As a parent, watching your teenager struggle with unexplained dizziness, fatigue, frequent fainting, and persistent anxiety can be both frightening and overwhelming. Every time they stand up or change positions, you hold your breath, unsure if they’ll feel faint or need to sit back down. If your child has been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you’re likely seeking answers about what’s truly causing these troubling symptoms.
POTS affects roughly 1 in 100 teens, with girls being 2-3 times more likely to develop the condition. While you may have heard that genetics are to blame—or perhaps received no clear explanation at all—there’s much more to this story that every parent should know.
Looking Beyond Genetics: Understanding the Root Cause
The key to understanding POTS lies in how your child’s nervous system operates. While genetic predispositions may play a role, the primary trigger for POTS symptoms is often rooted in nervous system dysfunction and dysregulation, especially within the autonomic nervous system.
The Vagus Nerve Connection
At the core of this condition is the vagus nerve—a vital part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for:
- Regulating heart rate and blood pressure
- Controlling breathing patterns
- Maintaining overall body balance
- Supporting focus and concentration
Today’s teenagers are facing unprecedented levels of stress and environmental toxicity. This relentless stress overwhelms their nervous system, leaving it stuck in a state of sympathetic fight-or-flight mode, which can lead to vagus nerve dysfunction.
Understanding Dysautonomia
Chronic subluxations and nervous system dysregulation can result in a condition known as dysautonomia—an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system where:
- The “fight or flight” response becomes overactive
- The calming, regulatory functions are suppressed
- Multiple body systems are simultaneously impacted
Why Traditional Medical Tests May Miss the Root Cause
Many parents feel frustrated when standard medical tests fail to provide answers. That’s because traditional tests often focus on individual symptoms rather than the underlying systemic dysfunction. Nervous system dysregulation can be subtle and difficult to detect using conventional diagnostic methods.
Hope Through Understanding: What Parents Can Do
Recognizing that POTS is primarily a nervous system condition opens up new possibilities for support and treatment. Modern diagnostic tools now make it possible to:
- Measure nervous system regulation
- Track heart rate variability (HRV)
- Pinpoint areas of neurological interference
- Monitor progress over time
Taking Action: Next Steps for Parents
- Recognize the Signs: Look for symptom patterns, particularly those triggered by position changes or stress.
- Seek a Comprehensive Evaluation: Find healthcare providers who understand the neurological aspects of POTS and use advanced diagnostic tools to assess nervous system function.
- Address Physical Tension: Pay attention to signs of stress and tension in your child’s upper neck, lower neck, shoulders, and mid-back.
- Support Nervous System Health: Work with professionals who focus on addressing underlying nervous system dysfunction rather than just managing symptoms.
The Path Forward
At Generations Chiropractic, we use advanced tools like our INSiGHT Scans to identify specific areas of neurological interference contributing to your child’s symptoms. These scans measure and detect dysregulation, with specialized tests such as NeuroThermal and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) providing clear insights into autonomic nervous system function and tracking improvements over time.
Don’t wait to reach out to us today to schedule a consultation for your child. If you’re not local, explore the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you.
While POTS can be a complex and challenging condition, understanding its true nature as a nervous system disorder offers hope and a clear path forward. With proper care focused on nervous system regulation, many teens experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.
Remember, you’re not alone. Many families are navigating similar challenges, and with the right support and understanding, your child can move toward better health and well-being.