Your nervous system consists of your brain, neurons, spinal cord, and nerves. This complex system regulates many critical functions of life, including heart rate, digestion, thoughts, senses, and movements. The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

There are two primary aspects of the peripheral nervous system. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic nervous system is responsible for involuntary movements. Neurological disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including sensory changes, sleep problems, dizziness, and pain.

Autonomic neurological dysfunction and disorders can impact critical aspects of functioning. Changes in balance or dizziness can sometimes signal a neurological disorder that requires treatment and support. Treating balance issues caused by neurological dysfunction requires a holistic approach and a range of complementary therapies.

Neurological disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including sensory changes, sleep problems, dizziness, and pain. If you or someone you love struggles with new or worsening symptoms that may be associated with neurological disorders, you can find treatment and support at The Hartman Center. Contact our intake team to explore our holistic therapies or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Neurology?

The brain, nerves, and spinal cord make up your nervous system. The nervous system controls every aspect of your health and functioning. Neurology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of nervous system disorders.

The nervous system is your body’s control center. It is connected to all of your other systems and regulates all thought, movements, and involuntary processes, such as digestion, breathing, and heart rate. Some medical conditions and events, such as TBI, stroke, or injuries, can disrupt nervous system health and functioning.

Neurological assessment can help professionals pinpoint the causes of dysfunction and symptoms and guide effective treatment plans. Autonomic assessments are one common approach to neurological testing.

Autonomic assessments include a range of tests that can help practitioners identify dysfunction by evaluating the body’s response to stimuli. Identifying autonomic nervous system dysfunction allows practitioners to understand new or worsening symptoms a person may be experiencing and develop an effective treatment regimen.

Understanding the Role of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a network of integrated nerves that controls many automatic processes. These processes occur without thought or intention, such as breathing, digestion, sweating, and the beating of your heart.  The ANS is constantly working, making these essential processes occur without your awareness, whether you are awake or asleep.

There are three parts of the autonomic nervous system.

Sympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system becomes active during times of threat or stress. Some people call the sympathetic nervous system’s response the “fight or flight” response. This is because the response prepares the body to defend itself or flee from danger by directing oxygen and blood to the large muscles and temporarily halting other bodily functions requiring resources.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The parasympathetic nervous system has the opposite role to the sympathetic nervous system. The PNS slows the heart rate, activates digestion, and is involved in sexual arousal and response. Some people refer to these as “rest and digest” processes.

Enteric nervous system

The enteric nervous system involves millions of neurons throughout the digestive tract. The ENS is primarily responsible for digestion and waste elimination. It produces significant amounts of the body’s serotonin and dopamine, which are important neurotransmitters related to mood and emotional well-being, leading some to refer to this system as the “second brain”.

How are Neurology and Balance Related?

New or frequent dizziness and balance issues can be distressing. When balance issues arise, people may feel disoriented or anxious about doing everyday things, such as walking, driving, or working.

Several bodily systems must work in harmony to maintain your balance and bodily awareness. These include your brain, eyes, nerves, joints, and inner ear. Your body coordinates input from your eyes, muscles, brain, and inner ear to keep you balanced as you go about your day. Disruption of normal functioning in one of these areas can lead to problems with balance. Central nervous system problems–such as brain or nerve injuries–can also impair balance.

Some of the most common symptoms of balance problems include:

• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Unsteady gait
• Vertigo (a feeling of spinning)
• Lightheadedness

In some cases, symptoms develop quickly, and in others, they may develop and worsen over time. Symptoms of balance problems can be constant or only noticeable in specific situations.

A change in your balance can indicate a range of issues. While some people may be tempted to dismiss declining balance as a normal part of getting older, this can actually be an indicator of an issue that needs more attention.

Some people may experience balance issues after a serious infection, brain injury, stroke, or another significant medical event. In these cases, assessment, treatment, and ongoing support are critical to helping people regain function and quality of life.

What Disorders May Affect Balance?

Many conditions and disorders can affect your balance. In some cases, inner ear issues are to blame for feelings of dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo. Doctors may perform tests to examine the inner ear when this is likely.

However, many neurological and other disorders may cause balance problems and require specific testing to assess. Here is an overview of some of these conditions.

Head injuries

A head injury can lead to a concussion, which occurs when the brain is jostled inside the skull. The degree of a concussion can range from mild to severe. Many people experience headaches and dizziness after sustaining a concussion.

Post-concussion dizziness may feel like unsteadiness, lightheadedness, a sense that the room is moving, or a floating or rocking sensation. For some, post-concussion dizziness or balance issues occur immediately after sustaining a head injury. Others develop these and other symptoms within a few days afterward. These issues may last for weeks or longer–even up to years afterward. A diagnostic assessment and holistic treatment can help people manage these symptoms effectively.

Stroke

Many people experience dizziness or balance issues after experiencing a stroke. A stroke can cause lasting damage to the brain, which can affect its ability to communicate effectively with other areas of the body. People may have an unsteady gait, trouble staying upright, or difficulty coordinating movement effectively.

Balance issues after a stroke may result from vision problems, impaired coordination between the brain and body, sensory processing differences, changes in bodily awareness, and other complications. A thorough assessment and a holistic approach to recovery can help people regain balance and improve coordination after a stroke.

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases damage parts of the brain associated with spatial awareness and movement. People living with these conditions may experience a loss of coordination, difficulty coordinating movements, and balance issues as the condition advances.

A holistic approach, including exercise, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy, can help people maintain or improve their symptoms.

Migraines

Many people experience migraines. Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and balance problems. Accurate diagnosis of migraines and comprehensive treatment may reduce the frequency or severity of their symptoms.

Health professionals may use a series of tests and assessments to determine the source of balance problems. Accurate assessment of these issues can lead to more personalized and effective treatment.

What is an Autonomic Assessment?

An autonomic assessment is one approach used to identify the source and severity of balance issues and other disruptive symptoms. An autonomic assessment explores the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Autonomic assessments are non-invasive and may include a range of techniques to assess ANS health. An autonomic assessment may provide information about systems regulated by the ANS, including:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Bladder function
• Sweat response
• Balance
• Pupillary reactions

Autonomic assessments use a variety of methods to explore the roots of these and other symptoms that can arise when the ANS isn’t functioning as it should. This type of testing can help practitioners better understand and treat a condition. An autonomic assessment can help monitor the progression of conditions, allowing practitioners to adjust treatment over time.

What are Common Types of Autonomic Assessment?

There are several tests used to assess autonomic nervous system function. They include:

• Tilt table test: Evaluates how the ANS regulates blood pressure during position changes
• Valsalva maneuver and deep breathing tests: to measure how blood pressure and heart rate change in response to specific breathing patterns
• Transcranial ultrasound: Measures the health of the arteries responsible for sending blood to the brain

These and other autonomic assessment techniques can help to identify the cause of balance issues and other symptoms. Once an assessment is complete and the results are interpreted, a practitioner can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that might include:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Visual therapy
• Balance therapy
• Functional medicine
• Cognitive rehabilitation

Engaging in these therapies can help people address their balance problems and improve overall health and wellness. Seeking an autonomic assessment can help people understand and manage their symptoms effectively, leading to improvements in functioning and quality of life.

Find Holistic Functional Neurology Therapies

If you or someone you love struggles with new or worsening balance issues or other symptoms, you do not have to simply accept them. Explore the causes of these symptoms and effectively manage or improve them by seeking autonomic assessment at The Hartman Center.

The Hartman Center offers a wide range of assessments and comprehensive treatment to address disruptive symptoms after TBI, stroke, injury, and other conditions. Explore our holistic programs or schedule an intake assessment by contacting our team today.