Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome for the otolaryngologist

Abstract

Objective: To describe the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), including clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and current management models.

Data sources: PubMed, Cochrane Library were searched for articles available prior to October 30, 2015.

Methods: Review of the available English-language literature.

Results: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome presentation is discussed, along with underlying associated physiology for POTS and recommended nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management strategies.

Conclusion: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome patients commonly present with complaints of postural lightheadedness, or dizziness, which can be associated with various other conditions. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment methods are available to improve the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder. Laryngoscope, 127:1195-1198, 2017.

Keywords: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; autonomic disorder; dizziness; otolaryngology; vestibular.