Cerebral blood circulation abnormalities in POTS assessed by mind SPECT. This determine was created in https://BioRender.com. Credit score: Scientific Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87748-4
In what’s believed to be a world-first examine, researchers from the College of Adelaide’s Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Analysis Collaborative (ADARC) have used mind scans to determine blood circulation issues in individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
POTS is a posh situation affecting the autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious bodily capabilities like respiratory, blood circulation and digestion.
The syndrome extra generally impacts youthful ladies, and signs are made worse when standing, usually resulting in dizziness, mind fog, speedy coronary heart charge, and fatigue.
In collaboration with the South Australian Well being and Medical Analysis Institute (SAHMRI), teachers from the ADARC analyzed nuclear medication mind scans (SPECT) from 56 sufferers with POTS who had been experiencing extreme points with mind fog to look at issues with blood circulation.
A mind SPECT creates an in depth, 3D image of the blood circulation within the mind, displaying which areas might not be getting sufficient blood. The outcomes of the examine have been revealed in Scientific Reviews.
“We found 61% of participants had reduced blood flow in key brain areas, even when lying down. This is the first clear evidence of poor brain circulation in POTS even while patients are lying down using an imaging technique which is widely accessible to doctors,” mentioned Dr. Seeley.
“These findings could help explain brain fog in POTS and similar conditions like long COVID, where many people struggle with fatigue and trouble thinking clearly.”
On common in Australia, a prognosis of POTS can take seven years because of the under-recognition of the situation and challenges in accessing diagnostic testing.
The mind areas liable for govt perform, sensation, and motion had been probably the most affected within the members. This could result in difficulties with planning, decision-making, focus, and processing sensory data, impacting every day life and total well-being.
POTS most frequently develops after a viral an infection however may occur after occasions comparable to a concussion, surgical procedure or being pregnant. ADARC researchers had been the primary to indicate a hyperlink between lengthy COVID and POTS, with 79% of these within the examine assembly the factors for POTS.
“Considering the young age of our POTS cohort, predominantly comprising females, and the concerning implications of blood flow on cognitive function and sensory function, our findings raise questions about the potential impact on educational progression, workforce engagement, and overall social and economic well-being,” Dr. Seeley mentioned.
“We have seen POTS impact people from all walks of life, leaving people who were once able to function well in society now with a much-reduced quality of life. These results highlight the need for further research to understand the pathways underlying brain blood flow issues in post-viral and autonomic syndromes. Future prospective studies may explore the role of therapies and interventions in the management of brain blood flow.”‘
Extra data:
Marie-Claire Seeley et al, Novel mind SPECT imaging unravels irregular cerebral perfusion in sufferers with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and cognitive dysfunction, Scientific Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87748-4
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