Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
POTS is also called Dysautonomia, which means an impaired autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is part of the nervous system that regulates automatic functions, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sweating, elimination, temperature, pupil dilation, circulation, and respiration to name a few.
Common Symptoms Associated with Dysautonomia:
- Difficulty standing still
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Brain Fog
- Nausea
- Gut Symptoms
- Chest Discomfort
- Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty Breathing
Symptoms can involve many organ systems, such as neurological, cardiovascular, urinary, and pulmonary. Those who may have a dysregulated ANS do not experience the same symptoms. The one symptom that appears to be quite common in POTS is difficulty maintaining an upright posture.
Standing In Gravity:
Moving from a seated position to a standing position shifts blood flow quickly. In fact, two liters of blood pool to the lower half of the body due to gravity. The blood pressure change in the upper body may be the cause of neurological problems.
The body is designed to counter the response of blood volume shifts. Our bodies activate the ANS which causes vasoconstriction in the vessels in the lower half of the body restoring homeostasis or balance.
A Dysregulated Immune System:
POTS or Dysautonomia symptoms may stem from post-viral or post-bacterial infections. A common observation in individuals with COVID or SARS, is acute and chronic episodes of tachycardia, blood pressure fluctuations, muscle fatigue, and shortness of breath.
The ANS and the immune system are deeply connected. The ANS regulates both innate and adaptive immunity through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When there is an over or under-active response or an imbalance in the ANS there can be an altered inflammatory response that may present as an autoimmune storm.
The CMB Difference:
At CMB, we have a 3-tier approach to evaluate your unique story.
- Brain – A comprehensive approach through QEEG will identify how your brain is wired from the top down
- Chemistry – Evaluate your internal biology through functional labs;
- Mechanical – Educate you on the power of movement in helping you redirect your brain
Here at CMB, we believe in looking under every rock to help uncover hidden causes. We believe in working with other providers to give each patient the kind of care necessary to bring a full recovery. The autonomic nervous system is the involuntary part of your nervous system. The ANS receives signals from the hypothalamus, which is the area of your brain that connects the nervous system to the endocrine system. At CMB we evaluate your brain through quantitative electroencephalography or QEEG. This brain map allows us to see where areas of the brain are over or under power. We correlate our findings with your blueprint of past medical history. As an adult patient, we have a top-down approach to improve your cognitive flexibility, balance the sympathetic nervous system, and bring your system back into homeostasis. We support your practice in the office and at home. Our 30-Day journal supports your healing journey, while in the comfort of your home.
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