Cardiologist Or Neurologist?

[Alison]

I haven't seen a specialist yet, just my GP and I'm wondering which I'd be best seeing. I think my POTS is probably hyperadrenergic pots.

[yogini]

I'd try to find someone in your area that's on the Dinet doctor list, and ask around if others here have seen that dr. The key is finding someone that is experienced in treating POTS.

[Alison]

Thanks Yogini, I'm in the UK and will probably see someone in London, I have a list of doctors from the Potsuk site. some of the doctors are neurologists, some are cardiologists. I was also wondering if an endocrinologist would be better as I have some symptoms of hyperadrenalism?

[imapumpkin]

because pots is primarily a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, i would stick with the neurologist who has experience dealing with pots. yes, it manifests as cardiac, but the cause is really neurological. That's not to say you can't also see a cardiologist and endocrinologist, but the neuro specialist is probably going to be able to suit your needs best.

[Chaos]

I was originally diagnosed by a cardiologist. While I still see him for follow up, my primary POTS doc is a neurologist who specializes in it. He has a much better "big picture" of the whole set of problems that this causes whereas the cardiologist has been more prone to thinking that as long as the HR/BP is under control then I should be just fine.

That said, I know there are cardios who have a great appreciation and understanding of the illness so it really probably depends on who the doctor is that you find which will be better in your situation. Like the others have said, you may still need to see various types of docs (like endo) to address specific issues. Unfortunately the practice of medicine has become so fractured these days that you have to see 15 different docs to take care of 1 body. They seem to have forgotten that all those 15 different systems still have to work together to make the whole body work right.

[rubytuesday]

I was originally diagnosed by my cardiologist and PCP (internal medicine). But my cardiologist also had me see a neurologist to rule out neurologic defects. The neurologist told me my exam was negative (but suggested Mestinon to treat the dysautonomia). She did not relate any need for me to see her beyond the consult (perhaps as I was in the hands of a cardiologist who had already recognized what was happening to me?).

I agree that either could treat you, but it should be a physician who is well versed with POTS and dysautonomia.

[griffism]

My first diagnosis of non-specified Dysautonomia came from a cardiologist, so I would try to see a cardiologist. Although, my true diagnosis of POTS came from an electro-cardiologist who specializes in POTS. In my opinion, I would go with a doctor specializing in POTS first, but if you cannot find one, then I would go to a cardiologist. Hope this helps

[Christy_D]

My son was diagnosed by a cardiologist, but has always been treated by neurologists. The cardiologist didn't have enough expertise to treat the whole syndrome.

[Alison]

Thanks for your replies, on reflection it seems I'd probably be best seeing both, which I thin k my health insurance will allow, I'm inclined to start with the neurologist and go from there.

[leydengs]

I tend to stick with a Neurologist but I do have a cardiologist if I need him as well.

[TCP]

I guess most people end up seeing a cardiologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist and respiratory and pain doctor. I hope you gets lots of help.