The Hidden Links Between Neuroplastic Symptoms and Common Medical Issue

Did you know that many chronic medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, anxiety, and insomnia, may be deeply rooted in neuroplastic symptoms? According to the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNP), 1 out of 6 individuals seeking medical care is suffering from neuroplastic symptoms and not a medical or structural cause. Understanding the intricate relationship between our brain's adaptability, known as neuroplasticity, and numerous health problems is essential for anyone keen on improving their overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the phenomenon of neuroplastic symptoms, their manifestation in various medical issues like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Long Covid, and Vertigo, and the effective strategies to address these challenges at their root cause. By the end of this post, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the mind-body connection, how neuroplastic symptoms influence your health, and actionable measures for effective resolution.

Understanding Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to the amazing ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This plasticity is vital for acquiring new skills, recovering from injuries, and adapting to experiences. However, neuroplasticity also contributes to how we respond to stress and trauma. If these stresses are chronic or unresolved, they can lead to various health issues stemming from negative neuroplastic changes. The hippocampus (creates the story about what just happened and memories around what happens) and amygdala (responsible for signaling emotions and survival states) are the gatekeepers for the nervous system. When a person experiences a significant stressor, the role of the amygdala and hippocampus is to make meaning/memories of what happened and then relay it to the hypothalamus (responsible for the nervous system and endocrine system). When the hypothalamus receives the signal that something isn't safe, it will keep a person in a heightened state, so if danger is present they are ready to protect themselves. When this happens, a new neural pathway can be formed or reinforced (and the person then is in the survival state of either Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawning).

Like in the instance of being in a car accident, someone's sense of safety is threatened and the takeaway message is "I'm not safe in cars" or "I am not safe" as a generalizing belief that would lead to heightened anxiety, PTSD and/or neuroplastic symptoms. The neural pathway of "I'm not safe" staying generalized and activated, can most commonly show up as disrupted sleep (at times insomnia), anxiety (meeting the DSM-5TR criteria), digestive issues (like IBS), unexplained body twitches/tremors, and many more medical diagnoses. The brain will then have a well-formed neural network that is activated by a variety of triggers related to the accident. Triggers most commonly are things like locations, times of day, specific people, sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and body sensory. These triggers that active the nervous system when sensed, do not typically go away or rewire on their own.

The Positive and Negative Faces of Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity has two primary aspects—positive and negative. Positive neuroplasticity refers to the brain's capacity to grow and adapt in constructive ways. It drives recovery and personal growth, while negative neuroplasticity locks individuals into recurring harmful thoughts and physical responses. Chronic medical conditions often arise from the latter, illustrating the importance of understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity for health.

Common Medical Issues Linked to Neuroplastic Symptoms

Several prevalent medical issues are strongly linked to neuroplastic symptoms. These conditions portray the intricacies of the mind-body connection clearly. Here are several examples (in no particular order):

1. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, known as ‘fibro fog’. Research suggests that negative neuroplastic changes can lead the brain to misinterpret sensations, amplifying pain signals and heightening sensitivity.

2. Chronic Pain

Similar to fibromyalgia, chronic pain is a significant area affected by neuroplasticity. Persistent pain can sensitize the brain to pain signals, creating a vicious cycle.

3. Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are directly tied to neuroplastic symptoms. Stress and trauma may hinder neuroplasticity, causing the brain to remain trapped in negative patterns of thought and emotional responses.

4. Vertigo

Vertigo, often linked to vestibular disorders, can stem from alterations in how the brain processes balance and spatial orientation due to neuroplastic changes.

5. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

This condition results in an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing and can be aggravated by neuroplastic changes that affect autonomic nervous system responses.

6. Long Covid

Long Covid may present numerous physiological and psychological issues, often linked to neuroplasticity. Individuals can experience cognitive difficulties and fatigue weeks or months after infection.

7. Insomnia

Sleep issues like insomnia can also be related to neuroplastic symptoms. Disturbed sleep patterns can result from negative emotional states or an inability to relax due to stress.

8. Chronic Migraines

Chronic migraines can be a result of heightened neural pathways that become overly active with chronic stress or environmental triggers.

Strategies for Addressing Neuroplastic Symptoms

To effectively tackle the suffering caused by neuroplastic symptoms, it is essential to work with a treatment team that understands the condition. First, medical rule-out must occur to ensure someone's symptoms are not due to a different medical cause. After rule-out has occurred, a thorough timeline/assessment by a psychotherapist experienced with this area is vital to creating an effective treatment plan. Next, the clinician and client will work together to identify (from the lens of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, also called EMDR) the start of symptoms, often with the instance of the first trigger, then the worst, and lastly the most recent event that represents it. EMDR works by utilizing bilateral stimulation (see my other blog post for more specifics on EMDR) to create new neural pathways while providing neural cropping for the maladaptively stored information. Once the newly adaptive information has formed into a new pathway, clients see the triggers no longer have an impact, and the primary symptoms go into remission or are significantly reduced. The symptoms' remission varies as to what the area of treatment is. In the instance of chronic pain, often there is a neural pathway intensifying the pain level while there also can be a mechanical/physical cause. The physical cause may still be causing some pain post-EMDR treatment, and yet we will still see a positive reduction in the level of the pain the client experiences daily as the neural network that had been magnifying it will have been cropped.

Some Additional Ways to Aid Recovery:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Incorporating mindfulness practices and meditation into your daily routine can foster positive neuroplasticity by enhancing awareness of habitual thoughts and emotional responses. These practices help retrain the brain to respond to stressors in constructive, healthier ways, thereby reducing anxiety and improving emotional stability.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise plays a significant role in fostering positive neuroplastic changes. Regular physical activity increases neurotrophic factors that support neuronal growth and resilience. Finding enjoyable physical activities can help ensure consistency and provide substantial mental health benefits.

3. Nutrition

Nutrition also impacts neuroplasticity by influencing brain health. A well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can support cognitive function and emotional well-being. Foods such as fatty fish, nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables contribute significantly to enhancing brain health. Extra refined or overly processed foods can lead to additional inflammation in the body, which is an exacerbating factor for the nervous system.

4. Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is vital for the brain’s ability to undergo neuroplastic changes. Without appropriate sleep, the brain struggles to repair itself and encode what has occurred throughout the day. Establishing healthy sleep routines can improve overall well-being and ensure better cognitive and emotional functioning.

5. Community and Social Support

Connecting with others and seeking social support can further enhance neuroplasticity. Engaging in positive social interactions can increase feelings of connection and belonging, greatly enhancing one’s emotional resilience and optimizing brain function. This is vital as support aids in decreasing stress!

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

Recognizing how neuroplastic symptoms contribute to a range of common medical issues is a pivotal step towards improving your quality of life. You can foster positive changes in your health right now by addressing the root cause through mindfulness practices, therapy, consistent physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. The brain’s incredible capacity for growth and healing empowers and creates opportunities for change even when it hasn't felt like it would be possible. To see a full transformation, it is encouraged to use EMDR to further re-wire the neuropathways that are causing the neuroplastic symptoms. Contact me to schedule a consultation to see if you would like to start changing your neural networks and ultimately, transform your life with EMDR.