The Dysautonomia Download

Astrid De Souza and Dr. Kathryn Armstrong
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

This is a series of podcasts from health care professionals at British Columbia Children's Hospital that discusses the autonomic nervous system disorder known as "dysautonomia" or "dysautonomia of adolescence". 

Episodes

  1. JAN 12

    A Patient's Perspective

    In the twelfth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Danny, a previous patient of the dysautonomia clinic.   In today's episode, we discuss Danny's experience living with dysautonomia, the diagnostic journey, symptom management, and many other topics relevant to managing a chronic illness.

    33 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    Episode 11 - How to Manage Syncope (Fainting)

    In the eleventh episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Erin Williams. Erin recently completed her PhD in the Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory at Simon Fraser University, under the supervision of Dr. Victoria Claydon. Her work focused on the role of skeletal muscle pumping in maintaining cardiovascular stability, with a particular emphasis on its application in counterpressure maneuvers for the prevention of syncope (fainting). She is currently working as a researcher in the Sanatani lab at BC Children's Hospital. In today's episode, we discuss syncope and strategies for preventing fainting, new research in the field, and how to best manage faints. As mentioned in the podcast, the Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory works closely with patient advocacy groups. The Dysautonomia Project has just published a book, and there is a link attached below for those interested in learning more! https://thedysautonomiaproject.org/get-a-book/

    35 min

  3. 08/01/2025

    Episode 10 - The Dysautonomia and Mindfulness Connection

    In the tenth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Dr. Dzung Vo a pediatrician specializing in Adolescent Medicine, founding Co-Director of the BC Children’s Hospital Centre for Mindfulness, and a Clinical Associate Professor and Division Head for the Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, at BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In today's episode, we explore the concept of mindfulness and its importance in adolescents with chronic illness. As well as the connection between adolescent medicine and dysautonomia.

    43 min

  4. 07/02/2025

    Episode 9 - Dysautonomia and Somatization

    In the ninth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Pediatric Psychiatrist Dr. Andrea Chapman and Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Amrit Dhariwal.  Dr. Chapman is a clinical professor in the UBC Department of Psychiatry and is the Director of Consultation-Liaison Service at BCCH. Dr. Dhariwal holds an appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UBC and is the Co-Director of the Family Therapy Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital.  In today's episode, we discuss somatization and the current clinical approach. As well as the similarities and differences between our clinics, and the importance of the mind-body connection.

    48 min

  5. 05/20/2025

    Episode 8 - Sport, Rheumatology, and Dysautonomia

    In the eighth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Pediatric Rheumatologist Dr. Kristin Houghton, who specializes in Sports and Exercise Medicine. She is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at The University of British Columbia. In today's episode, we discuss the role Rheumatology plays in Dysautonomia and strategies for approaching sport and exercise.

    36 min

  6. 04/07/2025

    Episode 7 - A Pediatric Electrophysiologist's approach to Dysautonomia

    In the seventh episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Pediatric Electrophysiologist Dr. Shubhayan Sanatani.  He is the Section Head of the Heart Rhythm Service here at Children's Heart Centre and a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of British Columbia. In today's episode, we discuss the role he has played in the Dysautonomia Clinic and his clinical approach to Dysautonomia.

    37 min

  7. 03/07/2025

    Episode 6 - Nutrition and Dysautonomia

    In the sixth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Erin Stamp a Registered Dietitian who specializes in pediatrics here at the Heart Centre at BC Children's Hospital. In today's episode, we discuss the impact of diet and nutrition in regard to Dysautonomia and strategies for coping with nausea and other GI symptoms.

    33 min

  8. 01/28/2025

    Episode 5 - A Clinical Approach to Chronic Pain

    In the fifth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview Dr. Tim Oberlander who is the medical lead for the Complex Pain Service at BC Children's Hospital. He is a Developmental Pediatrician as well as a Physician-Scientist. In today's episode, we discuss the clinical approach to seeing patients with chronic pain or illness and the connection between pain and our brain.

    39 min

  9. 08/17/2024

    Episode 4 - A Psychologist's Perspective

    In the fourth episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview our team Psychologist, and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of British Columbia, Dr. Penny Sneddon. In today's episode, we discuss strategies for coping with stress, available resources, and the importance of the mind-body connection.

    34 min

  10. 07/17/2024

    Episode 3 - Dysautonomia through the lens of a Pediatric Cardiologist

    In the third episode of The Dysautonomia Download, we interview our team leader Pediatric Cardiologist, and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of British Columbia, Dr. Kathryn Armstrong. We discuss Dr. Armstrong's journey to BC Children's Hospital, the role she has played in the Dysautonomia Clinic, and a variety of important concepts that impact our Dysautonomia patients.

    40 min

  11. 06/17/2024

    Episode 2 - Exercise and Dysautonomia

    In the second episode of this series, we interview Astrid De Souza a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of British Columbia and an Exercise Physiologist and Counsellor to the Dysautonomia Program at British Columbia Children's Hospital. This episode discusses her journey and how she became involved with the Dysautonomia program, the role exercise plays in Dysautonomia, and how exercise varies depending on the patient.

    29 min

  12. 05/14/2024

    Episode 1 - A Patient's Experience

    The first episode in this series focuses on dysautonomia from the perspective of a previous patient of the Dysautonomia Program. The conversation covers access to the Program, symptom burden, management, and follow-up. This episode is hosted by Astrid De Souza, a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at The University of British Columbia and an Exercise Physiologist and Counsellor to the Dysautonomia Program at British Columbia Children's Hospital. In today's episode Astrid is interviewing Pearl Waraich, a former patient who was diagnosed with dysautonomia in 2017.

    24 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is a series of podcasts from health care professionals at British Columbia Children's Hospital that discusses the autonomic nervous system disorder known as "dysautonomia" or "dysautonomia of adolescence". 

Information

  • Creator
    Astrid De Souza and Dr. Kathryn Armstrong
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dysautonomia Download
  • Show Website
    The Dysautonomia Download