Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for conditions that result in dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS, as its name implies, controls the automatic functions of the body — those we do not consciously think about or need to direct. They occur automatically. These include heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, pupil dilation and constriction, kidney and liver function, and temperature control.

It is well recognized that MCAS, hEDS, and POTS — or at least some form of dysautonomia — form what doctors call the trifecta or "unholy trinity," feeding into each other. However, we respectfully disagree with the framing that MCAS and dysautonomia are secondary downstream effects that often require life-altering adjustments in order to manage them long-term. Both of these can be fully reversed. Similarly, hEDS, although a multi-genetic condition, has not yet identified the specific genetics that cause this multi-system connective tissue disorder. Thus, we can also consider it to have the potential for being symptom-free with correct care, routine, and, of course, consideration for the severity of each individual's condition.

With that said, there are three main causes of dysautonomia:

• Severe or chronic infection or illness — brain-driven
• TBI, concussion, or neck injury — structurally or functionally driven (primary), with brain involvement secondary
• Stress or trauma — brain-driven

Genetic components (such as those in hEDS) can also be a factor, but are rarely the main or prominent driver — though they are often misdiagnosed as such.

All of these affect how the brain sends signals to the autonomic systems in the body discussed above. It is not a heart issue, but the misfiring or mis-signaling of the autonomic nervous system — including the vagus nerve — to the involuntary systems of the body.

The brain is the master regulator of the ANS, including many of the functional or structural issues stemming from a TBI or concussion. This is why functional neurology is key to any of these driving factors. Through it, the brain is evaluated on every level — through strategic maneuvers, exercises, non-invasive tracking, and oculomotor evaluation. The goal is to retrain the brain and support it as needed so that it can function as it should, uninterrupted by any structural compression or stress.

The trauma or infection components are often more linked to severe brain signal impairment from sustained, maladaptive neural patterns that have become ingrained in the nervous system — never properly processed or resolved. This literally rewires the brain, creating a self-reinforcing loop of pain, fear, and persistent symptoms. The pain and infection are real. The trauma was real. But they are not what is keeping you sick. As Dr. Joe Dispenza writes, "The latest research in neuroscience says you can change your brain just by thinking. We're not hardwired to be a certain way for the rest of our lives." Science has shown the brain has more power than any pill, potion, or doctor. When we rewire the brain through nervous system regulation — neuro brain training, somatics, and vagus nerve work — we can embed new, safe, and healing brain signals, allowing the maladaptive signals to quiet and the healthy, supportive signals to restore proper function.

As Bessel van der Kolk writes in The Body Keeps the Score, "After trauma, the world is experienced with a different nervous system. The survivor's energy now becomes focused on suppressing inner chaos, at the expense of spontaneous involvement in their lives. This explains why it is critical for trauma treatment to engage the entire organism — body, mind, and brain." The autonomic nervous system does not distinguish between a threat that has passed and one that is still present — it simply keeps the alarm sounding. This is why nervous system retraining is not a supplement to other treatments; it is the foundation upon which all other healing depends.

hEDS can certainly exacerbate any of these, since connective tissue laxity and increased joint flexibility in the cervical spine can lead to a range of structural and neurological complications.

Nervous system retraining is essential for all forms of dysautonomia, as all directly impact the ANS. Thus, focused training in this area — such as Primal Trust or other neuro-somatic regulation and brain retraining programs — is not optional; it is vital. As Dr. Cathleen King, founder of Primal Trust, explains: "Chronic illness is often a nervous system stuck in threat physiology. Symptoms can become neural memory loops — not ongoing damage. When we rewire the brain and regulate the nervous system, the body can begin to heal." Though reversing dysautonomia may take multiple approaches, starting with neuro-training is an accessible first step, and for many, it has proven to be the only intervention needed.