Neurocognitive Testing in POTS: A Pilot Study

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if POTS patients perform as well as healthy people on tests of cognition (thinking). The results of this study may help us to better understand if POTS patients' complaints of "brain fog" needs to be studied more carefully.

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder that features an inappropriate increase in heart rate upon standing in addition to chronic symptoms including lightheadedness, dizziness, mental clouding, and palpitations.

A common complaint among people with POTS is “brain fog” – a difficulty in concentrating. We are trying to learn more about this “brain fog”. To do this we are are conducting some tests of brain function (on paper and on computer). We are also measuring heart rates and blood pressures while lying down and standing up.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 60

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

1. Patients with diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) from the Calgary Autonomic Investigation and Management Clinic.
2. Subjective complaint of "brain fog"
3. Age 18 to 60 years
4. Female and Male
5. Healthy participants without POTS
6. Able to give an informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

You are not eligible to participate if you are:
1. Patients with overt causes for POTS (e.g. dehydration, prolonged bed rest)
2. Taking norepinephrine transport inhibitors (e.g., atomoxetine)
3. Have taken stimulants or Attention-Deficit Disorder drugs within the last 1 week (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine, modafinil, atomoxetine)
4. Unable to give an informed consent

Participate

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Method of contact

Collection of personal information
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Additional information

Contact information

Karolina Kogut, Research Assistant autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca

Principal investigator:

Satish Raj

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB18-1763