Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is associated with a number of systemic effects including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. The most commonly reported GI symptoms are nausea, irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, and constipation. Many POTS patients report GI symptoms more than once per week. They often require a GI specialist. The POTS patients often have gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying. GI disturbances are frequent and prolonged in patients with POTS, impacting quality of life. Given the importance of the enteric nervous system to normal GI functioning, the same autonomic impairment leading to POTS may result in abnormal gut motility and ultimately subjective GI discomfort. Treatment of autonomic dysfunction in POTS and dietary changes may improve GI dysfunction associated with POTS.

Biography

Anna DePold Hohler is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine. Her research interests include “Autonomic research in Parkinson’s disease and postural tachycardia syndrome”. She has described the genetic association between POTS and Ehlers Danlos type III. Recently, she has explored gastrointestinal, sleep, and dermatologic disorders. She has numerous publications and is an expert and frequent Reviewer. She has dozens of publications and serves as an Associate Editor of Continuum, one of the premier neurology journals. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including army achievement and commendation medals and two meritorious service medals for excellence in clinical and teaching skills while serving on active duty. She also received BUSM’s prestigious Stanley L. Robbins Award for Excellence in Teaching and several Neurology teaching awards, including two from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). She co-chairs the AAN Quality Safety Subcommittee.

Email: anna.hohler@bmc.org