Autonomic Dysfunction Center
About Us
The Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center is one of the nation’s leading centers for the care and study of autonomic disorders.
Our mission is to provide high-quality, evidence-based care for people living with autonomic nervous system disorders.
We are committed to advancing research so we can better understand these conditions, improve diagnosis, and develop more effective treatments to support our patients’ long-term health and quality of life.
News
Andre Diedrich, MD, PhD, to deliver the Streeten Plenary Lecture at the 37th International Symposium on the Autonomic Nervous System
Ruijing Han received the FMS/Penaz Wesseling Travel Fellowship Award for her poster presentation on "Increased orthostatic extravasation rate in postural tachycardia syndrome."
New publication from the RECOVER-AUTONOMIC Clinical Trial Group: Coordinated versus usual nonpharmacologic care for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in Long COVID: A randomized clinical trial
Understanding Autonomic Disorders
The autonomic nervous system controls many involuntary body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, digestion, sweating, and temperature regulation. Autonomic disorders occur when this system does not function normally and can produce a wide range of debilitating symptoms.
Our center specializes in studying the cardiovascular manifestations of autonomic disorders, particularly conditions that affect the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. We evaluate and manage patients with symptoms such as orthostatic intolerance, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, and fainting, as well as conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension.
We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, autonomic disorders can be complex and there is still much to learn.
This information is meant to support—not replace—care from individual healthcare providers. If you have symptoms or concerns, we encourage you to speak with a medical professional for personalized evaluation and guidance.
Conditions We Study and Treat
Our center is actively involved in research and clinical care for multiple autonomic conditions, including:
Our research helps us better understand these conditions and develop new treatment options.
The Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center is led by Italo Biaggioni, MD, and Cyndya Shibao, MD, faculty members in the Department of Medicine's Division of Genetic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. A multidisciplinary team of clinical educators, physician-scientists, advanced practice providers and researchers collaborate across the Vanderbilt Health system.
Autonomic Disorders Fellowship Program
The clinical Autonomic Disorders Fellowship Program at Vanderbilt Health is one of the few accredited programs of its kind in the country. Training for this program is provided through the internationally recognized Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center and specializes in the clinical treatment and research of orthostatic hypotension and other debilitating neurological and neurodegenerative conditions that disrupt vital autonomic functions.
Support world-class research and clinical care
The Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center is one of the nation’s leading centers for the care and study of autonomic disorders.
Because of your support, we are able to provide personalized care for those who need us. Thank you for making a difference. Any gift amount is greatly appreciated.