Untangling Dysautonomia: Beyond POTS and Vagal Nerve Hacks | E15
04/21/25 • 39 min
Dr. Ayla Wolf, DAOM, unpacks the complex nature of dysautonomia beyond the common POTS diagnosis, explaining how this autonomic nervous system dysfunction affects multiple body systems and presents differently in each individual.
• The autonomic nervous system makes automatic adjustments for body functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion
• Dysautonomia refers to dysfunction of these automatic processes, affecting multiple body systems
• Common misconception that dysautonomia always means too much sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity
• Symptoms can include cardiovascular issues like racing heart, increased heart awareness, and lightheadedness
• Digestive symptoms often include nausea, GI discomfort, and food sensitivities
• Respiratory, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and immune function can all be affected
• POTS is just one specific form of dysautonomia with clear diagnostic criteria
• Testing for dysautonomia includes pupil response tests, Valsalva maneuver evaluation, and sustained handgrip testing
• Dysautonomia can be primary, secondary (after concussion, surgery or viral illness), or co-exist with other conditions
• Proper assessment requires comprehensive testing rather than symptom-based treatment
• Vagal nerve stimulation is not a universal solution and may not help all forms of dysautonomia
Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.
Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.
Dr. Ayla Wolf, DAOM, unpacks the complex nature of dysautonomia beyond the common POTS diagnosis, explaining how this autonomic nervous system dysfunction affects multiple body systems and presents differently in each individual.
• The autonomic nervous system makes automatic adjustments for body functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion
• Dysautonomia refers to dysfunction of these automatic processes, affecting multiple body systems
• Common misconception that dysautonomia always means too much sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity
• Symptoms can include cardiovascular issues like racing heart, increased heart awareness, and lightheadedness
• Digestive symptoms often include nausea, GI discomfort, and food sensitivities
• Respiratory, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and immune function can all be affected
• POTS is just one specific form of dysautonomia with clear diagnostic criteria
• Testing for dysautonomia includes pupil response tests, Valsalva maneuver evaluation, and sustained handgrip testing
• Dysautonomia can be primary, secondary (after concussion, surgery or viral illness), or co-exist with other conditions
• Proper assessment requires comprehensive testing rather than symptom-based treatment
• Vagal nerve stimulation is not a universal solution and may not help all forms of dysautonomia
Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.
Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.
Previous Episode
Your Brain on Light: How Photobiomodulation Supercharges Recovery After Impact | E14
Dr. Wilkerson walks us through the science of photobiomodulation. PBM can decrease inflammation, increase blood flow to treated areas, and improves cellular function by promoting energy production.
• Photobiomodulation is the umbrella term for using light to change cellular function
• Lasers work faster for pain relief, while LEDs are safer for home use
• Red light therapy has been used in veterinary medicine since the 1970s
• Transcranial photobiomodulation devices like VieLight use different pulse frequencies to target specific brain states
• The gamma setting (40Hz) improves cognitive function and focus
• The alpha setting (10Hz) promotes relaxation and healing
• Device quality and specifications matter – therapeutic benefits depend on proper wavelength, power, and design
• Different devices work better for different conditions
Contact Caroline Wilkerson: LinkedIn Profile
Want to learn more about photobiomodulation? Check out our blog at lifeafterimpact.com.
SAVE $60 on a FlexBEAM with discount code healingresponse60
SAVE 10% off a VieLight with code HEALINGRESPONSE (good for non-clearance purchases only).
Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.
Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.
Next Episode
Why Traditional Balance Therapy Often Fails Concussion Patients with Natasha Wilch | E16
Natasha Wilch, physical therapist and concussion specialist, breaks down why traditional balance therapy often fails concussion patients and explains her approach to addressing persistent vestibular issues through a functional neurology lens. She shares insights from her five-day intensive treatment program and reveals the missing links that often prevent full recovery.
• Dizziness after concussion isn't always a spinning sensation, but rather feeling unsteady, dissociated, or bothered by everyday movements
• The otolithic system is frequently overlooked in vestibular assessment yet crucial for sensing linear movement and gravity
• Simply practicing difficult balance positions doesn't address why balance is compromised in the first place
• VOR (vestibular-ocular reflex) exercises may be inappropriate without first stabilizing eye movements and addressing asymmetries
• Balance requires proper integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems
For free resources including twice-monthly group coaching calls and a library of educational materials, visit Natasha's Concussion Mini School program or contact her through Instagram @Natasha.Wilch.
Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.
Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.
What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact
Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.
Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast - Untangling Dysautonomia: Beyond POTS and Vagal Nerve Hacks | E15
Transcript
And then other people can have what I call increased heartbeat awareness , where their heart feels like it's pounding in their chest , but it's not . It may not be pounding fast , so it's not necessarily that the speed is abnormal , but it's the sensation of the heart is strong .
Sophia Bouwens L.Ac.Welcome to the Life After Impact
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