Investigating how a brain region may affect Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in adolescents.

Pediatric POTS: does a periaqueductal gray-vagus nerve interface malfunction explain the natural history with its numerous co-morbidities ?

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11137740

This study is looking at how a part of the brain might not work properly after a stressful event in young people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which can cause symptoms like dizziness and brain fog, to help us better understand what’s happening and how to help.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-11137740 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that commonly affects adolescents, particularly females, causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and brain fog. The study aims to understand how a specific brain region, the periaqueductal gray, may malfunction after a significant threat, leading to the chronic symptoms associated with POTS. By examining the relationship between this brain region and the symptoms of POTS, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into the condition's underlying mechanisms and its associated co-morbidities. The approach includes clinical assessments and brain imaging techniques to gather data on the participants' experiences and physiological responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who experience symptoms of POTS.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have POTS or are outside the age range of 12-20 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for adolescents suffering from POTS.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been observations of associations between POTS and other conditions, this specific approach to understanding the brain's role in POTS is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.