If you or your child has been diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), you are likely familiar with the daily challenges these conditions can present. Symptoms such as flushing, digestive changes, fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty regulating emotions can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.
While medications can help manage these symptoms safely, it is also important to understand the role of the nervous system in how the body responds to stress and environmental triggers.
Why The Nervous System Matters
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls key functions such as heart rate, digestion, immune responses, and stress regulation. Research shows that mast cells and other immune components respond to signals from the ANS (Theoharides et al. 2015).
When the ANS is under chronic stress or dysregulated, the body’s natural responses can become heightened. This does not mean a person is “broken,” but that certain patterns of nervous system activity can influence symptom variability, including responses to triggers like temperature changes, exercise, or certain foods.
The “Perfect Storm”
Early life experiences and accumulated stressors can influence nervous system regulation. Factors may include:
- Prenatal and birth stressors – Maternal stress or birth interventions may contribute to temporary nervous system tension.
- Early illness or medical treatments – Frequent infections, antibiotic courses, or hospital interventions can affect immune and gut function.
- Ongoing environmental or lifestyle stress – Sleep disruption, dietary changes, or high-stress environments can contribute to ANS dysregulation.
Over time, these factors may contribute to a state of heightened sympathetic activity sometimes referred to as “fight-or-flight dominance.” This is observed in many individuals with MCAS, POTS, and related conditions (Fedorowski 2019).
INSiGHT Scans: A Neurological Analysis Tool
At Coast Family Chiropractic, we offer INSiGHT neurological scans to provide families with visual, non-invasive insight into nervous system function. These scans can help families understand patterns of nervous system activity, such as:
NeuroSpinal EMG Scan – Shows patterns of muscle activity along the spine, illustrating areas of neuromuscular tension.
NeuroThermal Scan – Highlights general patterns of tension and stress that may affect overall regulation.
This means a child can have normal test results yet still experience challenges related to regulation, behaviour, or sensory processing. Understanding this distinction can help families explore supportive approaches.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Scan – Provides information about how the nervous system adapts to stress and relaxation.
Discover Support At Coast Family Chiropractic
If you are curious about your nervous system function or want to explore educational support for yourself or your child, Coast Family Chiropractic can guide you through the INSiGHT scanning process. These scans are quick, non-invasive, and designed to help families better understand nervous system activity.
Our INSiGHT neurological scans are life-changing for many families. They take just 15-30 minutes to complete and provide objective, measurable data about what’s happening within your nervous system. Don’t wait to contact Coast Family Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation.
References:
- Fedorowski, A 2019, ‘Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: Clinical presentation, aetiology and management’, Journal of Internal Medicine, vol. 285, no. 4, pp. 352–366, Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: clinical presentation, aetiology and management – PubMed
- Forsythe, P 2019, ‘Mast cells in neuroimmune interactions’, Trends in Neurosciences, vol. 42, pp. 43–55, Mast Cells in Neuroimmune Interactions – PubMed
- Theoharides, TC, Valent, P & Akin, C 2015, ‘Mast cells, mastocytosis, and related disorders’, New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 373, pp. 163–172, Mast Cells, Mastocytosis, and Related Disorders – PubMed
