About Us

Research at Vanderbilt on the autonomic nervous system began as early as the 1920s, with early discoveries shaping our understanding of how the body regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and circulation. This work contributed to major scientific advances and laid the foundation for modern autonomic research.

In the 1970s, Drs. David and Rose Marie Robertson began focused studies on disorders affecting blood pressure regulation. Their work led to the creation of the Autonomic Dysfunction Center, the first clinic dedicated specifically to evaluating and treating autonomic disorders. Since then, the center has evaluated thousands of patients from across the United States and around the world.

The center has played a key role in identifying new conditions, clarifying differences between disorders, and developing targeted treatments. For example, researchers discovered the genetic basis of dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency and developed an effective therapy for it. They also helped better define conditions such as baroreflex failure, improving diagnosis and care.

Today, the center continues to lead research aimed at understanding the biology of these disorders at both the clinical and molecular level. This work supports the development of more precise diagnostic tools and new treatments, with the goal of improving care and quality of life for patients with autonomic disorders.

David Robertson

David Robertson, MD

Autonomic Dysfunction Center founder 

Historical Highlights

 

  • Research at Vanderbilt on blood pressure and autonomic function began as early as the 1920s.
  • Foundational discoveries contributed to Nobel Prize–winning work and modern understanding of nervous system signaling.
  • The center formally began in the 1970s, becoming the first clinic focused on autonomic disorders. 
  • Thousands of patients from across the U.S. and internationally have been evaluated.
  • Vanderbilt investigators identified rare conditions such as dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency and norepinephrine transporter deficiency and familial autonomic ganglionopathy.
  • Ongoing research continues to improve diagnosis and treatment of autonomic disorders.