Neurologic Sensitivity
Central Sensitization, Sensory Overload & Neurologic Hyper-reactivity
Neurologic sensitivity describes a state in which the nervous system becomes unusually reactive to sensory input and other stimuli. This can overlap with what medical literature describes as central sensitization—the increased responsiveness of the central nervous system to normally tolerable sensory signals.
Symptoms
Sensory Hypersensitivity
Sound Sensitivity
Light Sensitivity
Chemical Sensitivity
Motion Sensitivity
Cognitive Fog
Autonomic Symptoms
Racing Heart
Migraine
Dizziness
Stress Reactivity
Post-exertion Symptom Flair
Post-concussion Symptoms
Chronic Pain
Chronic Fatigue or Low Energy
What May Be Driving Neurologic Sensitivity?
Nerve Irritation
Chronic Stress
Traumatic Brain Injury Sequelae
Chronic Infections
Toxin Exposure
Autoimmune Conditions
My Treatment Approach
More Time. Deeper Evaluation. A Different Approach to Hormonal Migraine.
The average physician visit is approximately twelve minutes. In twelve minutes, there is only so much that can be accomplished. A history must be taken, symptoms evaluated, a diagnosis considered, and a treatment plan developed—often with very little time to explore the deeper patterns that may be contributing to a complex condition.
The limitations of conventional diagnostic encounters are reflected in the medical literature. Studies comparing clinical diagnoses with postmortem findings have found substantial discrepancies between what was believed to be occurring during a patient's life and what was ultimately discovered at autopsy. In one UK study of critically ill patients, the pre-death diagnosis was in complete agreement with postmortem findings in fewer than half of cases. [1]
This doesn't mean that conventional medicine is ineffective. When the diagnosis is correct and the treatment works, it can be tremendously valuable.
But complex conditions often require more time.
My Approach to NS
My first appointment typically lasts 2–4 hours.
That additional time allows me to go far beyond a brief symptom-focused encounter. I take a detailed history, examine the evolution and patterns of your symptoms, look for relationships between seemingly unrelated symptoms, and explore factors that may be contributing to vestibular migraine.
The objective is not simply to put a label on your symptoms.
It is to understand why they are occurring.
Once I have developed a comprehensive picture of your health, I can create an individualized treatment strategy directed at the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Two Fundamental Principles
First, remove the obstacles to cure.
Identify and address factors that may be interfering with the body's ability to regulate, recover, and heal.
Second, provide a gentle healing stimulus.
Once obstacles have been addressed, provide individualized support designed to encourage the body's own capacity for regulation and recovery.
More time allows for a deeper evaluation.
A deeper evaluation allows for a more individualized approach.
FAQs
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Neurologic Sensitivity overlaps with the phenomenon commonly described in medical literature as Central Sensitization.
Neurological Sensitivity is a broad term for an easily triggered or reactive nervous system, while Central Sensitization is a specific physiological process where the spinal cord and brain actively amplify pain and sensory signals
Both CS and NS describe the same core concept of a hyperactive central nervous system. Both terms stem from the underlying inflammation that leads to the overlapping conditions including fibromyalgia, IBS, chronic fatigue, and chronic migraines.
NS describes an individual's overall tendency to become overstimulated or overwhelmed by sensory inputs. Sensors in the skin and body are included here.
CS is limited to the overstimulation of the Central Nervous System only. Fibromyalgia and pos-injury pain are included under the CS category.
Neurologic Sensitivity is not a single conventional diagnosis. I use this term to describe a pattern of heightened nervous-system reactivity that can overlap with concepts such as central sensitization and altered sensory processing.
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Honestly, it’s not well understood. The Central Nervous System is in charge of processing pain signals. It is your brain and spinal cord. Your nerves send signals to your brain for processing, and then your brain responds appropriately. For example, touching a needle will automatically cause your hand to draw back.
In NS, the signals cause an exaggerated response. For example, a small bump could cause intense pain. Even clothing might become uncomfortable.
NS may occur independently, or as a result of other syndromes. For example, people with arthritis may develop NS.
Neuroinflammation, or inflammation of the Nervous System, is accepted as one of the main causes of NS. Neuroinflammation is typically caused from things like brain injury, or autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis. However, not every body with TBI or MS will develop NS.
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Symptoms typically extend beyond just chronic pain. The Nervous System governs your body’s many functions. When the nerves become hyperexcitable, it can lead to other downstream effects.
Chronic fatigue may result, as a result of the body being perpetually in a hyper-excitable state. The body is using resources to process the increased stimuli, and it just drains the reserves.
Brain fog and trouble concentrating may also exist. Again, for the same reason above.
Finally, elevated sensitivity to normal stimuli beyond touch. Other senses become excited, including light, smell, and sound. Seemingly normal amount of light become too intense and sometimes even uncomfortable.
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Mainstream treatment typically has 4 pillars. First, Cognitive Behavior Therapy through a licensed psychologist. Second, Physical Therapy to increase mobility. Third, medications like GABA to reduce the pain signals. Fourth, a TENS unit, which is a device that may ease pain through electrical impulses.
Good Naturopathic care aims to identify the root cause, and treat accordingly. Homeopathic care for Post-TBI NS would be different from Autoimmune-associated NS.
There are some overlaps between the 2 that you can try at home. Focus on sleep hygiene. Aim for 8 hours a night of restful sleep. Avoid blue light 1 hour before bed. Lower systemic inflammation by choosing anti-inflammatory (non Standard-American-Diet) foods, and address gut health.
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Since the underlying physiology is nerve inflammation, we need to examine what inflames the nerves.
Chronic infections like Lyme Disease, and Long COVID both may be potential targets for NS etiology.
Trauma including TBIs and Concussions, and even sub-concussive trauma may also lead to NS.
The Gut-Brain axis is a prime target for examining suboptimal neural pathways. Diagnostic Solutions Lab offers a GI MAPs stool test that may be used to identify gut microbiome imbalances.