What Is Dysautonomia? A Comprehensive Guide For Patients and Caregivers

As a chiropractic neurology clinic, you can imagine we encounter patients struggling with a variety of neurological disorders. One of the main conditions we see and treat is dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for a complex neurological disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a range of symptoms and can present in a variety of ways that can be challenging to diagnose and manage.

This condition isn’t rare either. Dysautonomia International estimates that over 70 million people have some form of this condition. Despite its widespread population, it takes most patients years to receive a diagnosis simply because they’re unaware of what dysautonomia is.

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we aim to increase awareness of complex conditions by educating our patients. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what dysautonomia is, and cover the symptoms, causes and treatment options for this condition.

What Is Dysautonomia?

Our autonomic nervous system regulates many of the body’s automatic functions. This includes things like your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and temperature control. Dysautonomia occurs when there is a dysfunction in this system, resulting in a range of symptoms that can affect many of your body’s functions.

Dysautonomia can be a primary condition, meaning that it’s a result of a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system itself. Or it can be a secondary condition, meaning it’s the result of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Lyme disease or multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms Of Dysautonomia

How dysautonomia presents in the body can vary greatly from person to person. These symptoms can include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
Fainting or near-fainting (known as syncope)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (known as tachycardia or arrhythmia)
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Fatigue
Brain fog or cognitive difficulties
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Bladder dysfunction
Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
Temperature intolerance
Insomnia or disturbed sleep

If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, please contact us for a free phone consultation.

The Different Types Of Dysautonomia

There are three main forms of dysautonomia that we diagnose patients with:

Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS)

Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS) or Vasovagal Syncope is the most common form of dysautonomia. It’s a typical cause of fainting that relates to a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. In NCS, a sudden and brief drop in blood pressure and heart rate occurs, leading to a lack of blood flow to the brain and causing you to faint.

Emotional stress, pain or prolonged standing can often be triggers of NCS.

Symptoms of NCS include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or sweating
A sudden feeling of warmth or coldness

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

A rapid increase in heart rate without a significant decrease in heart rate characterizes POTS. This sensation can occur when a person moves from lying down to standing up. The body is unable to adjust to the change in posture, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities and reducing blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms of POTS include:

Lightheadedness
Occasional fainting
Palpitations
Headaches
Brain fog
Fatigue
Headache
Exercise intolerance
Tremors
Nausea

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that usually occurs in older adults. A build-up of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain leads to the death of nerve cells and causes MSA.

MSA is a rare and often difficult-to-diagnose condition. Early recognition and management of symptoms is important for improving quality of life.

Symptoms of MSA include:

Problems with movement or balance
Blood pressure changes
Bladder control issues

Causes Of Dysautonomia

The causes of dysautonomia can vary, depending on what type you might have.

Primary dysautonomia can be genetic or idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. While secondary dysautonomia can be the result of various underlying conditions, including:

Diabetes
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Lyme disease
Sjogren’s syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Autoimmune disorders
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing dysautonomia can be challenging. As you’ve seen, the symptoms are often vague and overlap with many other possible conditions.

That’s why, at Lancaster Brain & Spine, we examine “the whole you,” not just the symptoms you come in with. We’ll look at your past history and your body’s various systems while asking extensive questions and performing a thorough examination.

Our specialist diagnostic testing includes tilt-table tests, heart rate variability, videonystagmography and autonomic function that we have in-house at our Lancaster, PA clinic. These extensive testing facilities are why so many surrounding clinics send their neurological patients our way.

The treatment for dysautonomia depends on the underlying cause and the specific symptoms presented. In some cases, lifestyle changes can have a very beneficial impact, such as:

Increasing salt and fluid intake
Wearing compression socks
Regular exercise
Staying hydrated
Avoiding triggers

At our Lancaster-based clinic, we administer treatment and monitor you throughout the process. We also perform therapies in stages, from lying down to tilted or standing, to ensure consistent, but not overwhelming, growth. We track the variability of regulating blood pressure, heart rate and breathing and aim to improve your symptoms with the least discomfort possible.

That’s why we offer intensive weeks. We can improve neurological problems with consistent treatment spread out over a few days due to the brain’s neuroplasticity. Wondering if an intensive week could work for you? Book a free 15-minute telephone consult to discuss this treatment option with our staff.

Living With Dysautonomia

Living with this condition can be challenging. But it is possible to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. The best way to do this? Work with knowledgeable professionals who can create a custom dysautonomia treatment plan for you. Depending on your circumstances, this plan may include medical intervention or lifestyle modifications. Whatever the recommended treatment, it’s a plan to help you get back to living your best life.

Want A Second Opinion?

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with dysautonomia, we recommend you seek a professional opinion.

Request a free telephone consultation with us by completing our quick contact form. One of our lovely staff will arrange a call between you and one of our experts, where we can discuss your symptoms and the next best steps.

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we specialize in invisible pain, so you’re in safe hands.

Book your free 15-minute telephone consult with us here.

A Guide To Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy: 10 Ways To Self-Assess At Home

We all know that regular health assessments are crucial for maintaining good health. Not only can they help us detect problems early on, but they also provide valuable insight into your overall well-being.

While your primary care physician may perform health assessments during your annual check-up, you can also take responsibility for your health by conducting tests and screenings at home. By regularly performing self-assessments, you can identify warning signs or symptoms of various conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy.

We’re here to help you understand what peripheral neuropathy is, so you’re better equipped to detect the early warning signs at home.

First Things First — What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing them to work improperly. This nerve damage or irritation can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, weakness and pain.

It’s most commonly felt in the hands and feet, and can appear as a change in sensation, perception or strength, often described as “weakness” or “atrophy.”

Some signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch or muscle weakness
Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as putting weight on your feet or when they’re under a blanket
Lack of coordination and falling
Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

There are various conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy. For example, many people with diabetes will develop some type of neuropathy. Many inherited disorders, tumors, autoimmune diseases and infections can also be a cause.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition, but often there is a lack of information about recognizing signs and symptoms. This is a problem, because the sooner you can catch or identify nerve damage, the better chance you have at restoring it to its original state.

Now a physician can diagnose peripheral neuropathy, but knowing when to seek further help leaves many people feeling unsure. Self-assessment allows you to check if you should seek a professional opinion. Below you’ll find a self-assessment diagnostic that you can use in the comfort of your home.

10 Ways To Self-Assess For Peripheral Neuropathy At Home

To complete this self-assessment, find a quiet place, a pen and a piece of paper. Either physically complete the tests or answer the questions, and then note your score. You can also ask a loved one to help you perform the tests, or self-assess your loved one.

If you answer “no” to any of the following questions, add 1 point.

1. Can you reach into your purse or wallet, and correctly identify the type of coin?

2. If you put your hand under running water, can you tell if it’s warm or cold, simply by touch? Does it feel the same on both hands?

3. Is there a visible color difference between your hands or feet? One might look bluer or redder, while the other is a normal skin tone.

4. Can you tell the difference between the sharp and dull ends of an object, say a pen, while your eyes are closed? Is this sensation the same for every finger and toe?

5. When you’re barefoot, can you tell the type of floor you’re touching? Can you tell if it’s a fluffy carpet or rough hardwood? Can you feel the seams in the wood?

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, add 1 point.

6. Do you have hypersensitivity or difficulty with certain footwear feeling constrictive or unsupportive?

7. Do you feel like you constantly need to wear gloves or mittens outside to maintain a constant temperature sensation in your hands?

8. Do you have discoloration from one finger to the next? Does one nail look less healthy than another on either your hands or feet?

9. Do you often trip or stumble?

10. Do you often burn or cut yourself in the kitchen?

What’s your final score? If you or your loved one scored at least 1 point, that could indicate a potential peripheral neuropathy, and you should seek a professional medical opinion.

Want our opinion? Request a complimentary telephone consultation by completing our quick 5-question contact form. If we think it’s necessary, we’ll invite you in for further testing.

What Does Getting A Diagnosis Look Like?

Understanding your condition depends on your individual circumstances, but it usually starts with seeking a medical opinion and undergoing diagnostic tests, which may include:

Bedside examination — an in-person examination helps diagnose the structure and functional capacity.

Bloodwork — this is a common first step, and involves drawing blood and testing it for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Diagnostic testing — there is equipment called an EMG (Electromyography), which can determine the specific nerve location and extent of the damage.

Nerve biopsy — this is a more invasive procedure, but along with genetic testing, it can help determine why you have peripheral neuropathy and what can be done to improve it.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

Peripheral neuropathy can be treated using various methods, with many options for non-invasive or non-surgical treatment options. Laser therapy, for example, has been widely proven to help heal symptoms related to peripheral neuropathy.

Want Our Professional Medical Opinion?

If you think you might have peripheral neuropathy, request a complimentary telephone consultation by completing our quick 5-question contact form here.

Accelerate Healing For Neurological Conditions With Our Specialized Intensive Treatment

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we specialize in the treatment of neurological problems using individualized treatment and advanced diagnostic tools. This includes neurological conditions and disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions, vestibular disorders such as dizziness, vertigo and balance problems, and so much more.

We also believe that you shouldn’t have to suffer with your neurological condition longer than you have to. That’s why we offer weeklong intensives (that aren’t actually intense) so we can help you get back to living your life as soon as humanly possible.

But how do these intensives work?
What does a typical week look like?
Are the treatments hard or painful?

We’ll answer all these questions and more while we walk you through the theory, the benefits and the schedule of what an intensive week at Lancaster Brain & Spine looks like.

(Note — There are countless other conditions that could be classified “neurological,” even migraines, so if you don’t see yours listed, contact us and we’ll let you know if we can help!)

Why Neurological Conditions Require Specific, Specialized Treatments (Different Than Other Medical Problems)

Before we explain what a weeklong intensive treatment is, it’s important to understand that neurological problems must be treated differently than muscle-related issues.

For example, if you strain a muscle, you need to rest and then strengthen that muscle over a long period of time to prevent further injury. You’ll exercise gradually so your body can break the muscle down, rebuild it, break it down, rebuild it — again and again until it’s strong again. (If you’re interested in how we treat musculoskeletal problems, read about laser therapy here or our list of offerings here.)

However, unlike muscles which take time to develop and grow stronger, neurons (which are nerves in the brain) can change and adapt in a fraction of a second. Even right now as you read this, neurons are firing off electrical signals in your brain, which allow you to recognize and understand the words on this page. And it happens instantaneously — you’re not creating brand new neurons, but you’re making the existing connections between neurons stronger.

The brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experiencing, is called neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity can be improved through identifying damaged neurons and stimulating them with activation and fuel — our goal is to improve both of these areas. The key is to provide the appropriate level of activation while maintaining or improving fuel delivery. The fuel that our cells need to function comes from oxygen and glucose.

By using a variety of tools and treatments, we can stimulate neurons so they produce more protein (the building block for tissues) and mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell that makes the energy). This results in neurons producing its own neurotransmitters to stimulate the other neurons around it (which means we can induce healing, create new neural pathways, and so much more).

So due to this fact that the brain can change and adapt quickly (much quicker than muscle tissue), we offer an intensive week as a fast-track treatment. But what does this mean, and how do they work? Let’s dive in.

Why Intensive Weeks Work

Standard neurological care can look like two to three sessions a week. However, what we want to do is create the biggest and best recovery in the shortest time frame possible. (We’re also known for offering alternative treatment methods to suit your lifestyle.)

Our weeklong intensive treatment based in Lancaster, PA is designed to compress the amount of care a patient would receive typically over two months into a single week. And despite the name sounding “intense,” the week is actually not very physically or mentally demanding on your body. The treatment is only time intensive, with intensity referring to the frequency of treatments compared to the standard process of recovery.

We’re also creating better results. With neuroplasticity work, results can sometimes fade over time if the work is not continued or kept up with. Therefore, having an intensive week of treatments followed by at-home training means we’re exercising the brain and activating those neurons again and again, which creates neuroplasticity that, ultimately, sticks.

What Neurological Conditions Can Be Treated During An Intensive Week?

Typically, we work with patients who have complex, chronic or acute neurological conditions and disorders, such as:

Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries
Dysautonomia post orthostatic hypotension
Vestibular balance
Dysautonomia
Motor disorders
And many other chronic neurological problems (please contact us if yours isn’t listed)

What Are The Key Benefits Of An Intensive Week?

While there are many benefits this form of treatment can have on your body and your brain’s functionality, there are two key benefits we focus on:

— Improved neuroplasticity. We’ve seen incredible results from our intensive weeks, with neurological repair and healing occuring in a much shorter time frame.

— Full focus on recovery. As you travel to our clinic for this week of treatments, it removes home-based distractions so you can fully focus on your recovery, stress-free.

What Does An Intensive Week Look Like?

This custom treatment is made up of three phases: Initial consultation, treatment, after-care.

1. Initial Diagnostics

Every intensive week starts with a diagnostic session. This helps us determine your specific circumstances, so we can design a tailored intensive week, specifically aimed at getting you results. We’ll also schedule all of your appointments so you know where you need to be ahead of time that week.

2. Treatment

The intensive week takes place over five business days, generally including three appointments per working day, totalling 15 at our Lancaster, PA clinic. Between each appointment, you’ll have a rest period, where you can choose to use our private designated rest space or book a recommended nearby hotel.

The sessions themselves are tailored to your specific circumstances, as your needs determine the exercises, frequency, timing and duration. When scheduling your week, we also consider the amount of work possible to see optimal results. Our experts closely monitor your bodily reactions, and pause at any sign of fatigue (whether you notice it or we do).

Mid-Week Check-In

Halfway through the week, we will evaluate your progress compared to your initial diagnostic testing. This allows us to see your progress and re-evaluate the remainder of your intensive week before continuing with treatment or changing course of action.

Final Diagnostics

At the end of the week, we will run a final diagnostic test to see your overall progress.

3. Post-Intensive Week Care

After our time together is complete, a vital part of the intensive week is follow-up care to take place when you go home. We want to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the changes that took place during your intensive week, and what your next steps at home are.

This includes an at-home care plan we’ll walk you through before you leave the clinic so you’re prepared when you head home. We also provide patients with videos of the home exercises they need to continue doing, which you can access online and follow along. We’ll also schedule a follow up phone consultation and email you, so you can ask any questions that may pop up during your recovery.

To see if an intensive week is the best treatment for your neurological condition, contact our experts for a free consultation.

Laser Therapy: How It Works & Why We Highly Recommend This Treatment

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we’re specialists in restoring functionality and repairing damage to the nervous system. At our clinic, we use only the most advanced treatments and tools available to ensure you receive optimal healing. One of these treatments is laser therapy, which has been scientifically proven to accelerate the healing process.

But what is laser therapy, and how can it help you? We’ll walk you through the different classes of lasers, what conditions we treat, and how this new-age tool can help you heal faster.

How Laser Therapy Works

Laser therapy is a specific treatment that uses non-invasive light to create a cellular response in the body when applied to a specific area that has been injured or damaged. This means your body reacts to the light deep underneath the skin’s surface to activate or accelerate repair in the tissues.

Unlike temporary heat-relief practices like applying heat packs, laser therapy actually works long-term to provide relief. Rather than just “numbing” or “distracting” you from the pain, it actually activates and improves the rate of healing, meaning the effects continue long after the light treatment is applied.

This process is also called photobiomodulation (PBM). PBM is just another, more technical name for laser therapy, but it means the same thing.

4 Different Classes Of Laser Therapy

Numerous medical professions offer laser therapy, from low-level to surgical applications. Here’s a quick guide so you know how to distinguish between the different types:

Low Level Laser Therapy (Class 2 & 3)

Also known as LLLT, low level laser therapy is also known as cold laser therapy, because it does not produce heat — it actually uses an infrared light source. LLLT is effective with some types of pain and injuries, especially in conjunction with other therapies or treatments.

High Power Laser Therapy (Class 4)

Also known as HPLT, high power laser therapy is what we offer and specialize in here at Lancaster Brain & Spine. Not only is it effective, but HPLT has also been FDA-approved since 2003, making it a safe, recommended treatment option. It uses a level of power scientifically proven to aid in the healing process without any other outside help.

Surgical Laser

You may be familiar with laser eye surgery, a corrective vision procedure that uses a laser to change the shape of your cornea. This type of laser therapy is surgical and includes cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal.

Why We Use Class 4 High Power Laser Therapy

At our Lancaster Brain & Spine clinic, we believe in using the best possible technology for our patients to achieve the quickest, long-term results, which is why we only use Class 4 laser therapy. Not only is this type of therapy FDA-approved, but it also achieves the best outcomes. That means Class 4 patients receive the best possible results, whether they use other treatments simultaneously or not.

The amount and frequency of the light used during Class 4 treatment depends on the severity of your condition and how much healing is possible. As experts in laser therapy, we customize the application for each patient to ensure your unique healing journey begins.

Through scientific studies, Class 4 laser therapy has been proven to:

Reduce inflammation. By stimulating different cellular components within our tissues, we can create a more advantageous situation for the cells.
Increase blood circulation. The laser removes chemical imbalances in order to stimulate blood flow. This increases blood circulation and improves overall health.
Improve tissue oxygenation. To heal, your body needs fuel in the form of nutrients, and laser therapy tools infuse the affected area with oxygen to promote healing. This creates the optimal environment for the body to repair and restore.

What Conditions Can Class 4 Laser Therapy Treat?

Class 4 laser therapy is excellent for treating conditions when the pain is not always visible to the naked eye. You sense the discomfort in your bones, or feel it somewhere in your body, but it’s not easily seen.

A good example would be an injury you might get from playing sports. Let’s say you sprain your ankle — you may experience some bruising or swelling initially, but typically the pain from the injury will linger long after the external symptoms have disappeared. If you are experiencing any pain, aches or soreness, laser therapy could help alleviate those symptoms.

Here is a list of some, but not all, conditions that Class 4 HPLT is helpful in treating:

Soft tissue injuries
Acute musculoskeletal injuries
Arthritis
Sprains
Knee, shoulder or hip replacements
Nerve injuries
Nerve compressions
Brachial plexus
Sciatica
Numbness
Tingling
Spinal conditions

How Can Class 4 Laser Therapy Help You

At our Lancaster-based clinic, we have helped numerous patients experience extreme relief from ongoing, invisible pain thanks to laser therapy treatments. Not only does this treatment option reduce your current aches and pains, but it also improves your rate of healing long after the treatment is finished.

If you’re curious whether laser therapy can work for your particular situation, please contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. One of our experts would be happy to discuss it with you.

While there is no obligation to work with us specifically for treatment, we’ll help determine if laser therapy is an option for you. If you are interested in getting started with laser therapy, get in touch today.