The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Effectively Treating Concussion

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction (aka Dysautonomia) is a condition that commonly occurs after a concussion and can play a major role in lingering post-concussion symptoms. Essentially the body is unable to appropriately regulate heart rate and blood pressure during movement and activity/exercise and the sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive creating a plethora of symptoms. 

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates a host of involuntary processes throughout the body. Some examples include heart rate, blood flow, breathing, digestion, and physiological threat response. It’s in charge of your “fight or flight” (sympathetic) reaction, along with your “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) state.

The parasympathetic system (“rest and digest”) connects to other parts of your body through a handful of closely-clustered cranial nerves (nerves near the top of your spine where it joins the skull). 

The sympathetic system (“fight or flight”)  has clustered connections throughout the cervical spine. This clustering is why some sections of the ANS can become dysregulated while others are fine. Here are the common symptoms of ANS dysfunction:

 Here is a picture of the normal role of the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous system on the body:

Normally, the body functions in a balanced state, called homeostasis. But when there is an acute stressor, such as stumbling across a mountain lion, it shifts to the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). 

During this shift, the body shuts down some normal, but crucial, functions for a short period of time, (ie reproduction and digestion) so that it can fully focus energy on protecting the body from the life-threatening stressor. Once the body has dealt with the acute stressful event, it shifts to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). Eventually, the body shifts back to homeostasis (autonomic balance).

When an immense amount of stress continues over a long period of time, the body gets stuck in sympathetic overdrive and grows accustomed to such an ongoing cycle of intense stress that it doesn’t shift back unconsciously to the parasympathetic nervous system.  A body in sympathetic in overdrive may look like this:

A person suffering with chronic stress is in a constant state of fight-or-flight mode, where some or all of their autonomic functions are shut down, eventually leading to or triggering the many painful and debilitating aforementioned issues with the body.

All of these symptoms — that are the actual functions of the Sympathetic Nervous System — can eventually be prevented if one can shift out of Sympathetic overdrive into Parasympathetic and eventually reset Autonomic Balance (or homeostasis) and experience normal functions.

Dysautonomia secondary to concussion is very prevalent and widely overlooked in many rehabilitation programs. Symptoms that can often be attributed to ANS dysfunction are abundant and can be incredibly debilitating, particularly if not addressed early.  Over time, if the root of these symptoms is not treated they will become worse. If you have any of these post concussion symptoms please know that they are treatable and not something that you need to tolerate. For a comprehensive concussion treatment program that includes treatment for autonomic dysfunction visit The Concussion Solution: Master Program or visit us in Park City, UT.

Call 203 822 2098 or email us at annie@happybrainpt.com with questions.

or book an appointment online https://happybrainpt.embodiaapp.com/