The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls how all of the organs in the body work. The control of this system is involuntary (meaning we have no control over it ). It is made up of two parts. The sympathetic part which speeds things up and the parasympathetic part which slows things down.
When these two parts work together our body feels well and teenagers can function normally.
As teenagers grow the ANS can misbehave due to changes that occur with physical growth and hormonal changes. As a result, many organ systems don’t function as they are supposed to and teenagers feel unwell.
Because the ANS controls all organ systems teenagers can develop symptoms anywhere in their body. Common symptoms are headaches, brainfog, dizziness, extreme tiredness, chest pain and nausea to name but a few.
The term dysautonomia of adolescence describes this process. While it is thought to be temporary during this time teenagers may be unable to go to school, socialize or play supports. This has a big impact on their quality of life
IF your teenager is experiencing anything that sounds like this keep reading. My next blog will tell you how to start to manage this condition – medications NOT required 🙂
