Pediatric Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Healthcare Provider Education

This theoretical study will look at the symptoms, possible treatments, and diagnosis criteria of pediatric patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). POTS is a form of dysfunction within the autonomic nervous system. Because POTS is a nervous system disease it causes symptoms to present throughout the body. These symptoms including tachycardia, dizziness, pre-syncope, syncope, brain fog, exercise intolerance, and gastrointestinal changes. The goal of this study is to increase the provider education surrounding POTS. By increasing the provider education, it will help increase the accuracy at which POTS is diagnosed. It will help avoid incorrect diagnosis for patients who have POTS. To properly educate providers we must discuss and review the symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and treatment methods. Because POTS typically presents in children it is important to educate providers on the differences in diagnostic criteria for children compared to adults. There are several causes of POTS and comorbidities that can contribute to the development of POTS. Some causes of POTS include a decrease in central blood volume, peripheral vascular dysfunction, and overactive nervous system. Properly educating health care providers on the causes and differences in treatment for each type of POTS is fundamental to proper patient care. Â There are many gaps in research regarding to POTS. Proper education and research surrounding POTS will help to increase patient care.