Autonomic Disorders Research
The Autonomic Disorders section conducts translational and clinical research efforts. We have received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dysautonomia International, and other partners. Clinical research includes observational studies as well as novel therapeutic trials for MSA, POTS, orthostatic hypotension, and other forms of dysautonomia. Translational research focuses on the identification and characterization of autoimmune autonomic disorders and the deep phenotyping of POTS. In partnership with the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute (OBI), the OBI Investigator Program incorporates the very best brain research happening across UT Southwestern to most effectively and rapidly advance discoveries.
In addition, the program fosters scholarly excellence and enhances connections among faculty. We collaborate with other sections within the Department of Neurology including Neuromuscular Medicine, Movement Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology, Headache Medicine, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, and Biostatistics and Clinical Informatics. The latter assists with producing high-quality research designs from observational to clinical trials.
Researchers
Dr. Vernino is interested in several areas of autonomic research. His laboratory is interested in biomarkers, especially autoantibodies, and their role in pathophysiology. He is also involved in clinical research including clinical trials for MSA and POTS. A current large multicenter NIH-funded research project aims to deeply phenotype a large cohort of POTS patients to better understand the spectrum of this common autonomic disorder.
Dr. Bryarly’s research interests include postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), post-COVID syndrome, multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson's disease with autonomic involvement, orthostatic hypotension, and pure autonomic failure. Her focus is on treatment options and a better understanding of these diseases. She is also interested in how exercise can be used as a therapeutic intervention for autonomic disorders. Dr. Bryarly conducts clinical trials for the management of Orthostatic Hypotension (OH).
Dr. Phillips is a co-investigator on an NIH-funded project to evaluate the natural history of TTR amyloidosis. She is also interested in the management of Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) in neurodegenerative disorders.