Often-Missed Symptoms Pointing Towards Autoimmune Disease

57. The "I Feel Like I'm Fainting" Feeling: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

If you've ever stood up and suddenly felt dizzy, lightheaded, or like you were about to faint, it may not just be a passing moment of low blood pressure. This could be a symptom of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition where your autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate heart rate and blood pressure when changing positions. The immune system is often the unseen culprit, causing nerve damage that interferes with the body’s ability to send blood to the brain. This "dizzy spell" can be accompanied by a racing heart, brain fog, or extreme fatigue, and it’s a silent sign that your body’s most basic regulatory systems are under attack.

58. Difficulty Concentrating and "Brain Fog": A Mind Under Siege

You’ve had a good night's sleep, but your mind still feels cloudy. You find yourself struggling to remember simple words, follow conversations, or complete tasks that were once easy. This isn't just a sign of stress; it can be an early indicator of autoimmune inflammation affecting the brain. Conditions like lupus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause widespread inflammation that disrupts cognitive function, leading to what's commonly known as "brain fog." This feeling of mental disconnection is a powerful warning that your immune system's battle is directly impacting your ability to think clearly.