Comprehensive POTS Care at the Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic

‍Introduction to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness and rapid heart rate upon standing. The Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic in Maryland stands at the forefront of POTS care, offering top-tier management strategies and treatments for patients.

A Premier POTS Treatment Center founded by The Kennedy Krieger Instititue and Johns Hopkins

The Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic ranks among the top POTS treatment centers. The POTS Clinic is a collaborative program between Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins Hospital.Nestled within the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, the clinic serves as a beacon of hope, providing a team of POTS specialists, including leading cardiologists, neurologists, and physical therapists dedicated to diagnosing and treating POTS.

Commitment to Research and Innovation

The Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic is at the forefront of POTS research, continually conducting studies to improve treatments and expand knowledge of the condition.

Focused on individualized patient care and innovative research, the Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic is committed to enhancing the lives of those affected by POTS.

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The Johns Hopkins Approach to POTS Treatment

The Multidisciplinary Team at the Johns Hopkins POTS Center

The Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic features a multidisciplinary team of POTS experts, making it a prime destination for POTS care. The team, including cardiologists, neurologists, and physical therapists, collaborates to make the clinic one of the best POTS treatment centers. Their combined expertise ensures patients receive the most effective and personalized treatment plans.

This team includes:

• Dr. Tae Chung, the POTS program director, known for his neuromuscular and autonomic disorder expertise.

• Dr. Pegah Dehghan, specializing in adult POTS treatment.

• Dr. Sezen Karakus, focusing on ocular complications associated with POTS.

• Dr. Christina Kokorelis, providing care for pediatric and adult patients.• Dedicated physical therapists, including Peiting Lien, Albert "Fin" Mears, Jr., Ruben Pagkatipunan, and Jennifer Zanni.

• Elizabeth Clark CRNP, specializing in POTS and orthostatic intolerance management.

• Erica Cerquetti CRNP, offering a unique mind-body approach to POTS treatment.

The Johns Hopkins POTS Center team collaborates with renowned specialists, such as Dr. Jeffrey A Brinker, an expert in acute coronary care; Dr. Malcolm V Brock, a leader in thoracic surgery; Dr. Michael Polydefkis, director of the Cutaneous Nerve Lab; and Dr. Peter C Rowe, an authority on chronic fatigue syndrome and orthostatic intolerance. Their collective expertise ensures that patients at the clinic have access to a comprehensive spectrum of care for POTS and related conditions.

Tailored Treatment Program for POTS at Johns Hopkins

The Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic designs every treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each patient. The clinic's holistic strategy, which includes medications, physical rehabilitation, and lifestyle interventions, aims to improve the overall health and well-being of those with POTS.

Personalized Patient Assessment

Recognizing that POTS manifests uniquely in each person, the clinic starts with an in-depth consultation and assessment to understand the patient's symptoms and challenges. This assessment may lead to various tests to evaluate the function of the autonomic nervous system, establishing a detailed management plan for POTS.

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics and Testing for a POTS diagnosis

‍At this POTS clinic, a variety of diagnostic tests are crucial for accurately diagnosing POTS and differentiating it from other conditions. These tests may include tilt table tests and autonomic function testing.

The clinic may perform a range of diagnostic tests, including:

• Tilt table tests for cardiovascular response evaluation
• Electromyography (EMG) for neuromuscular assessment
• QSART to measure sweat gland function
• Valsalva maneuvers to test cardiovascular reflexes
• Skin biopsies to assess nerve fiber density
• Comprehensive blood testing for underlying conditions
• Physical therapy evaluations to gauge functional capacity

‍Medication Management

‍The team of POTS doctors at the clinic works with patients to develop customized medication regimens to effectively manage POTS symptoms, addressing issues like heart rate and blood pressure.

‍Physical Therapy

‍Physical therapy is integral to POTS treatment at the Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic, aiming to improve muscle strength and cardiovascular health.

‍Lifestyle Modifications

‍Lifestyle changes are essential to the treatment plan. The clinic's POTS specialists guide patients through these changes to enhance their quality of life.The clinic adopts a holistic strategy that covers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of POTS, with doctors creating customized treatment plans for local patients.

Specialized Pediatric Care For POTS

The clinic offers specialized care for children and teens with POTS, ensuring smooth transitions to adult care when needed.

‍Empowering Patients

‍The clinic's focus on patient empowerment reflects its innovative approach, providing knowledge and resources to help patients manage their condition, alongside support groups and educational materials.

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Multiple locations to access POTS Doctors in Maryland

Patients can find Johns Hopkins POTS specialists at several Maryland locations, including the Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center in Lutherville, the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, and the Coppermine Health & Fitness Center in Lutherville-Timonium.

Conclusion

The Johns Hopkins POTS Clinic leads in diagnosing, treating, and researching POTS. With a dedicated team of specialists and comprehensive care options, the clinic empowers patients to effectively manage their POTS symptoms. For those living with POTS, this institution offers the support and expertise necessary to navigate the condition.

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Sources:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (POTS Clinic page): Link
2. Kennedy Krieger Institute - Pediatric Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Program: Link
3. HMP Global Learning Network - Updates on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Novel Program Provides Comprehensive Care: Link