POTS: When Your Teen’s Nervous System Goes Haywire
Okay, parents, let’s talk about POTS. If your teen is struggling with dizziness, fatigue, fainting spells, and constant anxiety, especially when they stand up, you know how scary and frustrating it can be. You’re probably holding your breath every time they move, just waiting for the next wave of symptoms. If they’ve been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you’re definitely searching for answers.
POTS affects about 1 in 100 teens, and girls are way more likely to have it.1 You might have heard that it’s genetic, or maybe you haven’t gotten any clear explanation at all. But here’s the thing: there’s a lot more to it, and it’s all about the nervous system.
The Real Culprit: It’s Not Just Genetics
The key to understanding POTS is understanding your child’s nervous system. While genes can play a role, the main trigger is usually nervous system dysregulation, especially the autonomic nervous system. Think of it like the body’s autopilot, controlling things like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and even focus.
The Vagus Nerve: Your Teen’s Internal Chill Switch
At the center of it all is the vagus nerve. It’s a super important part of the autonomic nervous system, and when it’s not working right, chaos ensues. Let’s be real, teens today are dealing with more stress than ever before. All that pressure puts their nervous system into overdrive, kind of like a car stuck in high gear. This messes with the vagus nerve and throws everything off balance.
Dysautonomia: When the Body’s Autopilot Goes Rogue
This constant state of stress can lead to something called dysautonomia. Basically, the body’s “fight or flight” response gets stuck in the “on” position, while the “rest and digest” response is nowhere to be found. It’s like a seesaw that’s completely tilted to one side, and it affects a bunch of different body systems all at once.
Why Traditional Tests Miss the Mark
It’s super frustrating when doctors run a bunch of tests and come up empty-handed. But here’s the deal: most of those tests don’t actually measure how well the nervous system is working. They focus on individual symptoms instead of looking at the big picture. It’s like trying to diagnose a car problem by only checking the tire pressure.
The Good News: There’s Hope!
The good news is that POTS is treatable! By understanding that it’s a nervous system issue, we can start looking in the right places for solutions. There are now ways to actually measure nervous system activity, track heart rate variability, and pinpoint exactly where things are going wrong.3
What You Can Do Right Now
- Pay attention to patterns: When are your child’s symptoms the worst? Is it when they stand up, after eating, or during stressful times?
- Find a healthcare provider who gets it: If you’re in the Orland Park, IL area, we’re here to help! Look for someone who understands the nervous system’s role in POTS and uses advanced diagnostic tools.
- Check for tension: See if your child is holding tension in their neck, shoulders, or back.
- Focus on the whole nervous system: Find a provider who can help regulate your child’s nervous system, not just mask their symptoms.
The Path to a Healthier, Happier Teen
At Health From Within, located right here in Orland Park, we use cool technology like our INSiGHT Scans to see exactly what’s happening in the nervous system. Our scans can actually measure dysregulation and track improvement over time.
If you’re ready to take action, schedule a consultation with us today! If you’re not local, check out the PX Docs directory to find a provider near you.
POTS can be tough, but it’s not the end of the world. By understanding that it’s a nervous system condition, you can find the right support and help your teen get back to feeling their best.
You’re not alone on this journey. We’re here to help!