Here's What You Need To Know About Solange’s Autonomic Disorder Diagnosis
Sadly, Solange announced yesterday (Dec. 27) the cancellation of her New Year’s Eve performance at AfroPunk South Africa after revealing that she is dealing with a rare and complicated autonomic disorder.
Read her heartfelt message to fans on Instagram:
While we're wishing the 31-year-old a speedy recovery, we're also wondering what is an autonomic disorder. Although, we're not exactly sure which disorder that the "Cranes in the Sky" singer has been treating for the last five months, here's what we do know about the condition affecting her autonomic nervous system (ANS):
The Types
Over one million Americans are impacted by a primary autonomic system disorder. The more common forms of these conditions include:
- Orthostatic hypotension (OH)
- Orthostatic intolerance (OI)
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, also known as postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Syncope
- Neurogenic bowel (gastroparesis, intestinal dysmotility, constipation)
- Erectile dysfunction and neurogenic bladder
The Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, "The autonomic nervous system controls much of your involuntary functions. Symptoms are wide-ranging and can include problems with the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, perspiration, and bowel and bladder functions. Other symptoms include fatigue, lightheadedness, feeling faint or passing out (syncope), weakness, and cognitive impairment."
The Treatment
According to Healthline.com, "your doctor will treat autonomic dysfunction by addressing the symptoms. If an underlying disease is causing the problem, it’s important to get it under control as soon as possible." In a case like orthostatic hypotension, your doctor may suggest a prescription medication such as midodrine, but certain lifestyle changes like drinking more fluids and adding salt to your diet can help.
"Nerve damage is difficult to cure. Physical therapy, walking aids, feeding tubes, and other methods may be necessary to help treat more severe nerve involvement."
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