This Web page is designed for the general education of patients and their families.
Disclaimer: The answers provided are the opinion of Dr.
Tom Chelimsky. No patient should make any changes in their care without
first consulting their physician.
Question: Do you think there is any connection between root canal toxins and pure autonomic failure?
Dr. Chelimsky: There is probably no direct connection, although I could make a more educated comment if you could provide me with a list of what was used in your particular root canal procedure. However, it should be noted that it is not uncommon for the first signs of a neurologic illness to become manifest after a major trauma or surgery. It is not clear why this happens, but it is clear that the trauma or surgery was not the cause. Perhaps situations of special stress tend to require the nervous system to function at its upper limit, which then catalyzes completion of a lesion in a borderline area (like a frayed rope which finally gives way under stress), by release of neurotransmitters which are toxic.
Alternatively, the diagnosis of pure autonomic failure is incorrect, and the person in question is really has a form of the postural tachycardia syndrome, which is well-known to become exacerbated by stressors to the nervous system. You are welcome to email me the ingredients of the root canal, and I'll make an addendum to this note.
Best regards, Thomas Chelimsky, MD
If you have a question, please submit it to Dr. Chelimsky.