Could Your Ongoing Symptoms Indicate Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?

Is it autonomic nervous system dysfunction?

I started experiencing a cold in February of this year, with symptoms such as nasal congestion and a sensation of something stuck in my throat.
I have been seeing an otolaryngologist and taking medication, but I have developed additional symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throat, a feeling of foreign body in the throat, tightness on both sides of my face, neck stiffness, numbness on both sides of my neck, nausea, tingling in various parts of my body, and insomnia.
Now it's May, and I still feel unwell.
The persistent symptoms include a noticeable sensation of a foreign body in my throat, tightness on both sides of my face, neck stiffness, numbness or occasional tingling in my neck, and occasional insomnia.
I went to the hospital for an endoscopy and X-rays in the otolaryngology department, and everything appeared normal.
However, a 1.3 cm thyroid nodule was detected, but the doctor said that the thyroid nodule would not cause the above symptoms.
Doctor, could my condition possibly be due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation?

JJ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/01

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, the autonomic nervous system can be affected by life stress or irregular lifestyle patterns.
Generally, the autonomic nervous system is regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, one acts as the accelerator and the other as the brake.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for stimulating the body, leading to increased heart rate, faster breathing, and increased sweating during activities such as exercise.
Once the activity stops, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, slowing down the heart rate, reducing breathing rate, and decreasing sweating.
Your symptoms seem more aligned with issues related to cervical myofascial pain.
The autonomic nervous system may be indirectly influencing your condition.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/05/01

More Info

Your ongoing symptoms, which began after a cold in February, certainly raise the possibility of an autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorder, but they could also be attributed to other underlying conditions. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. When this system is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, some of which you have described.

The symptoms you mentioned—nasal congestion, throat discomfort, facial tightness, neck stiffness, nausea, localized pain, and insomnia—can indeed be associated with autonomic dysfunction. For instance, the sensation of a "lump" in the throat (often referred to as globus sensation) can be exacerbated by anxiety or stress, which are known to affect the autonomic nervous system. Similarly, tightness in the face and neck, along with numbness or tingling, may suggest hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response.

Your symptoms may also be indicative of other conditions that can mimic or overlap with autonomic dysfunction. For example, chronic stress or anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome can cause widespread pain and discomfort, often accompanied by sleep disturbances and fatigue.
The fact that you have undergone examinations by an ENT specialist, including endoscopy and X-rays, and found no significant issues is a positive sign. However, the presence of a thyroid nodule, while typically benign, should be monitored, especially if you experience changes in your symptoms. Thyroid dysfunction can also contribute to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and changes in mood.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and their persistence, it would be advisable to consult with a neurologist or a specialist in autonomic disorders. They may recommend further testing, such as autonomic function tests, to assess how well your autonomic nervous system is functioning. These tests can help determine if there is a specific dysfunction that needs to be addressed.

In the meantime, managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, or mindfulness practices may help alleviate some of your symptoms. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are also crucial for overall health and can support the functioning of your autonomic nervous system.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest an autonomic nervous system disorder, they may also be related to other conditions, including anxiety or chronic pain syndromes. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional specializing in these areas will be essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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