third of POTS cases are linked to viral insults, with COVID-19 now recognised as a major and increasing trigger. Individuals with underlying hereditary connective tissue disorders or immune dysregulation are especially susceptible to developing POTS following any of these events.

How do we diagnose POTS?

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive medical history and blood tests to rule out other medical conditions, as well as completion of symptom surveys like the MALMO POTS questionnaire, Composite Autonomic System Score-31 questionnaire, and Fatigue Severity Scale. The 10-minute active stand test is also performed. Typically, a diagnostic assessment takes around one hour. After POTS is diagnosed, we will discuss a management plan aimed at improving your symptoms.