Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Symptoms and Solutions

Is there an issue with autonomic nervous system dysregulation?

Hello Dr.
Sun,
For the past six months, I have been feeling unwell every day.
In the last three months, I have had blood tests twice, abdominal ultrasounds twice (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys), an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy once, and X-rays of my spine.
I weigh myself daily, and since May, my weight has dropped from 73 kg to 70 kg.
I haven't had much of an appetite (though I force myself to eat), and there are no issues with that, but I constantly feel back pain (in the lumbar area), tightness in my shoulders, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, and occasional numbness in my hands and feet.
During work hours, I often feel something strange in my abdomen, particularly around the bladder area.
I frequently feel like the muscles near my stomach are being poked, and the sensation seems to move around.
I also went for rehabilitation (stretching and electrical therapy), but I still feel like something is wrong.
Recently, I had another blood draw (waiting for the report), and I have scheduled a full-body health check at the end of the month.

I am unsure if my concerns stem from a previous incident where my child had a head CT scan after falling from a chair (the scan showed he was just startled), and I worry about the risk of leukemia or other diseases.
I have been anxious about this for nearly six months (I have asked several doctors, and they all said the radiation dose was low and not a cause for concern).
I feel very guilty for having my three-year-old undergo a head CT scan.
I often wake up scared at night.
I usually go to bed at eleven and wake up once around two and again around four.
Recently, I underwent autonomic nervous system testing, and the doctor found abnormalities in my parasympathetic nervous system.
However, I still worry that there may be something that hasn't been checked yet.
Could you please give me some advice?
I have also been having dreams about abnormal blood test results that wake me up.

Here are my blood test results for reference:
- White Blood Cell Count: 4.9 (Reference Range: 4.00 - 9.80)
- Red Blood Cell Count: 4.67 (Reference Range: 4.20 - 6.20)
- Hemoglobin: 14.4 (Reference Range: 12.90 - 9.80)
- Hematocrit: 43.1 (Reference Range: 38.00 - 53.00)
- Mean Corpuscular Volume: 92.3 (Reference Range: 80.00 - 98.00)
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin: 30.8 (Reference Range: 27.00 - 33.00)
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration: 33.4 (Reference Range: 31.00 - 36.00)
- Platelet Count: 235 (Reference Range: 120.00 - 400.00)
- Neutrophils: 35.1 (Reference Range: 40.00 - 74.00)
- Lymphocytes: 54.1 (Reference Range: 19.00 - 48.00)
- Monocytes: 7.2 (Reference Range: 0.00 - 9.00)
- Eosinophils: 2.1 (Reference Range: 0.00 - 7.00)
- Basophils: 0.7 (Reference Range: 0.00 - 2.00)
- Blood Urea Nitrogen: 16.3 (Reference Range: 7.00 - 25.00)
- Creatinine: 1.24 (Reference Range: 0.50 - 1.30)
- Uric Acid: 8.5 (Reference Range: 2.60 - 7.20)
- Fasting Blood Glucose: 108 (Reference Range: 60.00 - 110.00)
- AST (GOT): 27 (Reference Range: 5.00 - 42.00)
- ALT (GPT): 24 (Reference Range: 5.00 - 40.00)
- Total Protein: 7.8 (Reference Range: 6.00 - 8.30)
- Albumin: 4.6 (Reference Range: 3.50 - 5.00)
- Globulin: 3 (Reference Range: 2.00 - 4.00)
- Protein Ratio: 1.44 (Reference Range: 1.10 - 2.50)
- Total Cholesterol: 216 (Reference Range: <200)
- Triglycerides: 105 (Reference Range: 35.00 - 160.00)
- HDL Cholesterol: 51 (Reference Range: 29.00 - 71.00)
- LDL Cholesterol: 124 (Reference Range: <130)
- Calcium: 9.3 (Reference Range: 8.40 - 10.20)
- Phosphorus: 3.5 (Reference Range: 2.50 - 4.60)
Urinalysis:
- Urine Color: Y
- Urine Protein: Negative
- Urine Glucose: Negative
- Urine Bilirubin: Negative
- Urine Urobilinogen: Negative
- Urine Ketones: Negative
- Urine pH: 5.5 (Reference Range: 5.00 - 8.00)
- Urine Blood: 0-2 (Reference Range: 0.00 - 4.00)
- Urine White Blood Cells: 0-2 (Reference Range: 0.00 - 4.00)
Autonomic Nervous System Test (July 14, 2016):
- Autonomic Nervous System Age: 25-30 years
- Autonomic Nervous System Balance: 3.06 (Severely biased towards parasympathetic; normal is 0-1.5)
- Overall Autonomic Nervous System Function: 1.449 (Normal: -1.5 to 1.5)
- Parasympathetic Function: 1.6563 (Elevated; normal: -1.5 to 1.5)
- SDNN: 45.71 (Normal: >39.546)
- Sympathetic Modulation: -0.29 (Low; threshold 0.65)
- R Wave Validity: 94.1 (Normal: >80%)

Tong Guocheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/15

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Dear Mr.
Tong,
Based on your description, you may be experiencing anxiety issues.
It is advisable to redirect your attention to other matters and persuade yourself to stop excessive worrying, returning to a normal life.
For instance, instead of worrying about the radiation dose from your child's past CT scan, it would be more beneficial to engage in enjoyable interactions with your child, as this can greatly enhance both emotional well-being and resilience.
If you find that you are still unable to improve, I recommend seeking medical assistance.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2016/08/15

More Info

Understanding autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders is crucial for addressing the myriad symptoms you are experiencing. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and more. It consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities. When there is an imbalance in these systems, it can lead to various physical and psychological symptoms.

From your description, it seems you have been experiencing a range of symptoms including back pain, shoulder tightness, dizziness, lack of energy, and occasional numbness in your limbs. These symptoms can indeed be associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The fact that you have undergone multiple tests, including blood tests and imaging studies, suggests that your healthcare providers are trying to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Your concern about the health of your child and the anxiety stemming from that situation may also contribute to your symptoms. Anxiety can exacerbate autonomic dysfunction, leading to increased physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. The feeling of your abdominal muscles being 'prodded' could be related to heightened sensitivity caused by anxiety or stress, which can manifest as physical discomfort.

The results of your autonomic nervous system assessment indicate a significant shift towards parasympathetic dominance, which may explain some of your symptoms. A hyperactive parasympathetic response can lead to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and digestive issues. This imbalance can be influenced by stress, anxiety, and even lifestyle factors such as diet and sleep patterns.

To address your concerns and symptoms, consider the following strategies:
1. Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce anxiety.

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve overall health and help balance the autonomic nervous system. Aim for moderate activities like walking, swimming, or cycling, which can also alleviate muscle tension.

3. Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can support your overall health. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety and disrupt sleep.

4. Sleep Hygiene: Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment to improve your sleep quality. Sleep is essential for recovery and can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being.

5. Professional Support: Since you have already consulted various specialists, consider working with a mental health professional who can help you address anxiety and its physical manifestations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing anxiety.

6. Follow-Up with Healthcare Providers: Continue to communicate with your healthcare team about your symptoms and concerns. If you feel that something is still being overlooked, don’t hesitate to advocate for further testing or referrals to specialists, such as a neurologist or a psychologist.

7. Mindfulness and Cognitive Techniques: Engaging in mindfulness practices can help you stay grounded and reduce the fear associated with your symptoms. Cognitive techniques can help reframe negative thoughts and reduce anxiety.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they can often be managed effectively through a combination of lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and professional support. It’s essential to remain proactive about your health and continue seeking answers while also addressing the psychological aspects that may be contributing to your physical symptoms.

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