What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is a complex condition affecting the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls essential involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Approximately 1 in 100 teenagers experience a form of dysautonomia, with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) being the most common. This guide aims to clarify what dysautonomia is, its causes, symptoms in children, and a neurologically-focused approach to healing.
What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
The ANS regulates critical functions that happen automatically, without conscious effort. These include:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Digestion
Temperature regulation
Immune system activation and regulation
Inflammation control
Sensory processing and integration
Speech, communication, and emotional regulation
When the ANS malfunctions, it can lead to dysautonomia, a group of disorders disrupting these vital processes.
Common Types of Dysautonomia
Dysautonomia encompasses several conditions, each with distinct characteristics:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Causes a rapid heart rate increase upon standing, often accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS): Leads to sudden drops in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), resulting in fainting or near-fainting episodes.
Gastroparesis: Delays stomach emptying, causing nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A progressive condition involving nerve cell degeneration, leading to balance issues, stiffness, tremors, or fainting.
What Causes Dysautonomia?
The primary driver of dysautonomia is stress. In today’s fast-paced world, both adults and children face unprecedented levels of stress, tension, and anxiety. Children, in particular, are exposed to these pressures earlier than ever, contributing to the rise of dysautonomia and related conditions.
Signs of Dysautonomia in Children
Dysautonomia can be challenging to diagnose due to its wide-ranging symptoms, which affect multiple body systems. Below are common physical, cognitive, and emotional signs to watch for in children.
Physical Symptoms
Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea due to autonomic dysfunction in the gastrointestinal tract.
Altered Tone and Coordination: Poor motor tone and coordination, leading to frequent imbalances or challenges with gross and fine motor skills.
Immunosuppression and Inflammation: A weakened immune system and chronic inflammation caused by sympathetic (fight/flight) dominance.
Fatigue and Weakness: Chronic tiredness, making it hard for children to keep up with peers in physical activities.
Dizziness and Fainting: Orthostatic hypotension, causing lightheadedness or fainting when changing positions (e.g., standing up).
Heart Rate Irregularities: Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate), often with palpitations or chest discomfort.
Seizures and Epilepsy: Dysautonomia and vagus nerve dysfunction may contribute to seizures or epileptic conditions.
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
Sensory Processing Difficulties: Challenges with sensory overload, transitions, meltdowns, or tantrums due to impaired vagus nerve function.
Brain Fog and Concentration Issues: Difficulty focusing, memory problems, mental fatigue, or ADHD-like symptoms.
Anxiety and Depression: The chronic nature of dysautonomia can impact mental health, increasing anxiety or depression.
A Neurologically-Focused Approach to Healing
Conventional treatments for dysautonomia often fall short, as they may not address the root causes. A promising alternative is Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, which targets the autonomic nervous system to restore balance and function.
How It Works
Our approach recognizes that nervous system dysfunction, often caused by interferences in the nervous system, can contribute to dysautonomia and other chronic conditions. We use advanced tools like INSiGHT Scans to identify subluxations and create personalized care plans. These plans include precise chiropractic adjustments tailored to each child’s unique needs.
By removing nervous system interference, our care promotes optimal communication between the brain and body, supporting the vagus nerve and ANS. This can lead to improved regulation of bodily functions and overall well-being.
Why It Matters
Dysautonomia doesn’t just affect one system—it can impact nearly every aspect of a child’s health. By addressing the nervous system holistically, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a pathway to reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life for children and their families.
For more information or to explore this approach, contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our doctor team!