As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your teen struggle with dizziness, fatigue, frequent fainting, and overwhelming anxiety. It can be both terrifying and frustrating. Every time they stand up or change positions, you may find yourself holding your breath, wondering if they’ll feel faint again. If your child has been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you’re probably looking for answers about what's really causing these challenging symptoms.
POTS affects about 1 in 100 teenagers, with girls being 2-3 times more likely to develop it. And while you may have heard that genetics are to blame—or perhaps not received any clear answers at all—there’s more to this condition than what’s often discussed. Let’s dive deeper into what’s truly happening.
Going Beyond Genetics: The Root Cause of POTS
The key to understanding POTS lies in understanding how your child's nervous system functions. Genetics can play a role, but the truth is, the main cause of POTS symptoms often lies within your child’s autonomic nervous system--the system that controls automatic functions in the body like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Specifically, the issue tends to be a dysfunction or dysregulation of this part of the nervous system.
The Role of the Vagus Nerve
One of the key players in this condition is the vagus nerve--a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system that:
Controls heart rate and blood pressure
Regulates breathing patterns
Maintains overall balance and coordination
Influences focus and concentration
Today’s teens face stressors and toxins like never before, and this constant pressure can throw their nervous system into a “fight-or-flight” mode, which can, in turn, lead to vagus nerve dysfunction and contribute to the symptoms of POTS.
What Is Dysautonomia?
When the nervous system is chronically out of balance, it can lead to a condition called dysautonomia—an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. In this state:
The “fight or flight” response is overstimulated and overactive
The body’s calming functions are suppressed
Multiple systems within the body are affected at the same time
Why Standard Medical Tests May Miss the Root Cause
It’s frustrating when traditional tests don’t seem to provide answers. Many times, these tests don’t measure how the nervous system is functioning. Instead, the focus tends to be on individual symptoms, which often misses the underlying issue. Subtle imbalances in the nervous system can be tough to detect with standard tests.
Finding Hope Through Understanding: What Parents Can Do
Understanding that POTS is primarily a nervous system issue gives you new hope and options for treatment. Modern tools and diagnostic methods can help:
Measure nervous system regulation
Track heart rate variability (HRV)
Pinpoint areas of neurological interference
Monitor changes and improvements over time
Taking Action: Next Steps for Parents
Notice the Patterns: Pay attention to how your child’s symptoms change with posture or during times of stress.
Consider a Full Evaluation: Seek out healthcare providers who understand the neurological aspects of POTS and use advanced tools to assess nervous system function.
Look for Physical Tension: Stress and physical tension in your child’s upper neck, shoulders, and back can contribute to nervous system dysfunction.
Focus on Nervous System Health: Work with healthcare providers who focus on correcting the root cause of nervous system dysfunction, rather than just managing symptoms.
The Path Forward
At Tiffin Family Chiropractic, we use cutting-edge technology like our INSiGHT Scans to pinpoint areas of neurological interference that may be contributing to your child’s POTS symptoms. Our scans, such as the NeuroThermal and HRV tests, provide concrete evidence of function and tracking improvement over time.
If you’re ready to take the next step in helping your child, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. And if you’re not local, check out the PX Docs directory to find a trusted provider near you.
While POTS can be tough to deal with, understanding that it’s a nervous system condition gives families hope and direction. With the right care and support focused on nervous system health, many teens experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.
You’re not alone in this journey, never forget that. Many families are navigating similar challenges, and with the right understanding and care, your child can experience better health and a brighter future.
Comments