drtonybriggs

Why Do I Feel Like I Can't Take a Deep Breath? Breathing Changes in Dysautonomia

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:16:37 GMT

If you have caught yourself sighing constantly, or feeling like no matter how deeply you breathe in you still cannot get a truly satisfying breath, I want you to know this is a genuine symptom I hear about often from my dysautonomia and POTS patients. It is unsettling, particularly when your chest X-rays and lung function tests come back normal, but there is a clear explanation rooted in how your nervous system is regulating breathing itself.

Breathing Is Not as Automatic as It Feels

Breathing is one of the few bodily functions that runs automatically through your autonomic nervous system while also being available to your conscious control. Your brainstem constantly adjusts your breathing rate and depth based on signals about oxygen, carbon dioxide and blood pressure, without you ever having to think about it.

In dysautonomia , including POTS , this automatic regulation is often less efficient. The same system responsible for managing your heart rate and blood pressure on standing is closely linked to the system managing your breathing pattern. When one part of that network is under strain, it is common for breathing to be affected too, even though your lungs themselves are working perfectly well.

Why It Feels Like You Cannot Get Enough Air

The sensation of not being able to take a full, deep breath is sometimes called air hunger, and it has a few contributing factors in dysautonomia.

Chemoreceptor sensitivity

Small structures in your blood vessels and brainstem, called chemoreceptors, monitor your blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and adjust your breathing accordingly. In dysautonomia, these receptors can become oversensitive, prompting your brain to call for a deeper breath even when your oxygen levels are perfectly normal.

Overbreathing or hyperventilation patterns

Many people with dysautonomia unconsciously develop a habit of breathing slightly faster or shallower than needed, often from the chest rather than the diaphragm. Paradoxically, this can leave you feeling like you need to take a bigger breath, because shallow chest breathing does not fully expand the lungs or satisfy the brain's need for a complete breath cycle.

Reduced blood flow to the brainstem

The brainstem houses the centres that regulate breathing, and it relies on the same steady circulation that is often compromised in POTS, similar to what I explained in why does my vision go blurry when I stand up. When blood flow to this region dips, breathing regulation can become less smooth alongside visual and cognitive symptoms.

Muscle tension

Chronic low grade tension in the muscles around your ribs, neck and diaphragm, often built up over months of feeling unwell, can physically restrict how fully your chest expands, adding a mechanical layer to the sensation on top of the neurological one.

Common Ways This Shows Up

Patients describe this symptom in a range of ways, and all of the following fit the same underlying pattern:

Frequent, involuntary sighing throughout the day
A sense of tightness or heaviness across the chest without pain
Feeling like your breath is stuck partway through an inhale
Needing to consciously think about breathing to feel comfortable
Breathlessness with mild activity that would not have been an issue before
The sensation worsening when lying flat or in stuffy, warm rooms

If chest tightness comes with pain, sweating, breathlessness that does not ease with rest, or a feeling of pressure spreading to your arm or jaw, this needs urgent medical assessment rather than a dysautonomia explanation, so please seek immediate care for that.

Why This Often Gets Mistaken for Anxiety

Because air hunger and unsatisfying breaths are also hallmark symptoms of anxiety, this symptom is frequently misattributed, sometimes even by well meaning doctors who have not considered dysautonomia as the driver. I covered this broader pattern in POTS and anxiety, why they are often confused , and it applies just as directly here.

The physical sensation is genuinely driven by autonomic and chemoreceptor changes, not by fear itself. That said, feeling like you cannot get a proper breath is understandably distressing, and it is common for a layer of anxiety about the breathing itself to build over time. Both the physiological driver and the anxiety response are worth addressing, rather than assuming it is only one or the other.

What Can Help

Practise diaphragmatic breathing

Rather than breathing from your chest, place a hand on your belly and focus on letting it rise and fall with each breath. This retrains a fuller, more efficient breathing pattern over time and can reduce how often air hunger appears.

Slow your exhale rather than forcing a bigger inhale

Chasing a deeper inhale often increases tension and worsens the sensation. Focusing instead on a longer, slower exhale helps regulate your carbon dioxide levels and calms the chemoreceptor response.

Address muscle tension in your neck, chest and upper back

Gentle mobility work and posture awareness can ease the mechanical restriction that builds up alongside the neurological component.

Avoid checking your breathing constantly

This one is hard, but repeatedly testing whether a breath feels satisfying tends to reinforce the sensation rather than resolve it. Redirecting your attention when you notice yourself checking can help break the cycle.

Manage your broader POTS symptoms

Since breathing regulation is tied to the same nervous system managing your heart rate and blood pressure, the general strategies I have covered elsewhere, staying hydrated, pacing activity as discussed in POTS and exercise , and managing sensory load as I explained in why am I so sensitive to light, noise and busy places , all support smoother breathing regulation too.

How I Approach This as a Neuro Rehab Chiropractor

When a patient describes this breathing pattern, I am looking at how well the brainstem and autonomic nervous system are coordinating breathing alongside heart rate, blood pressure and postural control. This includes assessing breathing mechanics, postural patterns and how your nervous system responds under combined physical and sensory load, not breathing in isolation.

The goal is to improve the underlying regulation of your autonomic nervous system so breathing becomes smoother and less effortful as a flow on effect. This sits within my broader approach to POTS and dysautonomia care, working alongside your GP or specialist team, particularly if a cardiac or respiratory cause needs to be ruled out first.

If you want the fuller picture of how I structure a treatment plan from the first assessment onward, I cover that in POTS Treatment in Melbourne and Online Australia Wide .

Living in Melbourne With Unsatisfying Breaths

If you are in Melbourne or the bayside area and this breathlessness has been a constant, frustrating presence despite normal test results, please know it has a real physiological basis and there is a structured way to work on it. In my Highett clinic, I see this pattern regularly in patients with dysautonomia and POTS, and it responds well to targeted rehabilitation that addresses the nervous system regulation behind it.

You do not need a GP referral to book with me, and if you already have specialist reports or test results, please bring them along so we can build on what your care team already knows.

Book your initial assessment here and let's start working out how to help your breathing feel steady and satisfying again.

Research Articles

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Stewart J M. Common Syndromes of Orthostatic Intolerance. Pediatrics. 2013;131:968 to 980.

Courtney R. The Functions of Breathing and Its Dysfunctions and Their Relationship to Breathing Therapy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 2009;12:78 to 85.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Jones P K, Gibbons C H. Autonomic Function Testing, an Overview. Continuum. 2020;26:69 to 88.

What Is Vestibular Migraine? Symptoms, Triggers and What Can Help

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:36:05 GMT

Why you can feel dizzy or off-balance without a headache, and what can help

By Dr Tony Briggs, Neuro Rehab Chiropractor, Melbourne

Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine where dizziness, vertigo or feeling off-balance are the main symptoms. It doesn't always come with a headache, which is why it's often mistaken for an inner ear problem. Episodes can last from a few minutes to several days, and they're often set off by light, movement, stress, poor sleep or hormonal changes.

Key points

Vestibular migraine causes dizziness, vertigo and imbalance, with or without head pain.
Episodes typically last anywhere from 5 minutes to 72 hours.
Most people have a history of migraine, even if the headaches have eased.
It's diagnosed from your symptoms and history, so normal scans are common.
Care usually combines medical management, trigger management and vestibular rehabilitation.

What is vestibular migraine?

Your vestibular system, which includes your inner ear and the parts of your brain that process balance, tells you where you are in space. In vestibular migraine, the migraine process affects how your brain handles those balance signals. The result is dizziness or vertigo that behaves like a migraine attack. It comes in episodes, has triggers, and often comes with light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or visual aura.

It's one of the most common causes of recurring vertigo. Researchers have described it as the most frequent entity of episodic vertigo. Yet many people spend years being told it's anxiety or an inner ear infection that "should have cleared up by now".

Vestibular migraine symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person and from episode to episode. Common ones include:

Spinning vertigo, or a feeling that the room is moving
Rocking or swaying, like you're on a boat
Dizziness when turning your head or moving quickly
Feeling unsteady on your feet
Sensitivity to busy visual environments such as supermarkets, scrolling or traffic
Light and sound sensitivity
Nausea
Brain fog and fatigue after an episode
Headache, though not always

How is it different from other causes of dizziness?

Vestibular migraine: Episodes lasting 5 minutes to 72 hours, often with migraine features such as light sensitivity or headache.
BPPV: Brief spinning (under a minute) triggered by rolling over, lying down or looking up.
Ménière's disease: Vertigo attacks with hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Vestibular neuritis: A sudden, severe vertigo episode lasting days, often after a viral illness.
Cervicogenic dizziness: Dizziness linked to neck pain, stiffness or neck movement.

These conditions can overlap, and it's common to have more than one. That's why a thorough assessment matters.

Common triggers

Stress, and the let-down period after stress
Poor or irregular sleep
Hormonal changes, especially around your period
Bright or flickering lights and screens
Busy visual environments
Skipped meals or dehydration
Weather and pressure changes
Certain foods or alcohol, which vary from person to person

A symptom diary can help you spot your personal patterns.

How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?

There's no single test for vestibular migraine. Diagnosis is based on your history and symptom pattern: repeated episodes of dizziness or vertigo, a history of migraine, and migraine features during at least some episodes. Other causes also need to be ruled out.

Scans and hearing tests are often normal. That doesn't mean nothing is wrong. It means the problem is in how your nervous system is processing information, not in the structure of your ear or brain. Your GP, a neurologist or an ENT specialist can confirm the diagnosis.

When to seek urgent help

Call 000 or go to an emergency department if dizziness comes with any of the following:

Sudden severe headache unlike any you've had before
Slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness or numbness on one side
Double vision or loss of vision
Difficulty walking or loss of coordination that's new
Fainting or chest pain

These can be signs of a stroke or another serious condition and need immediate medical care.

What can help vestibular migraine?

Vestibular migraine is usually managed with a combination of approaches.

Medical care. Your GP or neurologist may recommend medication to prevent attacks or to manage symptoms during an episode.

Trigger and lifestyle management. Regular sleep, regular meals, hydration, stress management and gradual, steady exercise can raise your threshold for attacks.

Vestibular rehabilitation. This uses targeted exercises to retrain how your brain processes balance, eye movement and motion information. The evidence is still developing, but it's encouraging. A 2025 meta-analysis found that, on average, people reported meaningful improvements in dizziness scores. The authors also noted that the studies varied widely, and another review found that vestibular rehabilitation used alongside other treatment showed functional benefits.

How I help people with vestibular migraine

Most people I see with vestibular migraine have already been to their GP, and often an ENT or neurologist too. They're still dealing with dizziness that affects their work, driving, exercise and confidence.

My approach starts with a full neurological assessment of the systems involved in balance: your inner ear, eye movements, balance and your upper neck, which sends a large amount of position information to the brainstem. From there, care may combine vestibular and eye movement rehabilitation through my Balance Reset Method™, chiropractic care for the neck, medical laser therapy and home exercises. Everything is paced to your tolerance, so we don't push you into a flare.

I work alongside your GP and specialists, not instead of them. You can keep taking any prescribed medication.

FAQ

Can you have vestibular migraine without a headache?
Yes. Many people have dizziness or vertigo episodes with little or no head pain, which is one reason it's often missed.

How long does a vestibular migraine attack last?
Episodes can last from a few minutes to up to 72 hours. Some people also feel off-balance or foggy between attacks.

Is vestibular migraine dangerous?
Vestibular migraine itself isn't dangerous, but it can seriously affect daily life. New or sudden dizziness should always be checked by a doctor to rule out other causes.

Can vestibular migraine go away?
For many people, symptoms can be well managed with the right combination of medical care, trigger management and rehabilitation. How long that takes varies from person to person.

Can neck problems make vestibular migraine worse?
They can contribute. Your upper neck sends balance and position information to your brain, and neck dysfunction may add to dizziness and headaches in some people.

Do I need a referral to see you?
No. You can book directly without a GP referral.

About the author

Dr Tony Briggs is a neuro rehab chiropractor in Melbourne with 37 years of clinical experience. He has advanced functional neurology training through the Carrick Institute and a background as a registered critical care nurse, and he works with people experiencing dizziness, vestibular migraine, POTS and concussion.

References

Lempert T, et al. Vestibular migraine: diagnostic criteria. Journal of Vestibular Research. 2012;22(4):167–172.
Dieterich M, Obermann M, Celebisoy N. Vestibular migraine: the most frequent entity of episodic vertigo. Journal of Neurology. 2016.
El Ahdab et al. The effect of vestibular rehabilitation in the management of vestibular migraine in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Headache. 2025.
Alghadir AH, Anwer S. Effects of vestibular rehabilitation in the management of a vestibular migraine: a review. Frontiers in Neurology. 2018.

Why Do I Feel Shaky for No Reason? Adrenaline Surges in POTS Explained

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:19:38 GMT

If you have ever felt suddenly shaky, jittery or wired for seemingly no reason, with your heart pounding and your hands trembling while you are just sitting quietly or standing at the kitchen bench, I want you to know there is a real explanation for this. It is one of the more unsettling symptoms my POTS patients describe, and it usually points to an adrenaline surge rather than anything you have done wrong.

What Is Actually Happening in Your Body

Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is a hormone your body releases as part of your sympathetic nervous system, the branch of your autonomic nervous system responsible for your fight or flight response. In a well regulated nervous system, adrenaline is released in small, appropriate amounts to help you respond to genuine physical demands or stress.

In POTS , the autonomic nervous system struggles to keep blood pressure stable when you change position or exert yourself. One of the ways your body compensates for this is by releasing extra adrenaline to push your heart rate and blood vessel tone up quickly.

This form of the condition is often referred to as hyperadrenergic POTS, meaning the adrenaline response is a significant driver of your symptoms. Even outside a formal hyperadrenergic diagnosis, adrenaline surges are common across POTS more broadly, particularly when the nervous system is already working hard to compensate for poor circulation.

Why It Can Feel Like It Comes From Nowhere

The tricky part is that these surges do not always follow an obvious trigger. You might be sitting still, not stressed, not exercising, and still feel a sudden wave of shakiness, a racing heart and a sense of dread or unease. This happens because the trigger is often internal rather than external. A small drop in blood pressure, a shift in blood volume, standing up too quickly earlier in the day, dehydration, poor sleep or even a delayed meal can all prompt your nervous system to release adrenaline as a correction, even if you never consciously noticed the trigger itself.

Common symptoms of an adrenaline surge in POTS include:

Trembling or shaking, particularly in the hands
A pounding or racing heartbeat
A sudden rush of heat or flushing
Sweating that appears out of proportion to the temperature
A feeling of dread, unease or being on edge
Nausea
Difficulty sitting still
A crash of fatigue once the surge passes

These episodes typically last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, and many patients tell me they feel drained or need to rest once the adrenaline clears.

Why This Is Often Mistaken for a Panic Attack

Because adrenaline surges produce many of the same physical sensations as a panic attack, racing heart, trembling, a sense of dread, they are commonly misread, sometimes even by treating doctors who are less familiar with POTS. I have written in detail about this overlap in POTS and anxiety, why they are often confused , and the same principle applies directly here.

The distinction matters because the management approach differs. Anxiety focused strategies alone will not resolve a physiologically driven adrenaline surge, since the root cause is autonomic dysregulation rather than a psychological trigger. That said, because repeated surges are genuinely uncomfortable and unpredictable, it is common for a layer of anticipatory anxiety to build around them over time, particularly the fear of when the next one will hit. Both things can be true at once, and both are worth addressing.

What Can Bring on a Surge

While surges can feel random, certain patterns show up often enough in clinic that they are worth paying attention to:

Standing up quickly, especially after sitting or lying for a while
Heat exposure, including hot showers, warm rooms or humid weather
Skipping meals or going too long between eating
Dehydration or low salt intake
Poor or disrupted sleep the night before
Alcohol or caffeine, particularly on an empty stomach
Emotional stress, even positive excitement
Overexertion, similar to what I explain in POTS and exercise, why it feels so hard

Keeping a simple log of what you were doing, eating and how you had slept before a surge can help you and your treating team identify your own specific pattern.

What You Can Do When a Surge Hits

Sit or lie down if you can. Reducing the demand on your circulation gives your nervous system less to compensate for while the surge settles.
Focus on slow, steady breathing. Long, slow exhales help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which works to counterbalance the sympathetic surge.
Sip cool water. This supports blood volume and can help take the edge off symptoms.
Avoid fighting the sensation. Reminding yourself that this is a known physiological pattern, not a dangerous event, can reduce the anticipatory anxiety layer that sometimes builds around these episodes.
Rest afterward rather than pushing through. Many patients feel drained once a surge passes, and allowing genuine recovery time reduces how depleted the rest of your day feels.

How I Approach This as a Neuro Rehab Chiropractor

When a patient describes recurring adrenaline surges, I am looking at how well their autonomic nervous system is regulating overall, including how it responds to postural change, sensory load and physical demand. This includes active stand testing, assessing your heart rate response over time, and looking at how your vestibular and sensorimotor systems are coordinating with your circulatory regulation.

The aim is to improve your nervous system's underlying stability, so it needs to rely on large adrenaline corrections less often. This sits within my broader approach to POTS and dysautonomia care, and it works alongside your GP or cardiologist rather than replacing that care, particularly if medication is already part of your management plan.

If you want the fuller picture of how I build a treatment plan from the first assessment onward, I go through that in POTS Treatment in Melbourne and Online Australia Wide .

Living in Melbourne With Unpredictable Adrenaline Surges

If you are in Melbourne or the bayside area and these surges have been leaving you feeling unsettled and unsure when the next one will hit, please know this is a recognised part of POTS with a real physiological basis, not something you are imagining or overreacting to. In my Highett clinic, I work with patients experiencing exactly this pattern, building a plan that supports your nervous system's regulation across the whole day.

You do not need a GP referral to book with me, and if you already have specialist reports or a symptom log, please bring them along so we can build on what you already know about your pattern.

Book your initial assessment here and let's start working out how to help your nervous system rely less on these sudden corrections.

Research Articles

Kanjwal K, Karabin B, Kanjwal Y, Grubb B P. Hyperadrenergic Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications. Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal. 2011;11:5 to 8.

Goldstein D S, Sharabi Y. Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension, a Pathophysiological Approach. Circulation. 2009;119:139 to 146.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Raj S R. The Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management. Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal. 2006;6:84 to 99.

Why Do I Feel Like I'm Going to Faint But Never Actually Pass Out? POTS Explained

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:47:27 GMT

POTS and the Feeling of Passing Out but not Fainting

If you have ever felt like you're passing out after standing up but never actually did, you are not alone. It's a shared experience among people living with POTS. What causes this, and is there a way to prevent it? Continue reading to learn more.

POTS and Presyncope

The term for feeling like you are about to faint without losing consciousness is "presyncope." The symptoms include:

Lightheadedness or dizziness
Blurred or dimming vision
Weakness or shakiness
Feeling hot or sweaty
Nausea
Racing or pounding heart
Brain fog or difficulty thinking

Does the list look familiar? That's because POTS also cause them.

Gravity pulls your blood down to your lower body when you stand up. A healthy person's brain sends signals telling the blood vessels to constrict to help prevent that.

If you are living with POTS, that response is impaired, or it misfires. That reduces effective blood circulation back to your heart and to the brain. That results in your brain temporarily not getting enough oxygen, which triggers warning signs of fainting.

To compensate, your heart has to beat faster. This can contribute to lightheadedness, weakness, visual changes, and the sensation of impending fainting.

Why Don't I Actually Faint?

The warning signs of fainting are triggered, but the condition is not severe enough to actually cause fainting. The blood flow to the brain is temporarily reduced, but it's still above the threshold needed to keep you awake.

Presyncope does not transition fully to syncope, or loss of consciousness.

Furthermore, the warning signs include dizziness, tunneled vision, muffled sounds, and more. These usually prompt you to sit or lie down, returning to a position where blood can go back efficiently to your heart.

But even if you're not actually fainting, presyncope can still be severe and disruptive. So it's important to learn what causes this feeling and how to react when it happens.

What Can Trigger Presyncope in POTS?

Standing too long gives gravity more time to contribute to blood pooling.
Not drinking enough fluids can reduce the amount of blood circulating in your body.
Eating a large meal can temporarily send more blood to your digestive system.
Hot weather, hot showers, and other sources of heat can widen your blood vessels and make it harder for your body to keep enough blood flowing to your brain.
Symptoms may occur during or after an exercise activity, particularly when returning to an upright position.
Morning adrenaline surges may cause air hunger, nausea, and panic attacks .

What Should I Do When I Feel Like I'm About to Faint?

Sit or lie down as soon as possible. It is safer than trying to push through the sensation. Do not try to walk it off, especially if you feel like you're close to losing consciousness.

If the situation allows, also lift your legs above your heart level.

Suppose heat is contributing to symptoms. Ask someone to help you cool the room or help you move to somewhere cooler.

Once symptoms settle, get up slowly. Do not go straight to standing up.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Not every episode of presyncope is caused by POTS. Seek medical evaluation for unexplained, worsening, or frequent episodes.

Furthermore, consult your doctor if you experience the following during those episodes:

Chest pain
Severe shortness of breath
Severe irregular heartbeat
Injury from a fall
Actual fainting
Fainting that occurs without warning

POTS Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS and fainting Melbourne

POTS feeling like I'm going to faint

POTS presyncope

POTS specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations:

• Face-to-face in Melbourne

• Online across Australia

• Online worldwide

If you regularly feel lightheaded, unsteady, or like you are about to faint without actually passing out, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your symptoms are real. Understanding why they happen can be the first step toward finding the right support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Normal to Feel Faint but Not Actually Pass Out With POTS?

Yes. POTS can cause a strong feeling that you’re about to faint, called presyncope, without actually causing you to lose consciousness. Fainting is not required to have POTS.

Is feeling like I'm going to faint dangerous?

Presyncope itself does not always mean something dangerous is happening. However, it increases the risk of falling and can have other causes that need evaluation.

Research Articles

Fu Q, Vangundy TB, Galbreath MM, et al. Cardiac origins of the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2010;55(25):2858-2868.
Jeong JH, et al. Decreased upright cerebral blood flow and cerebral autoregulation in normocapnic postural tachycardia syndrome. American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2009
Stewart JM, et al. Reduced cerebral blood flow with orthostasis precedes hypocapnic hyperpnea, sympathetic activation, and postural tachycardia syndrome. Hypertension. 2014.
Novak P, et al. Oscillatory cerebral blood flow is associated with impaired neurocognition and functional hyperemia in postural tachycardia syndrome during graded tilt. Clinical Science. 2014.
Hainsworth R, et al. Cerebral blood flow during supine rest and the first minute of head-up tilt in patients with orthostatic intolerance. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2005.
Okamoto LE, et al. Worsening Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Is Associated With Increased Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Secretion. Hypertension. 2022.
Fu Q, Levine BD. Exercise in the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2015;188:86-89.
Sheldon RS, Grubb BP, Olshansky B, et al. 2015 Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, and Vasovagal Syncope. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(6):e41-e63.

Why Do I Feel Worse in the Morning? Understanding Morning POTS Symptoms

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:40:48 GMT

The Morning Struggles of Someone with POTS

Getting out of bed is harder than it should be for someone living with POTS. You may have noticed it and have been wondering why. Logic says that people should feel better after a full night of sleep. Instead, you experience palpitations and nausea.

So there is a high chance you are asking: " Why do I feel worse in the morning, and what can I do to make things better?" That is the knowledge I want to impart to you through this post. Continue reading to learn about POTS symptoms and how to make your mornings lighter.

From Lying Down to Standing Up

The main thing about POTS is that it causes your heart to beat faster when you switch from sitting or lying down to standing up. Sleeping means you are lying flat in your bed for hours. Then, in the morning, you need to get out of that bed.

When you stand up, your blood pools in your lower body due to gravity. A healthy nervous system will prevent that by signalling your blood vessels to tighten up. Effectively, the brain helps send your blood back up your upper body.

POTS delays that response or makes the brain signals misfire, so your blood still pools in your lower body. As a result, your brain is not receiving enough oxygen. It then sends adrenaline to make your heart beat faster so your blood can go back up faster.

In simpler words, your brain panics, and its stress response is the cause of your dizziness and palpitations in the morning.

Coping Strategy

Make getting out of bed a gradual transition. From lying down, slowly shift to a sitting position. You can prop yourself up on pillows for this transition.

If it's possible, get dressed while you are still in a sitting position. If you're using compression garments, this is also the time to put them on. Furthermore, I recommend briefly meditating before standing up.

Low Blood Volume Due to Dehydration

You are not drinking water while you are sleeping. Contrary to that, loss of fluids continues even when you are asleep. You breathe, and you sweat, especially on warm nights.

That affects your low volume. Low water intake means there is less fluid circulating through your blood vessels. If you don't have POTS, that would not matter.

However, for someone with POTS, changes in your blood volume have a bigger effect on you. It becomes more difficult for your cardiovascular system to ensure blood gets to your brain. To keep up, your heart has to pump faster and harder. As I have mentioned above, this can cause dizziness.

Coping Strategy

Before you go to sleep, put a tumbler of water on your nightstand. Water with electrolytes is better if you have been cleared for them. Drink this when you wake up to rehydrate your body.

If you are taking any medications, put them on your nightstand too. Doing so lets you access things you need without standing up first.

Adrenaline Surges

Your body naturally releases a surge of adrenaline every morning. It does that to:

Wake you up (along with cortisol, the stress hormone)
Liberate stored sugars to correct blood sugar levels
Make your heart beat faster to push blood back up to your upper body (for someone with POTS)

POTS makes your nervous system hypersensitive. That makes this adrenaline surge feel unnatural and unsettling. It can cause:

nausea
breathlessness
sweating
chills
panic attacks

This can feel like anxiety .

Coping Strategy

Lie down flat with your legs raised above heart level. This helps blood that has pooled in your legs move back toward your heart.

Lying down also removes the strain of standing upright, so your heart and blood vessels don't have to work as hard to keep blood flowing to your brain.

I also recommend breathing exercises when you feel the effects of an adrenaline surge. Count to four when you inhale, and count to six or eight when you exhale. It can help you get past the challenge of air hunger.

Additionally, tell yourself that it is an adrenaline surge and it will pass. Naming it will help prevent a second surge of adrenaline and the fear that it brings.

POTS Morning Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS worse in the morning Melbourne

Morning symptoms with POTS

POTS morning fatigue

POTS dizziness after waking

POTS specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations focused on autonomic regulation and practical strategies for managing POTS symptoms.

Sessions are available:

• Face to face in Melbourne

• Online across Australia

• Online worldwide

If you would like personalised guidance focused on improving regulation, managing your morning routine, and building greater tolerance for being upright, I invite you to book a consultation .

Your mornings can become more manageable with the right strategies and gradual progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can POTS cause brain fog in the morning?

Yes. Some people with POTS experience difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or thinking clearly. These symptoms can be more noticeable in the morning when your body is adjusting to being upright.

Should I exercise in the morning if I have POTS?

Exercise can be helpful for some people with POTS, but the appropriate type and intensity depend on the individual. A healthcare professional can help you determine a safe starting point.

Can eating breakfast make morning POTS symptoms worse?

For some people, symptoms can increase after eating. Digestion requires increased blood flow to the digestive system, which may temporarily make it harder for someone with POTS to maintain blood flow elsewhere.

Research Articles:

Sheldon R S, Grubb B P, Olshansky B, et al. 2015 Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, and Vasovagal Syncope. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(6):e41 to e63.

Raj S R, Biaggioni I, Yamhure P C, et al. Renin-Aldosterone Paradox and Perturbed Blood Volume Regulation Underlying Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2005;111(13):1574 to 1582.

Stewart J M, Medow M S, Glover J L, Montgomery L D. Regional Blood Volume and Peripheral Blood Flow in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2004;287(3):H1319 to H1327.

Thieben M J, Sandroni P, Sletten D M, et al. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: The Mayo Clinic Experience. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2007;82(3):308 to 313.

Shibata S, Fu Q, Bivens T B, Hastings J L, Wang W, Levine B D. Brain Fog in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: An Objective Cerebral Blood Flow and Neurocognitive Analysis. Journal of Neurology. 2018;265(8):1902 to 1910.

Bourne K M, Stiles L E, Raj S R. Do Meals Affect Heart Rate and Symptoms in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome? Clinical Autonomic Research. 2022;32(1):65 to 67.

Why Does My Heart Race After Eating? POTS and Digestion Explained

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:35:27 GMT

POTS and a Racing Heart After Eating

For some people with POTS, eating can cause heart rate to rise noticeably. That's because digestion naturally increases blood flow to the stomach and intestines. That temporarily affects circulation.

POTS can make it harder for the body to regulate blood flow and heart rate. So this normal digestive response may trigger stronger symptoms.

You may notice a racing or pounding heart, lightheadedness, fatigue, or brain fog after a meal.

Which Foods Can Make POTS Symptoms Worse?

Some people with POTS notice that certain foods or meals make their symptoms worse. I have listed these foods below, based on studies and observations.

Large meals: Bigger meals can require more blood flow to the digestive system. That may make a racing heart, lightheadedness, or fatigue more noticeable.
High-carbohydrate meals: Meals high in carbohydrates may increase blood flow to the digestive tract and contribute to a greater rise in heart rate in some people with POTS.
Very sugary foods and drinks: Large amounts of sugar can affect digestion. It may trigger symptoms in some people.
Alcohol: Alcohol can widen blood vessels and contribute to dehydration. Dehydration will then decrease your blood volume, which may make POTS symptoms worse.
Personal digestive triggers: Foods that cause bloating, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or other digestive symptoms may also make you feel worse overall.

What Can I Do If My Heart Races After Eating?

If eating makes your heart beat faster, you have to make some changes. I suggest the following:

Try Smaller, More Frequent Meals

As I mentioned above, large meals may require more blood flow to the digestive system. That can trigger responses in your body that speed up your heartbeat to send blood back to your heart and brain.

That said, I recommend eating smaller portions and eating more frequently. It may reduce the intensity of this response. You can also take your time while eating instead of having a large meal all at once.

Pay Attention to Fluids and Salt

Staying well hydrated can support blood volume and circulation, which may help with POTS symptoms. Drink enough water after meals.

Some people with POTS are also advised to increase their sodium intake as part of their treatment plan. But please note that higher salt or fluid intake is not appropriate for everyone.

Follow your healthcare professional's advice, especially if you have another condition that affects how much fluid or sodium you should consume.

Stay Upright and Take It Easy After Meals

Your position and activity level after eating may affect how you feel. Some people find that staying upright and avoiding sudden changes in position helps them manage symptoms.

If you regularly feel lightheaded or your heart rate rises significantly after meals, give yourself time to rest. Do not immediately do strenuous activity. Listen to your body and avoid activities that consistently make your symptoms worse.

Keep a Food and Symptom Log

A simple food and symptom log can help you spot patterns. You can use a notebook or a notepad app. Record things such as:

what you ate
the approximate portion size
how much you drank
when you ate
your heart rate
any symptoms that followed.

Over time, this may help you identify potential triggers and avoid them in the future. It can also give your healthcare professional more useful information when discussing your POTS symptoms.

POTS Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS and digestion Melbourne

Heart racing after eating POTS

POTS after meals

POTS and food triggers

Dysautonomia Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations:

• Face-to-face in Melbourne

• Online across Australia

• Online worldwide

If your heart races after eating or you are struggling to understand your POTS symptoms, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your symptoms are real. Understanding how your nervous system responds to changes in posture, digestion, and circulation can be an important part of finding the right support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a racing heart last after eating with POTS?

The duration can vary. Some people notice their heart rate settle within a short time, while others may experience symptoms for longer. The size and type of meal, hydration, activity, and individual POTS symptoms can all play a role.

Does heart rate always increase after eating with POTS?

No. A faster heart rate after eating is not experienced by everyone with POTS, and the response can vary from one meal to another. Some people may notice symptoms only after certain foods or larger meals.

When should I see a doctor about a racing heart after eating?

Talk to a healthcare professional if your symptoms are frequent, severe, new, or getting worse. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or a sustained or irregular heartbeat.

Research Articles

Shibao C, Okamoto LE, Shelton R, et al. Do meals affect heart rate and symptoms in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome? Clinical Autonomic Research. 2022;32:13-19.

Khurana RK, Setty A. Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2018;28:511-518.

DiBaise JK, Harris LA, Goodman B. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and the GI Tract: A Primer for the Gastroenterologist. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2018;113(10):1458-1467.

Kulin D, Shah A, Fairlie T, et al. Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Systemic Comorbidities in Patients With POTS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2026;38(4):e70305.

Why Does My Vision Go Blurry When I Stand Up? POTS and Visual Symptoms Explained

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:33:06 GMT

If you have POTS, you already know the heart racing part. What catches people off guard is what happens to their eyes. You stand up from the couch or get out of bed, and for a few seconds the room goes soft at the edges, or grey, or you feel like you are looking through a slightly fogged window. Some patients tell me their vision tunnels in, others describe stars or static, and a lot of people just say everything goes "swimmy" for a moment.

If this happens to you, I want you to know two things straight away. It is a real, measurable neurological event, and it makes complete sense once you understand what your nervous system is doing in that moment.

What Is Actually Happening When Your Vision Blurs on Standing

Your eyes are one of the most metabolically demanding tissues in your body. The retina, at the back of your eye, uses a huge amount of oxygen and glucose relative to its size, and it depends on a steady, well regulated blood supply to keep working properly.

When you go from sitting or lying down to standing, gravity pulls roughly half a litre of blood down into your legs and abdomen within seconds. In a nervous system that is regulating well, blood vessels constrict quickly and your heart rate lifts slightly to push blood back up to your brain and eyes before you notice anything at all.

In POTS , that adjustment is delayed or inefficient. For a brief window, blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and the visual system drop below what they need. Your vision is often the first thing to tell you about it, because the visual pathway is so sensitive to even small dips in perfusion, which is the medical term for how well blood is reaching a tissue.

The Link Between Blood Flow and Your Eyes

The visual cortex, the part of your brain that processes what your eyes see, sits at the back of the brain and relies on the same circulation system that struggles during a postural change in POTS. When blood flow drops even slightly, the visual cortex is often affected before other areas, which is why blurring, dimming or greying out can appear before you feel dizzy or before your heart rate change is even obvious to you.

This is sometimes called orthostatic visual disturbance. Orthostatic simply means related to standing upright. It is your nervous system giving you an early, honest signal that circulation has not caught up with your position change yet.

Why the Visual System Is an Early Warning Sign

I explain to my patients that the visual symptoms are not a separate problem from POTS. They are part of the same story I have written about before, where POTS is a nervous system regulation issue rather than simply a heart rate problem . The eyes, the inner ear, the brainstem and the blood vessels are all part of one connected system that is meant to work together automatically every time you change position. When that coordination is inefficient, vision is often where you feel it first.

Common Visual Symptoms Reported in POTS

Patients describe this experience in slightly different ways, and all of the following are consistent with what I see clinically:

Blurring or softening of vision for several seconds after standing
Vision going grey, dark or "whiting out" briefly
Tunnel vision, where your peripheral vision narrows
Seeing spots, static or shimmering
Increased sensitivity to light
Eyes feeling tired or strained by midafternoon
Difficulty focusing on screens or text after being upright for a while

If these symptoms ease within ten to twenty seconds of standing, or resolve once you sit back down, that pattern fits with the orthostatic changes seen in POTS. If visual disturbance is constant, one sided, or comes with sudden severe headache, slurred speech or weakness, that needs urgent medical assessment rather than a POTS explanation, and I would always want you to see a doctor for that first.

Is It Just POTS, or Could Something Else Be Contributing

Visual symptoms on standing are common in POTS, but a few other things can look similar and are worth ruling out or managing alongside it.

Vestibular involvement

The inner ear balance system works closely with your eyes through what is called the vestibulo ocular reflex, which keeps your vision stable while your head moves. If this reflex is not working smoothly, standing can trigger both dizziness and visual disturbance together. This overlaps with what I cover in my article on balance disorders and in my piece on the causes of dizziness, vertigo and ongoing unsteadiness .

Migraine

Some people with POTS also experience migraine, and visual aura from migraine can be mistaken for a POTS related visual episode, or the two can trigger each other. I go into this in more detail on my migraines page .

Anxiety

Because the physical sensations of a POTS episode, including a racing heart and visual changes, can feel alarming, it is common for anxiety to build around them. This does not mean the symptoms are caused by anxiety. I have written specifically about why POTS and anxiety are so often confused , because untangling the two matters for getting the right support.

Blood pressure and hydration status

Low blood volume, dehydration and low salt intake all make orthostatic symptoms more pronounced, including visual ones.

What You Can Do About It

There is a lot within your control here, and small changes often make a noticeable difference to how your vision and overall symptoms behave when you stand.

Stand up in stages

Rather than going from lying flat to standing in one movement, sit on the edge of the bed for thirty seconds, then stand and pause holding onto something stable before you walk off. This gives your circulation a chance to catch up.

Use counter pressure manoeuvres

Crossing your legs, tensing your thigh and calf muscles, or clenching your fists and forearms for ten to twenty seconds while standing can help push blood back toward your heart and brain more quickly.

Stay ahead of hydration and salt intake

Many people with POTS are advised to increase fluid and salt intake as part of their management plan. This is something to discuss with your GP or cardiologist, since the right amount varies from person to person and depends on your overall health.

Wear compression garments

Compression tights or an abdominal binder can reduce the amount of blood pooling in your legs and abdomen when you stand, which in turn reduces the drop in blood flow to your eyes and brain.

Pace your mornings

Symptoms including visual ones are often worse first thing, since blood volume is typically lowest after a night lying flat. Building in a slower, staged start to your day can make a real difference.

Track your patterns

Note when visual symptoms happen, how long they last and what you were doing beforehand. This is genuinely useful information for me or your treating doctor when working out what is driving your symptoms and how to target treatment.

How I Approach This as a Neuro Rehab Chiropractor

When a patient comes to me with POTS and visual symptoms on standing, I am not just looking at the eyes in isolation. I am assessing how well your vestibular system, your eye movement control, your brainstem and your autonomic nervous system are communicating and coordinating with each other during postural change.

This includes:

Oculomotor testing, to see how well your eyes track and stabilise
Vestibular assessment, since inner ear input directly affects visual stability
Active stand testing, to measure your heart rate and symptom response over time
Postural and sensorimotor assessment, to understand how your whole system is adapting to gravity

The aim is to find which part of the system is struggling to regulate, then use targeted rehabilitation to improve that coordination over time. This sits within my wider approach to POTS and dysautonomia care, and it works alongside your GP, cardiologist or neurologist rather than replacing that care.

If you want the fuller picture of how I structure a POTS treatment plan from the first assessment onward, I have written about that in more detail in POTS Treatment in Melbourne and Online Australia Wide . And if fatigue and exercise intolerance are part of your picture too, my article on POTS and exercise explains why pushing through often backfires and how to progress more safely.

When to Seek Further Medical Assessment

I always want my patients working with their broader medical team, particularly around visual symptoms. Please see a doctor promptly, or seek urgent care, if you experience:

Sudden, severe or one sided vision loss
Visual disturbance that does not resolve when you sit or lie down
Vision changes with chest pain, fainting, slurred speech, facial drooping or arm weakness
New visual symptoms that feel different from your usual pattern

These can indicate something beyond POTS and need proper medical evaluation first.

Living in Melbourne With POTS and Visual Symptoms

If you are in Melbourne or the bayside area, you do not need to keep working around blurry vision every time you stand up. In my Highett clinic, I see this pattern often, and it responds well to a structured, whole system approach that looks at your brain, spine and body together rather than treating each symptom on its own.

You do not need a GP referral to see me, and if you already have specialist reports or a POTS diagnosis, I would love you to bring them along so we can build on the assessment you already have.

Book your initial assessment here and let's start working out exactly what your nervous system needs to regulate more smoothly when you stand.

Research Articles

Robertson D. The Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of Orthostatic Intolerance. American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 1999;317:75 to 77.
Low P A et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Neurology. 1995;45:S19 to S25.
Wieling W et al. Symptoms and Signs of Syncope: A Review of the Link Between Physiology and Clinical Clues. Brain. 2009;132:2630 to 2642.
Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.
Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.
Rodriguez B, Pantano L, Nef T, Müri RM, Z’Graggen WJ. Visual symptoms in postural tachycardia syndrome: An investigation of position-dependent visual exploration. European Journal of Neurology. 2025;32(1):e16507.

Brain Fog in POTS and Dysautonomia: Explanation and How to Cope

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:48:10 GMT

Why Can't I Think Clearly? Understanding Brain Fog in POTS and Dysautonomia

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there, struggled to find the right word, or read the same sentence several times without taking it in? This kind of mental sluggishness is often called brain fog , and it can be a frustrating part of living with POTS or another form of dysautonomia.

Brain fog can make everyday tasks feel harder than they should. You may have trouble concentrating, remembering information, making decisions, or keeping up with a conversation. For some people, these symptoms become more noticeable when they are standing, tired, dehydrated, overheated, or experiencing a flare of other POTS symptoms.

So, why does dysautonomia affect the way you think? Understanding the connection between the autonomic nervous system, blood flow, fatigue, and brain function can help explain why these symptoms happen and what may make them worse.

Why Does POTS Cause Brain Fog?

POTS can cause brain fog because the cond ition affects how your body regulates blood flow when you are upright. When you stand, gravity pulls blood toward your lower body. A healthy autonomic nervous system responds by adjusting your heart rate and blood vessels to keep enough blood circulating to the brain.

With POTS, this response does not work normally. Your heart rate may rise significantly when you stand, while blood can pool in your legs and abdomen. Changes in blood flow to the brain, combined with the physical strain of maintaining circulation, may contribute to problems with concentration, memory, and mental clarity.

Several factors can make this worse:

Reduced Blood Flow to the Brain

For many people with POTS, having less blood flowing to the brain while standing is common. The changes in blood flow may cause dizziness and make it harder to think clearly.

Increased Heart Rate and Physical Stress

One of POTS' main characteristics is that it causes a rapid heart rate. Your body may work harder to maintain adequate circulation while you are upright. This can leave you feeling physically and mentally drained, making it harder to focus on demanding tasks.

Autonomic Nervous System Activation

POTS affects how the body controls automatic functions like heart rate and blood flow. When you stand, your body may work harder to keep blood flowing properly. This can trigger a fight-or-flight response, causing a fast heartbeat, shakiness, feeling on edge, and trouble concentrating.

Dehydration and Low Blood Volume

Not having enough fluid in your body can make orthostatic symptoms worse. Some people with POTS also have lower circulating blood volume, especially in the morning.

Together, these factors can make it more difficult for your body to maintain effective circulation when you stand, potentially worsening brain fog.

Brain Fog and Dysautonomia

POTS is one type of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a group of conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system. Brain fog can also occur with other forms of dysautonomia, not just POTS.

When the autonomic nervous system does not work properly, it causes changes in blood flow, fatigue, and poor sleep, among other things. These can make it harder to think clearly. You may have trouble focusing, remembering things, finding the right words, or processing information.

The exact cause of brain fog can vary depending on the type of dysautonomia and the person. Symptoms may also become worse during a flare or when you are tired, dehydrated, overheated, or standing for a long time.

How Can You Manage Brain Fog?

There are several simple ways to make brain fog easier to manage. Try the following:

Stay Hydrated

Drink enough fluids throughout the day. Dehydration can make POTS symptoms worse and may add to fatigue and brain fog.

Pace Physical Activity

Avoid doing too much at once, especially on days when your symptoms are worse. Take breaks and give your body time to recover.

Plan Around Your Best Times

Notice when you feel most alert and try to do tasks that require more focus during those times. Save easier tasks for when your energy is lower.

Reduce Cognitive Overload

When brain fog is strong, focus on one task at a time. Use notes, reminders, and lists to help you remember things instead of trying to keep everything in your head.

If you are searching:

POTS brain fog Melbourne

Dysautonomia brain fog

POTS and difficulty concentrating

POTS cognitive symptoms

Dysautonomia specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations :

• Face-to-face in Melbourne

• Online across Australia

• Online worldwide

If brain fog is making it harder to work, study, or manage everyday tasks, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your symptoms are real. Understanding how your nervous system may be responding can be an important step toward finding the right support.

POTS and Dysautonomia Support in Melbourne and Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Can POTS brain fog affect memory?

Yes. You may have trouble recalling names, information, or what you were about to do. This does not necessarily mean you have a memory disorder.

Is POTS brain fog permanent?

No. Brain fog can come and go. It may improve when POTS symptoms are better controlled, although some people experience it more often than others.

When should brain fog be checked by a doctor?

Talk to a healthcare professional if brain fog is new, severe, getting worse, or affecting your daily life. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, weakness, or other sudden neurological symptoms need urgent medical attention.

Research Articles

Raj SR, et al. Cognitive dysfunction in postural tachycardia syndrome. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2018;215:46-55.

Joyner MJ, et al. Cognitive dysfunction in postural tachycardia syndrome. Clinical Science. 2014;127(8):493-501.

Wells R, et al. Brain fog in postural tachycardia syndrome: An objective cerebral blood flow and neurocognitive analysis. Journal of Arrhythmia. 2020;36(3):549-552.

Arnold AC, et al. Cerebral Blood Flow and Cognitive Performance in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Insights from Sustained Cognitive Stress Test. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2021;10:e019568.

Novel brain SPECT imaging unravels abnormal cerebral perfusion in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and cognitive dysfunction. Scientific Reports. 2025;15:3487.

Malik V, et al. Brain tissue changes, network dysfunction, and cerebral hemodynamic deficits in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2026;23(8):e1617-e1627.

Why Do My POTS Symptoms Flare Around My Period? Hormones and POTS Explained

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:37:30 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.If you have noticed your dizziness, fatigue or racing heart getting noticeably worse in the days before your period, you are not imagining it and you are not alone. This is one of the most common patterns I hear about from my female patients with POTS, and there is a real physiological reason behind it.

The Hormone and Nervous System Connection

Oestrogen and progesterone do far more than regulate your menstrual cycle. Both hormones interact directly with your autonomic nervous system, the part of your brain and body that controls heart rate, blood vessel tone and blood pressure without you having to think about it. This is the same system that is already working inefficiently if you have POTS .

Oestrogen tends to support blood vessel flexibility and helps blood vessels constrict and relax appropriately. Progesterone has a more relaxing effect on smooth muscle, including the muscle in your blood vessel walls. Across a typical cycle, the balance between these two hormones shifts several times, and each shift asks your already stressed autonomic system to adapt again.

For a nervous system that is regulating well, these shifts are barely noticeable. For a nervous system already working hard to manage posture and circulation, as I explained in why POTS is more than a heart rate condition , an extra hormonal load can be the tipping point that pushes symptoms from manageable to overwhelming.

Why the Days Before Your Period Feel Worse

In the week or so before your period, often called the luteal phase, progesterone and oestrogen both drop sharply if pregnancy has not occurred. This drop coincides with several patterns I hear about consistently in clinic:

Heart rate feeling faster or more erratic than usual
Increased dizziness or lightheadedness on standing
Worse brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Greater fatigue, sometimes described as hitting a wall
More noticeable blurry vision or grey outs, similar to what I covered in my article on vision changes when standing
Heightened sensitivity to heat, noise or light
Headaches or migraine, particularly if you already experience migraines

Blood volume can also shift slightly around this time, and many women retain less fluid in the days leading into their period. Since low blood volume is already a factor that makes orthostatic symptoms worse in POTS, this compounds the effect of the hormonal shift itself.

It Is Not Just in Your Head

I want to be clear about something here. When patients tell me their symptoms are worse around their period, this is a genuine physiological pattern with a mechanism behind it, not a coincidence and not something to dismiss as general premenstrual tiredness.

Research increasingly recognises that hormonal fluctuation is a real modulator of autonomic function, and this matters for how we understand and manage your symptoms across the month rather than treating every flare as a fresh, unexplained event.

The Overlap With Anxiety and Mood

Because hormonal shifts also affect neurotransmitters involved in mood, some women experience increased anxiety or irritability alongside their physical POTS symptoms in the lead up to their period. This can make it hard to tell where the physical symptoms end and the emotional ones begin. I have written more about this distinction in POTS and anxiety, why they are often confused , and the same principle applies here. Racing heart, shakiness and a sense of unease can come directly from autonomic dysregulation, even when anxiety is not the underlying cause.

What You Can Track and What Helps

Understanding your pattern is one of the most useful things you can do, because it lets you plan around your flare rather than being caught off guard by it each month.

Keep a simple symptom and cycle diary

Note your cycle day alongside your energy levels, heart rate symptoms, dizziness and brain fog. Most people start to see a clear pattern within two or three cycles.

Plan demanding tasks around your cycle where you canI

f you know the week before your period tends to hit hardest, scheduling lighter days or more rest during that window can reduce how far you get pushed into a flare.

Prioritise hydration and salt intake, especially premenstrually

Since blood volume tends to dip at the same time hormones shift, staying ahead of your fluid and electrolyte needs matters even more in this window. As always, the right amount depends on your individual health, so this is worth discussing with your GP.

Use your usual POTS strategies more deliberately

Compression garments, staged standing and counter pressure manoeuvres are all worth leaning on more heavily in the days before your period rather than only reaching for them once symptoms have already escalated.

Talk to your GP or gynaecologist about your pattern

For some women, hormonal treatment options can help smooth out the fluctuations that are driving the flare. This is a conversation worth having with your doctor, since it depends on your broader health picture and what has already been tried.

How I Approach This as a Neuro Rehab Chiropractor

When I am working with a patient whose POTS symptoms clearly track with their cycle, it tells me something important about how much reserve capacity their autonomic nervous system currently has. A system with good regulation can absorb a hormonal shift without much disruption. A system that is already working at its limit gets tipped into a flare by the same shift.

This is why my focus is on improving the underlying regulation and coordination of your nervous system, rather than only managing each flare as it happens. In my assessments, I look at how well your vestibular system, autonomic responses and postural reflexes are working together, which sits within my broader approach to POTS and dysautonomia care. As regulation improves over time, many patients tell me their monthly flares become noticeably less severe, even though their cycle itself has not changed.

If you want to understand the fuller picture of how I build a treatment plan for POTS, I go through that in detail in POTS Treatment in Melbourne and Online Australia Wide .

Living in Melbourne With Cyclical POTS Flares

If you are in Melbourne or the bayside area and you have noticed this pattern in yourself, please know that it is a recognised and explainable part of living with POTS, not something you need to push through alone each month. In my Highett clinic, I work with women experiencing exactly this pattern, building a plan that supports your nervous system across the whole month rather than only reacting once symptoms flare.

You do not need a GP referral to book with me, and if you have existing specialist reports or a symptom diary, please bring them along so we can build directly on what you already know about your pattern.

Book your initial assessment here and let's start working out how to support your nervous system through every phase of your cycle.

Research Articles

Fu Q, Levine B D. Autonomic Circulatory Control During Orthostasis and Exercise. Comprehensive Physiology. 2015;5:1673 to 1686.

Peggs K J et al. Gender Differences in Autonomic Function in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Physiological Reports. 2012;1:e00033.

Minson C T et al. Influence of the Menstrual Cycle on Sympathetic Activity, Baroreflex Sensitivity, and Vascular Transduction in Young Women. Circulation. 2000;101:862 to 868.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Fu Q et al. Hemodynamic and Neurohormonal Effects of Salt and Water Loading in POTS. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2010;55:2858 to 2868.

POTS and Exercise: Why It Feels So Hard and How to Progress Safely

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:39:24 GMT

Understanding Exercise Intolerance in POTS

f you have POTS and exercise intolerance, you already know the pattern.

You try to move more. You are told exercise will help. Instead, your heart races, you feel dizzy, your thinking slows, and sometimes you crash later that day.

If you have searched:

Why does exercise make POTS worse
Can I exercise with POTS
Best exercise for POTS

You are asking the right questions.

The issue is rarely motivation. It is regulation.

What Is POTS and Exercise Intolerance

POTS and exercise intolerance occur when the autonomic nervous system struggles to adapt to physical exertion.

Exercise requires coordinated regulation of:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Vascular tone
• Breathing
• Temperature
• Postural muscle activation

In a well regulated system, these processes adjust smoothly.

In POTS, coordination is inefficient.

Heart rate may increase excessively. Blood flow control may fluctuate. Recovery may be prolonged. Symptoms escalate rather than settle.

This is not simply deconditioning. It is autonomic instability.

Why Does Exercise Make POTS Worse

This is one of the most searched questions related to POTS.

Exercise is a stressor.

Standing upright is already a stressor in POTS because the nervous system must fight gravity to maintain cerebral perfusion.

When you layer exercise on top of orthostatic stress, you increase demand on an already unstable system.

The body must:

• Increase cardiac output
• Constrict blood vessels appropriately
• Coordinate vestibular input
• Maintain oxygen delivery
• Regulate autonomic tone

If regulation is inefficient, the heart rate response becomes exaggerated and recovery is delayed.

The tachycardia is compensatory. The system is trying to protect blood flow to the brain.

The Delayed Crash After Exercise

Many people with POTS describe feeling worse hours later.

That delayed crash is a hallmark of poor autonomic recovery.

In a stable system, sympathetic activation rises during exertion and settles afterwards.

In POTS, sympathetic tone can remain elevated. Parasympathetic recovery may be inefficient.

The result is:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Headache
• Worsened dizziness
• Emotional lability

This is why pacing matters more than intensity.

Can I Exercise With POTS

Yes. Most individuals with POTS can exercise.

The key is progression that matches nervous system capacity.

Avoiding all movement can worsen orthostatic intolerance over time. However, pushing through symptoms reinforces instability.

We aim for structured adaptation.

Best Exercise for POTS

The best exercise for POTS in early stages usually reduces gravitational stress.

This may include:

• Recumbent cycling
• Rowing
• Floor based strengthening
• Supine core work
• Gentle resistance training

Why reclined positions?

Because they reduce orthostatic demand while still allowing cardiovascular and muscular conditioning.

As regulation improves, upright tolerance can be increased gradually.

Sequence matters.

POTS and Strength Training

Strength training is particularly useful because muscle contraction assists venous return.

When leg muscles contract, they help move blood back toward the heart.

However, maximal intensity too early often triggers flare cycles.

Structured, controlled progression builds stability.

The goal is improved coordination, not exhaustion.

Exercise Intolerance After Covid

POTS and exercise intolerance after covid have increased significantly in recent years.

Viral illness can disrupt autonomic regulation. Long covid presentations frequently include orthostatic intolerance and post exertional symptom flare.

If exercise intolerance began after covid, it is not random.

It reflects dysregulation within autonomic and brainstem networks.

Understanding this reduces fear and allows structured progression.

What I Assess Before Guiding Exercise

When someone consults with me in Melbourne or online for POTS and exercise intolerance, I assess regulation first.

I evaluate:

• Orthostatic heart rate response
• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor control
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor coordination

Exercise tolerance improves when nervous system coordination improves.

If integration between brainstem, cerebellum and vascular control becomes more efficient, the system no longer needs to overcompensate.

Can Exercise Tolerance Improve in POTS

Yes.

The nervous system is adaptive.

With structured progression, personalised pacing and targeted neurological input, many patients experience:

• Improved stamina
• Less post exercise crash
• Greater upright tolerance
• Increased confidence in movement

Improvement comes from precision and consistency.

POTS and Exercise Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS and exercise intolerance Melbourne
Best exercise for POTS Melbourne
Exercise intolerance after covid
Dysautonomia exercise Australia
POTS specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations focused on improving autonomic regulation and guiding safe progression.

Sessions are available:

• Face to face in Melbourne
• Online across Australia
• Online worldwide

If exercise has felt destabilising or discouraging, there is usually a neurological explanation.

You do not need to navigate progression alone.

If you would like personalised guidance focused on restoring regulation and rebuilding movement tolerance safely, I invite you t o book a consultation.

Your system can adapt. It simply needs structured input and progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does exercise make POTS worse

Exercise increases cardiovascular demand. If autonomic regulation is unstable, heart rate and vascular responses become exaggerated, leading to symptom flare.

Can I exercise with POTS

Yes. Structured progression that respects regulation capacity is key.

What is the best exercise for POTS

Early progression often includes reclined or seated exercise before gradual upright training.

Is cardio bad for POTS

Cardio is not inherently harmful, but intensity and progression must match autonomic stability.

How long does it take to improve exercise tolerance

Progress varies. Consistency and pacing are more important than speed.

Research Articles

Fu Q, Levine B D. Exercise and Non Pharmacological Management of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2015;188:86 to 89.

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

POTS After Covid: Why Long Covid Can Trigger Autonomic Dysfunction

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:14:24 GMT

POTS After Covid

POTS after covid is becoming increasingly common.

If you developed a racing heart, dizziness, brain fog or severe fatigue after recovering from covid, you may be experiencing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, often referred to as POTS.

Many people search for answers asking, can covid cause POTS? The answer is yes. There is now growing evidence linking long covid and autonomic dysfunction.

What most people are not told is that POTS after covid is not just about heart rate. It is about nervous system regulation.

Can Covid Cause POTS

Yes, covid can trigger POTS in some individuals.

Viral infections place significant stress on the immune system and autonomic nervous system. In susceptible people, this stress disrupts regulation of heart rate, blood vessel tone and circulation.

POTS after covid is defined by an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure.

However, the tachycardia is not the root cause. It is the nervous system attempting to compensate for impaired regulation.

This is why POTS and long covid are frequently discussed together.

Why Long Covid Is Linked to Dysautonomia

Long covid symptoms often include:

• Heart racing when standing
• Dizziness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Temperature sensitivity

These are hallmark features of dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia after covid occurs when autonomic centres in the brainstem and connected neural networks fail to regulate efficiently. Blood flow control becomes unstable. The system overreacts.

When you stand, the body struggles to maintain stable cerebral perfusion. The heart rate rises aggressively to compensate.

POTS after covid is therefore a regulation disorder, not simply a cardiac issue.

What Is Happening in the Nervous System

To understand POTS after covid, we need to look at brain regulation.

Standing upright requires coordination between:

• Brainstem autonomic centres
• Vestibular system
• Cerebellum
• Cortical networks
• Peripheral vascular control

If communication between these systems becomes inefficient, symptoms emerge.

Your nervous system increases heart rate in an attempt to protect blood flow to the brain. Fatigue and brain fog follow because regulation remains unstable.

This is why many people describe long covid POTS as feeling like their system never reset.

Does POTS After Covid Go Away

One of the most common questions I hear is: does POTS after covid go away?

For many people, improvement is possible.

The nervous system is adaptive. With appropriate guidance, regulation can improve over time. Progress requires structured pacing, precision and consistency.

The goal is not to force adaptation. It is to improve coordination within the autonomic system so that standing and movement feel stable again.

My Neurological Approach to POTS After Covid

When someone consults with me for POTS after covid in Melbourne or online, I focus on nervous system regulation.

I assess:

• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor coordination
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor processing

Your personalised program may include:

• Targeted neurological stimulation
• Balance and vestibular integration
• Postural retraining
• Graduated movement progression
• Structured pacing to reduce flare cycles

Rather than focusing solely on heart rate, we focus on restoring efficient communication between the brain and cardiovascular system.

As regulation improves, many patients report clearer thinking, improved stamina and greater upright tolerance.

POTS Specialist Melbourne and Online

If you are searching for:

POTS after covid Melbourne
POTS specialist Melbourne
Long covid POTS support
Dysautonomia Melbourne
Online consultation for POTS Australia

I offer:

• Face to face consultations in Melbourne
• Online sessions across Australia
• Online consultations worldwide

If you are ready to focus on restoring nervous system regulation rather than chasing symptoms, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your nervous system can adapt. It needs structured guidance and the right input.

Frequently Asked Questions About POTS After Covid

Can covid cause POTS

Yes. Viral stress and immune activation can disrupt autonomic regulation, leading to POTS after covid in some individuals.

Is long covid the same as POTS

Not always. Long covid may include POTS as one component, particularly when orthostatic tachycardia and autonomic instability are present.

How long does POTS last after covid

Duration varies. Some improve within months, while others require structured support to improve autonomic regulation.

Is POTS after covid permanent

Many individuals experience meaningful improvement when nervous system regulation is supported appropriately.

Research Articles

Blitshteyn S, Whitelaw S. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Other Autonomic Disorders After COVID 19 Infection. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2021;31:389 to 391.

Raj S R, Arnold A C, Barboi A, et al. Long COVID and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2021;18:763 to 765.

Johansson M et al. Multisystem Involvement in Post Acute Sequelae of COVID 19. Nature Medicine. 2021;27:601 to 615.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Why POTS Is More Than a Heart Rate Condition

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:06:02 GMT

Understanding the Nervous System

f you have been diagnosed with POTS, you have likely been told that your heart rate rises too much when you stand.

That is technically correct.

But it is also incomplete.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is not simply a heart rate issue. It is a nervous system regulation disorder. The rise in heart rate is a symptom of something deeper happening in your autonomic system.

When you understand that, the entire picture shifts.

What Is Actually Happening in POTS

POTS is diagnosed when heart rate increases by thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure. This is often identified using an active stand test or tilt table test.

However, your heart does not decide on its own to accelerate.

Your brain does.

The autonomic nervous system, controlled primarily by centres in the brainstem and connected networks throughout the brain, regulates:

• Heart rate
• Blood vessel tone
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Temperature regulation
• Digestion
• Energy distribution
• Stress responses

When this system becomes dysregulated, your body struggles to adapt to upright posture.

Standing becomes a neurological stressor.

Why Heart Rate Rises So Quickly

When you stand, gravity pulls blood toward the lower body. In a well regulated system, blood vessels constrict and heart rate adjusts slightly to maintain stable blood flow to the brain.

In POTS, this coordination is inefficient.

The brain receives signals that circulation is insufficient. It responds by increasing heart rate aggressively to compensate. The response is not random. It is protective.

Your nervous system is trying to maintain cerebral perfusion.

The tachycardia is a strategy, not the root problem.

POTS Is About Regulation

I often explain to patients that POTS is a regulation issue.

Your system is either over responding or responding inefficiently to posture and sensory input.

This involves communication between:

• Brainstem autonomic centres
• Vestibular system
• Cerebellum
• Cortex
• Peripheral vascular control

If these systems are not integrating smoothly, symptoms emerge.

This is why patients experience far more than a racing heart.

Common Symptoms Beyond Heart Rate

People with POTS frequently report:

• Brain fog
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Temperature sensitivity
• Digestive disturbance
• Headaches
• Internal shakiness
• Anxiety like sensations

These are all regulated through the autonomic nervous system.

When regulation is unstable, multiple systems are affected.

Why Simply Slowing the Heart Is Not Enough

If we focus only on suppressing heart rate, we miss the larger picture.

Your body increased heart rate for a reason.

The more productive question is this:

Why is your nervous system struggling to regulate posture and circulation efficiently?

When we focus on improving coordination within the nervous system, the compensatory heart rate response often becomes less extreme.

My Neurological Perspective

In my work, I assess how your nervous system is processing sensory information, integrating balance input and coordinating autonomic responses.

I look at:

• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor control
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor integration

The goal is to improve regulation at the neurological level.

When communication between brain centres becomes more efficient, the system no longer needs to overcompensate.

This is not about forcing adaptation. It is about guiding it.

Why POTS Is Increasing

There has been a noticeable increase in POTS presentations in recent years.

Common triggers include:

• Viral infections including covid
• Concussion
• Prolonged stress
• Immune activation
• Hormonal changes
• Deconditioning after illness

In many cases, a stressor disrupts autonomic balance and the system does not fully recalibrate.

The nervous system remains in a protective state.

Understanding this allows us to approach recovery more intelligently.

Can Regulation Improve

Yes.

The nervous system is adaptive. With the right input, it can reorganise and become more efficient.

Improvement does not come from pushing through symptoms. It comes from precise, progressive stimulation and structured pacing.

As regulation improves, many patients report better upright tolerance, clearer thinking and more stable energy.

If You Are Living with POTS

If you feel that your diagnosis explained the label but not the mechanism, you are not alone.

POTS is more than a heart rate condition.

It is a nervous system regulation challenge.

If you are looking for support in Melbourne, or online across Australia and worldwide , I offer neurological consultations focused on restoring regulation and improving resilience.

You can book a session and begin addressing the system behind the symptoms.

Research Articles

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

POTS Symptoms Explained: Early Signs, Brain Fog and Fatigue

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:19:06 GMT

Understanding What Your Body Is Telling You

If you have been searching for POTS symptoms, you may already feel that something is not right.

Your heart races when you stand. You feel dizzy. Your head feels foggy. Your energy disappears quickly. You may have been told your heart is normal, yet you still feel unstable.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, known as POTS, is increasingly recognised worldwide. The condition is often misunderstood because it presents across multiple systems.

Understanding the early signs of POTS is the first step toward clarity.

What Are the Symptoms of POTS

POTS symptoms occur when the autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate heart rate and circulation during upright posture.

The most recognised feature is an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing.

However, POTS symptoms extend far beyond heart rate.

Common symptoms include:

• Rapid heart rate when standing
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Brain fog
• Persistent fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Headaches
• Temperature sensitivity
• Digestive changes
• Nausea
• Internal shakiness
• Anxiety like sensations
• Shortness of breath when upright

These symptoms can fluctuate, which makes the condition confusing and often distressing.

Early Signs of POTS

Early signs of POTS are often subtle and may be dismissed.

You might notice:

• Feeling faint when standing quickly
• Needing to sit down more often
• Difficulty concentrating when upright
• Unusual fatigue after minor exertion
• Heart pounding after standing
• Feeling worse in warm environments

Many people report that symptoms began after a viral illness, concussion, prolonged stress or hormonal shift.

If these early signs are ignored, symptoms may gradually become more persistent.

POTS Brain Fog Explained

Brain fog is one of the most commonly searched POTS symptoms.

Patients describe:

• Slower thinking
• Difficulty finding words
• Poor short term memory
• Trouble focusing
• Feeling mentally detached

Why does POTS cause brain fog?

When autonomic regulation is unstable, blood flow to the brain can fluctuate during upright posture. The nervous system increases heart rate in an attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion.

If regulation remains inefficient, cognitive clarity suffers.

Brain fog in POTS is not psychological. It reflects autonomic instability.

POTS Fatigue and Exercise Intolerance

POTS fatigue is often profound.

This is not simple tiredness. It is a sense that energy drops abruptly when upright. Many patients feel better lying down.

Exercise intolerance is common. Even light activity can provoke symptom flares.

This occurs because autonomic recovery mechanisms are inefficient. Instead of adapting smoothly to exertion, the nervous system overreacts.

Understanding this prevents patients from blaming themselves.

Your system is working hard. It simply needs better coordination.

Why POTS Symptoms Affect So Many Systems

POTS is a disorder of autonomic regulation.

The autonomic nervous system controls:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Vascular tone
• Breathing patterns
• Digestion
• Temperature control
• Energy distribution

When regulation becomes unstable, symptoms appear across multiple systems.

This is why POTS symptoms can feel unpredictable.

POTS Symptoms in Women

POTS is more common in women, particularly between adolescence and middle adulthood.

Hormonal fluctuations may influence autonomic tone. Many women report symptom changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause.

Understanding this pattern helps contextualise symptom variability.

When to Seek Assessment

If you recognise multiple POTS symptoms, particularly:

• Heart racing when standing
• Dizziness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue that improves when lying down

It is worth seeking proper evaluation.

An active stand test or tilt table test is often used for diagnosis. However, understanding the broader regulation picture is equally important.

My Perspective on POTS Symptoms

When someone consults with me for POTS in Melbourne or online, I do not look at heart rate alone.

I assess how the nervous system is integrating sensory input, regulating posture and coordinating autonomic responses.

This includes evaluating:

• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor coordination
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor processing

The goal is to improve regulation so symptoms become less disruptive over time.

As coordination improves, many patients report clearer thinking, more stable energy and improved upright tolerance.

POTS Melbourne and Online Consultations

If you are searching for:

POTS symptoms Melbourne
POTS specialist Melbourne
Brain fog and POTS
Fatigue and POTS
Dysautonomia Melbourne

I offer consultations:

• Face to face in Melbourne
• Online across Australia
• Online worldwide

If you would like clarity around your symptoms and guidance focused on restoring nervous system regulation, I invite you to book a session.

Your symptoms are not random. They reflect a system that needs structured support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of POTS

Early signs often include dizziness when standing, heart pounding, brain fog and unusual fatigue.

Is POTS just anxiety

No. While symptoms may overlap, POTS is an autonomic regulation disorder involving measurable heart rate changes.

Can POTS cause severe fatigue

Yes. POTS fatigue is common and often improves when lying down.

Does POTS cause brain fog

Yes. Brain fog is one of the most frequently reported symptoms.

Research Articles

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

POTS Treatment in Melbourne and Online Australia Wide

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:56:38 GMT

A POTS Neurological Functional Approach with Dr Tony Briggs

If you have been diagnosed with POTS, or suspect you may have it, you already know how disruptive it can be.

Standing feels overwhelming. Your heart races. Your head feels foggy. Your energy disappears quickly. You may look fine on the outside, yet internally your system feels unstable and unpredictable.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is often described as a heart rate condition. Clinically, it involves an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing. But what I want you to understand is that POTS is fundamentally a nervous system regulation disorder.

Your brain and autonomic nervous system control posture, circulation, balance, energy production and stress responses. When this system becomes dysregulated, standing upright becomes physiologically stressful.

That is where my neurological functional approach comes in.

Why I Focus on the Brain in POTS

Every time you stand, your brain must coordinate blood vessel tone, heart rate, muscle activation and sensory integration in milliseconds. This involves the brainstem, cerebellum, vestibular system and autonomic pathways working together seamlessly.

If that communication is inefficient, your body overcompensates.

Your heart rate spikes. Blood pools in the lower body. You feel dizzy, fatigued or mentally foggy. Over time, your nervous system can remain in a heightened stress pattern.

In my practice, I focus on improving how your brain regulates these systems rather than simply managing symptoms.

Instead of asking how we suppress your tachycardia, I ask how we improve your regulation.

How I Work With POTS

My neurological functional method is designed to strengthen and retrain specific neural pathways involved in posture, circulation and autonomic balance.

Depending on your presentation, your program may include:

• Targeted neurological stimulation
• Vestibular and balance integration
• Postural retraining
• Sensory integration strategies
• Graduated movement progressions to build upright tolerance
• Structured pacing to reduce flare cycles

Everything is personalised. I do not push you beyond what your nervous system can adapt to. The goal is progressive regulation, not exhaustion.

As your system becomes more efficient at processing sensory input and coordinating vascular responses, many patients report improvements in stamina, mental clarity and resilience.

Common POTS Symptoms I See in Clinic

POTS is rarely just one symptom. It often presents with:

• Rapid heart rate on standing
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue and exercise intolerance
• Temperature sensitivity
• Digestive irregularities
• Internal shakiness or anxiety

Because POTS affects multiple systems, an integrated neurological approach is often more effective than addressing each symptom in isolation.

POTS and Long Covid

There has been a significant rise in POTS following viral infections, including long covid. In many cases, the virus acts as a stressor that disrupts autonomic regulation. The nervous system remains in a maladaptive state even after the acute infection resolves.

Supporting nervous system integration and autonomic balance can be particularly important in these cases.

Can POTS Improve

Yes, many people experience meaningful improvement when the nervous system is supported appropriately. Progress requires structure, consistency and individualised pacing.

This is not about forcing your body to tolerate stress. It is about retraining your system so standing, moving and living feel stable again.

Work With Me

If you are searching for POTS treatment in Melbourne, or looking for a neurological approach to POTS online in Australia or worldwide, I can help.

I offer:

• Face to face sessions in Melbourne
• Online consultations across Australia
• Online sessions worldwide

If you are ready to move beyond symptom chasing and focus on restoring regulation, I invite you to book a session at www.drtonybriggs.com

Your nervous system can adapt. It just needs the right input.

Book your consultation today and let us begin the process of rebuilding stability, clarity and resili ence.

Referances

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.
Sheldon R S et al. 2015 Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.
Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.
Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.
Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

POTS and Anxiety: Why They Are Often Confused

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:30:48 GMT

Understanding the Nervous System Difference

One of the most common things I hear from patients with POTS is this:

“I was told it was anxiety.”

If you have been searching POTS and anxiety, heart racing anxiety or POTS, or wondering whether your symptoms are panic attacks, you are not alone.

POTS and anxiety can look similar on the surface. Rapid heart rate. Light headedness. Internal shakiness. Shortness of breath. Feeling overwhelmed.

But they are not the same condition.

Understanding the difference matters.

Why POTS Is Often Misdiagnosed as Anxiety

POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is defined by an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing.

Anxiety does not require posture change.

That distinction is critical.

Many people with POTS notice:

• Heart racing when standing
• Symptoms improving when lying down
• Dizziness triggered by heat or prolonged standing
• Fatigue that feels physical rather than emotional

Because symptoms can include palpitations and shakiness, POTS is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety.

However, POTS is an autonomic nervous system regulation disorder.

What Is Actually Happening in POTS

In POTS, the autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate heart rate and vascular tone when you move to an upright position.

Your brain senses reduced circulation and increases heart rate aggressively to maintain blood flow.

The tachycardia is compensatory.

Your nervous system is trying to protect cerebral perfusion.

That rapid heart rate can feel like panic. But the mechanism is different.

In anxiety disorders, heart rate increases because of emotional or cognitive triggers. In POTS, heart rate increases because of orthostatic stress.

Can POTS Cause Anxiety Like Symptoms

Yes.

POTS can produce symptoms that feel like anxiety, including:

• Palpitations
• Internal tremor
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling on edge

When the autonomic nervous system is unstable, sympathetic activation can increase. This can create sensations similar to panic.

The important distinction is this:

In POTS, symptoms are often posture dependent.

If lying down significantly reduces symptoms, autonomic dysfunction should be considered.

Heart Racing: Anxiety or POTS

People frequently search heart racing anxiety or POTS because the sensation can feel identical.

Here is a useful distinction:

In POTS
Heart rate increases when standing
Symptoms improve when lying down
There is measurable orthostatic tachycardia

In anxiety
Heart rate increases in response to stress or thoughts
Posture is less relevant
There is no consistent orthostatic pattern

This does not mean someone cannot have both. Some individuals with POTS also develop secondary anxiety because living with unpredictable symptoms is stressful.

But mislabelling autonomic dysfunction as primary anxiety delays proper understanding.

Why the Confusion Happens

Both anxiety and POTS involve the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic system regulates:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Stress responses

When this system is dysregulated, symptoms overlap.

However, in POTS the dysregulation is driven by impaired integration between the brainstem, vestibular system, cerebellum and vascular control mechanisms.

It is a regulation issue, not simply an emotional response.

My Perspective on POTS and Anxiety

When someone consults with me in Melbourne or online for POTS and anxiety symptoms, I look beyond the label.

I assess:

• Orthostatic heart rate response
• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor coordination
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor processing

The goal is to understand whether symptoms are posture driven and regulation based.

As nervous system coordination improves, many patients report reduced palpitations, improved clarity and greater stability when upright.

When regulation improves, the body no longer needs to overcompensate.

When to Consider POTS Instead of Anxiety

If you experience:

• Heart racing primarily when standing
• Dizziness that improves lying down
• Brain fog when upright
• Fatigue that is posture dependent

It may be worth exploring autonomic dysfunction rather than assuming anxiety is the primary cause.

An active stand test or tilt table test can provide objective data.

POTS Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS and anxiety Melbourne
POTS misdiagnosed as anxiety
Heart racing anxiety or POTS
Dysautonomia Melbourne
POTS specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations:

• Face to face in Melbourne
• Online acr oss Australia
• Online worldwide

If you would like clarity around your symptoms and guidance focused on restoring nervous system regulation, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your symptoms are not imaginary. They reflect a system that may need structured support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is POTS just anxiety

No. POTS is defined by measurable orthostatic tachycardia and autonomic dysfunction.

Can anxiety cause POTS

Anxiety does not cause the diagnostic criteria of POTS, though stress can influence autonomic tone.

Can you have both POTS and anxiety

Yes. Living with autonomic instability can increase psychological stress.

How do I know if my heart racing is POTS

If it is consistently triggered by standing and improves when lying down, autonomic testing may be appropriate.

Research Articles

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

Advanced Healing with Medical LASER Therapy

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:07:10 GMT

How I Use the Erchonia EVL and ASA MLS LASERS to Support Faster Recovery and Better Neurological Function

As a neuro rehabilitation chiropractor, I work with people who want more than short term symptom relief. They want to understand the root cause of pain, balance problems, or neurological symptoms, and they want care that helps the body function better over time.

LASER therapy is one of the key tools I use to support this process. By integrating chiropractic care, functional neurology, and advanced LASER technology, I can support the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing in a way that is gentle, precise, and effective.

The Erchonia EVL LASER and the ASA MLS LASER are devices I use regularly because they consistently help people recover faster, move more freely, and experience deeper and longer lasting change.

What LASER Therapy Is and How It Works

LASER therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and improve energy production within tissues. This process helps reduce inflammation, supports nerve healing, and enhances circulation, making it a powerful addition to neurological and musculoskeletal care.

You may benefit from LASER therapy if you are looking for:

• Faster recovery from injury
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Improved nerve function
• Better mobility and balance
• Support during concussion or neurological rehabilitation

LASER therapy is non invasive, painless, and suitable for all ages.

The Erchonia EVL LASER

Cold LASER for Inflammation, Pain Relief, and Neurological Support

The Erchonia EVL LASER is a low level cold LASER that uses red 635 nm and violet 405 nm wavelengths to stimulate healing without heat. It is FDA cleared for reducing chronic pain and is one of the most effective tools I use for neurological conditions.

How the EVL LASER Helps

• Reduces inflammation and calms irritated nerves
• Supports nerve regeneration and communication
• Enhances blood flow and tissue repair
• Assists recovery following concussion
• Reduces oxidative stress within cells
• Provides antimicrobial support through violet light

Conditions Commonly Supported with the EVL LASER

• Concussion and post concussion concerns
• Vestibular and balance difficulties
• Chronic neck and back pain
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Postural strain and muscle tension
• Soft tissue injuries

This is a gentle and precise therapy that helps the nervous system settle and recover.

The ASA MLS LASER

Deep Tissue LASER for Advanced Pain Relief and Tissue Repair

The ASA MLS LASER is a Class IV therapeutic LASER designed to reach deeper tissues and stimulate more robust cellular repair. It delivers pain relief while supporting tissue healing at the same time, making it well suited for long standing injuries or chronic inflammation.

Benefits of the MLS LASER

• Significant pain reduction
• Faster healing of muscles tendons and ligaments
• Reduced swelling and stiffness
• Improved mobility and function
• Short and comfortable treatment sessions

Conditions Commonly Supported with the MLS LASER

• Sports injuries and muscle tears
• Tendon irritation bursitis and plantar fasciitis
• Post surgical recovery
• Arthritis and joint degeneration
• Disc related pain and sciatica
• Chronic pain presentations

This LASER is particularly helpful for people who feel stuck in a slow or incomplete healing cycle.

Why I Combine LASER Therapy with Neuro Rehabilitation and Chiropractic Care

My focus is always on how the brain and nervous system coordinate movement, balance, and healing. LASER therapy integrates seamlessly into this approach because it prepares tissues for change and supports the nervous system during rehabilitation.

Using LASER therapy alongside chiropractic adjustments and neurological retraining helps to:

• Reduce inflammation in irritated tissues
• Make adjustments more comfortable and effective
• Improve proprioception and neural communication
• Support vestibular and balance systems
• Reduce post treatment soreness
• Enhance long term healing and stability

This integrated approach helps restore balance within the system and allows the body to heal more efficiently.

Who LASER Therapy May Be Suitable For

LASER therapy may be appropriate if you experience:

• Persistent or recurring pain
• Slow healing after injury or surgery
• Concussion related symptoms
• Balance or coordination difficulties
• Nerve irritation or neuropathy
• Muscle tightness or restricted movement
• Chronic inflammation

Your care plan is always individualised and guided by a comprehensive neurological and musculoskeletal assessment.

Book a Consultation

If you would like to explore whether LASER therapy is appropriate for your needs, or you are looking for a care approach that integrates hands on treatment with advanced neuro rehabilitation strategies, you can book a consultation to discuss your symptoms, goals, and recovery plan.

Balance Issues What Causes Dizziness Vertigo and Ongoing Unsteadiness

dr.anthony.briggs@icloud.com (Anthony Briggs) — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:35:30 GMT

Balance Issues and Dizziness Explained How to Treat Vertigo and Restore Stability

Balance issues can affect every part of daily life. When you feel dizzy, unsteady, or disoriented, even simple movements can become challenging. Many people are told that scans are normal or that symptoms will resolve on their own, yet balance problems often persist.

In my clinical work, I see balance issues as a neurological communication problem rather than a purely inner ear condition. Balance relies on the brain accurately integrating information from multiple systems, and when this process is disrupted, symptoms appear.

How balance works in the body

Your sense of balance depends on three key systems working together:

The vestibular system in the inner ear which detects head movement and spatial orientation
The visual system which provides feedback about motion and environment
The proprioceptive system from muscles and joints which tells the brain where the body is in space

When these systems communicate effectively, balance feels automatic. When one or more systems stop integrating correctly, dizziness and unsteadiness can develop.

Common causes of balance issues

Balance problems can arise from a wide range of triggers. Common causes include inner ear infections or inflammation, vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, concussion or head injury, whiplash and neck trauma, stroke or other neurological conditions, chronic stress and nervous system overload, and poor sensory integration between the eyes inner ear and body.

Even when the initial injury or infection resolves, the brain may remain locked into an inefficient pattern. This is often referred to as vestibular dysfunction and is a common reason balance issues continue.

Symptoms linked to dizziness and vertigo

Balance issues present differently for each person. Symptoms may include dizziness or vertigo, a sense of swaying or rocking, blurred or unstable vision during head movement, nausea or motion sensitivity, difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, anxiety linked to movement, and reduced confidence when walking or turning.

These symptoms reflect altered neurological processing rather than weakness or lack of effort.

Why dizziness and unsteadiness persist

The brain learns balance through repeated sensory feedback. When that feedback is distorted due to injury infection or inflammation, the brain can adapt incorrectly. Over time, the nervous system may become over protective or poorly coordinated.

Without targeted neurological rehabilitation, these patterns may persist even when the original cause has resolved.

How I approach balance rehabilitation

My approach begins with a detailed neurological and functional assessment to identify where sensory integration has broken down. The goal is to restore accurate communication between the brain inner ear eyes and body.

Care is tailored to the individual and may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and gaze stability, neurological chiropractic adjustments to support brain body communication, eye and head coordination training to reduce motion related dizziness, medical laser therapy to support neural recovery and reduce inflammation, and balance and proprioceptive retraining to rebuild trust in movement.

What recovery looks like

Recovery from balance issues is typically gradual and progressive. As the nervous system adapts, many people notice fewer dizzy episodes, improved steadiness when walking, clearer vision with movement, reduced fatigue, and increased confidence in daily activities.

Care is guided at a pace that supports nervous system regulation and long term improvement.

When to seek help for balance problems

If dizziness vertigo or unsteadiness persists beyond a few weeks, worsens over time, or interferes with daily life, further assessment is important. Ongoing balance issues are not something you need to simply accept.

With the right neurological support, the brain has a strong capacity to adapt and regain balance.

Restore stability and confidence

If balance issues dizziness or vertigo are limiting your quality of life, targeted neurological care can help. By addressing the root causes of balance dysfunction, it is possible to restore stability confidence and ease of movement.

Book an appointment today to begin a focused neurological approach to resolving balance issues and regaining control in your body.

The Benefits of Good Posture at Work

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:11:43 GMT

How posture affects pain focus energy and nervous system function

Poor posture at work is one of the most common contributors to ongoing neck pain back pain headaches fatigue and reduced concentration. Many people assume posture is just about sitting up straight, but from a neurological and chiropractic perspective, posture directly influences how your brain and nervous system function throughout the day.

I see posture as a foundation for movement stability energy regulation and nervous system efficiency. When posture is compromised for long periods, particularly in desk based work, the body adapts in ways that often lead to pain stiffness and reduced performance.

Why posture matters more than you think

Posture is how your body organises itself against gravity. Every joint muscle and nerve relies on this organisation to function efficiently. When posture is balanced, muscles work with less effort, joints move more freely, and the nervous system receives clear accurate information.

When posture is poor, especially during prolonged sitting or screen use, the body compensates. This increases strain through the neck shoulders spine and hips and alters how the brain processes sensory input from the body.

Over time, these compensations can lead to chronic discomfort and nervous system overload.

Common problems linked to poor workplace posture

Poor posture at work is often associated with neck and shoulder tension, headaches or migraines, upper and lower back pain, stiffness or reduced spinal mobility, fatigue or heaviness through the body, brain fog or reduced concentration, and a feeling of being unsettled or drained by the end of the day.

These are not isolated muscle issues. They reflect how posture affects the entire neuromusculoskeletal system.

How posture affects the nervous system

Your nervous system constantly monitors joint position muscle tension and balance through sensory receptors in the spine and body. When posture is collapsed or asymmetrical for long periods, this feedback becomes distorted.

The brain responds by increasing muscle tension for stability and reducing efficiency in movement and coordination. This can contribute to pain balance issues fatigue and reduced cognitive clarity.

Improving posture helps restore clearer communication between the brain and body.

Good posture supports energy and focus

When posture is aligned, the body uses less energy to stay upright. Breathing becomes easier circulation improves and muscles fatigue less quickly. Many people notice improved concentration reduced brain fog and better endurance throughout the workday when posture is addressed.

Good posture also supports better stress regulation by reducing unnecessary load on the nervous system.

Practical posture principles for work

Good posture does not mean rigid or forced positioning. It means creating a balanced position that allows movement and variation.

Key principles include keeping the head stacked over the shoulders rather than forward, allowing the shoulders to relax rather than round, maintaining a neutral spine with gentle curves, keeping feet grounded for stability, and changing position regularly to avoid prolonged strain.

Movement is just as important as alignment.

How chiropractic care supports posture correction

Chiropractic care plays an important role in improving posture by addressing joint restriction muscle tension and nervous system coordination. If the spine or neck is stiff or irritated, maintaining good posture becomes difficult regardless of effort.

Through targeted assessment and care, chiropractic treatment helps restore mobility improve spinal alignment and enhance proprioception so the body naturally holds itself in a more efficient position.

Postural retraining combined with neurological input supports long term change rather than temporary correction.

When posture related issues need support

If you experience ongoing neck or back pain headaches fatigue or reduced focus despite ergonomic changes, your posture may be a sign of underlying nervous system or spinal dysfunction.

Addressing posture early can prevent long term pain patterns and improve comfort productivity and wellbeing at work.

Improve posture improve performance

Good posture at work is not about discipline. It is about supporting your body and nervous system so they can function efficiently. When posture improves, pain reduces movement becomes easier and energy is conserved throughout the day.

If work related posture is contributing to pain fatigue or reduced focus, book an appointment to assess how your posture and nervous system are functioning and take the first step toward lasting improvement.

Solving Motion Sickness and Vertigo Understanding Causes and Recovery

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:19:17 GMT

Understanding why dizziness and motion sensitivity occur and how neurological care restores balance

Motion sickness and vertigo can disrupt daily life and make activities you once enjoyed feel difficult or unsafe. Whether you feel nauseous in cars or planes or dizzy without movement, these sensations are not simply imagined or something you must accept forever. They are signals that the nervous system is processing sensory information inaccurately and that targeted care can help restore balance and comfort.

I see motion sickness and vertigo as neurological balance issues that often involve the vestibular system inner ear sensory integration vision and nervous system regulation. My approach focuses on understanding why these symptoms occur and how we can support your brain and body to work together more effectively again.

What motion sickness and vertigo really are

Motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch between sensory inputs your brain receives. For example when the inner ear senses movement but your eyes and body do not see or feel the same motion the brain interprets this conflict as ‘danger.’ Your nervous system responds with nausea dizziness and imbalance as a protective reaction.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates a false perception of spinning or movement even when you are still. It often arises from the vestibular system in the inner ear but can also involve sensory feedback from the neck eyes and proprioceptive system. This miscommunication between sensory inputs and the brain can result in intense dizziness nausea balance problems and sensitivity to motion or visual patterns.

Common triggers of motion sickness and vertigo

Motion sickness can appear in cars boats airplanes and virtual reality environments. It can also occur with reading or screen use while moving. Vertigo is commonly linked to inner ear dysfunction vestibular neuritis benign positional vertigo sensory integration disruption concussion neck problems and chronic imbalance.

Both conditions involve sensory conflict and nervous system overload. When the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear eyes and body the nervous system struggles to accurately orient you in space. This can lead to nausea imbalance dizziness and a feeling that the world is moving around you.

Why these symptoms can persist

After an initial trigger such as a head injury infection inflammation or prolonged motion exposure the nervous system can become overly sensitive or slow to recalibrate. Even when the original trigger is resolved dizziness nausea imbalance and motion sensitivity can continue because the brain is still interpreting sensory signals incorrectly.

Vestibular dysfunction sensory integration difficulty and neurological imbalance are common reasons symptoms continue long term.

How chiropractic and neurological care can help

Chiropractic care plays a valuable role in addressing motion sickness and vertigo by improving nervous system regulation sensory integration and physical alignment. I begin with a detailed neurological and functional assessment to understand how your vestibular vision and proprioceptive systems are communicating with your brain.

Care is individualised and can include:

Gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve neck and spine function and reduce physical tension that can interfere with nervous system signals
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help retrain eye head coordination balance control and spatial orientation
Movement based neurological exercises to support sensory integration motor control and neuroplasticity the brain’s ability to adapt after disruption
Postural training to correct movement patterns that reinforce sensory mismatch and overload
Targeted balance training to reduce dizziness motion sensitivity and improve confidence in movement

These therapies help the brain relearn accurate sensory mapping so that signals from the inner ear eyes and body are interpreted correctly again. As balance control improves dizziness nausea and motion sensitivity lessen.

What recovery feels like

Recovery from motion sickness or vertigo is a gradual process. As your nervous system recalibrates many people notice less dizziness more tolerance to motion clearer thinking improved energy and a greater sense of stability in daily life.

Movement becomes easier and more comfortable as sensory integration improves and the nervous system becomes less reactive to motion triggers.

When to seek help for motion sickness and vertigo

If motion sickness vertigo dizziness or imbalance are affecting your daily activities travel work or confidence it is important to seek assessment and support. Ongoing symptoms are not something you need to simply endure. With a targeted neurological chiropractic approach the brain and body can relearn accurate balance mapping and restore comfort and control.

Take the first step toward balance and comfort

Motion sickness and vertigo may feel overwhelming but they are treatable. By addressing the neurological and sensory causes of your symptoms we can help your nervous system work more effectively again so that motion feels manageable and balance feels natural.

Book an appointment today and begin a targeted neurological chiropractic approach to resolving motion sickness vertigo and ongoing dizziness.

Chiropractic Care for Concussions

dr.anthony.briggs@icloud.com (Anthony Briggs) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:35:30 GMT

How Chiropractic Helps with Recovery and Rehabilitation

Concussions can be confusing and frustrating to recover from. If you are experiencing ongoing headaches, dizziness, neck pain, balance problems, or brain fog after a head injury, you are not alone. A concussion is not just a bump to the head. It is a disruption to how the brain and nervous system communicate with the rest of the body.

In my clinical work, chiropractic care plays an important role in concussion recovery by supporting the nervous system, addressing cervical spine involvement, and helping restore coordination between the brain and body.

Understanding concussions and what happens in the body

A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or force to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can disrupt normal brain signalling and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and balance issues.

Concussions almost always involve the neck. The same force that affects the brain also impacts the cervical spine, surrounding muscles, joints, and nerves. If this area is not addressed, altered signals from the neck can continue to interfere with balance, posture, and neurological regulation.

How chiropractic care supports concussion recovery

Chiropractic care does not treat the brain injury itself. Instead, it supports recovery by improving how the nervous system functions and how the body communicates with the brain.

My approach begins with a detailed neurological and functional assessment to identify areas of restriction, imbalance, or sensory disruption that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.

Care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce tension through the neck and spine, helping improve neurological input to the brain. Improving cervical function can reduce headaches, neck discomfort, and sensory overload.

Vestibular and balance rehabilitation is often essential after concussion. Targeted eye and head coordination exercises, balance training, and movement based neurological input help retrain the brain to process motion and spatial information accurately again. This is particularly important for dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness.

Neurological and functional exercises are used to improve coordination, proprioception, and nervous system efficiency. These exercises support neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and recover after injury.

Postural and movement retraining helps address protective patterns that develop after concussion. Many people subconsciously limit movement due to discomfort or fear of symptoms. Correcting these patterns improves sensory feedback and supports long term recovery.

Medical laser therapy may be included to support tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and assist neural recovery when appropriate.

Why concussion symptoms can persist

Persistent symptoms after concussion often occur because the nervous system has not fully recalibrated. If the cervical spine remains restricted or sensory integration between the eyes, inner ear, and body is disrupted, the brain continues to receive distorted information.

This ongoing mismatch can drive dizziness, balance issues, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Without targeted neurological rehabilitation, these patterns may continue even when imaging appears normal.

What recovery looks like

Recovery from concussion related symptoms is individual and progressive. As the nervous system adapts, many people notice reduced headaches, improved balance and steadiness, clearer thinking, less sensitivity to movement or light, improved sleep, and better energy levels.

Care is paced carefully to support nervous system regulation and avoid overstimulation while encouraging long term neurological change.

When to seek chiropractic support after concussion

If symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, visual disturbance, or brain fog persist weeks after a concussion, further assessment is important. Ongoing symptoms are not something you need to simply live with.

A neurological chiropractic approach can help identify the underlying drivers of post concussion symptoms and support recovery in a structured and targeted way.

Moving forward with confidence

Concussion recovery is not one size fits all. By addressing cervical spine involvement, sensory integration, and nervous system regulation, chiropractic care can play a valuable role in restoring balance, clarity, and confidence after head injury.

Book an appointment today to begin a focused chiropractic and neurological approach to concussion recovery and rehabilitation.

The Effectiveness of Chiropractic Neuro Rehabilitation

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:18:27 GMT

How combining chiropractic care with neurological retraining improves function, reduces symptoms, and restores quality of life

Chiropractic neuro rehabilitation is a specialised approach that goes beyond symptom based care to address how the nervous system is functioning as a whole. It focuses on improving communication between the brain and body to support better movement, balance, coordination, and cognitive clarity.

This approach is particularly effective for people experiencing ongoing neurological challenges such as dizziness, balance problems, headaches, visual disturbance, brain fog, or movement instability that have not fully resolved with standard care.

What chiropractic neuro rehabilitation involves

Chiropractic neuro rehabilitation combines hands on spinal care with targeted neurological retraining. Care begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand how the brain is processing information from the spine, muscles, joints, eyes, and balance systems.

Rather than treating isolated areas, the goal is to identify where neurological communication is inefficient and support the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise. This process is known as neuroplasticity and it underpins lasting functional change.

Why neurological integration matters

Many ongoing symptoms are driven by poor integration between sensory systems. Balance problems can occur when input from the eyes, inner ear, and body is not synchronised. Cognitive symptoms such as brain fog or difficulty concentrating often reflect inefficient neural processing rather than structural damage.

By improving how sensory information is integrated and processed, chiropractic neuro rehabilitation helps the nervous system respond more accurately and efficiently.

How chiropractic neuro rehabilitation supports recovery

Care is individualised and may include:

• Precision spinal adjustments to improve joint mobility and neurological feedback
• Vestibular and balance exercises to retrain spatial awareness and stability
• Proprioceptive training to enhance body awareness and coordination
• Neurological movement tasks to improve motor control and neural efficiency
• Functional rehabilitation aligned with daily activities and goals

Together, these strategies support improved nervous system regulation, reduced symptom intensity, and better overall function.

Improvements people commonly notice

Many people experience:

• Improved balance and reduced dizziness
• Fewer headaches and reduced neck tension
• Clearer thinking and improved concentration
• More confident movement and coordination
• Reduced pain and stiffness
• Greater resilience during daily activities

These changes reflect improved communication between the brain and body rather than temporary symptom suppression.

When chiropractic neuro rehabilitation may be appropriate

Consider this approach if you are experiencing persistent or fluctuating neurological symptoms such as dizziness, balance difficulty, headaches linked to neck dysfunction, cognitive slowing, movement insecurity, or symptoms that worsen with stress or fatigue.

Addressing the neurological drivers of these issues can support more complete and lasting recovery.

Restoring function and confidence

Chiropractic neuro rehabilitation is designed to help your nervous system function more efficiently so that movement feels easier, thinking feels clearer, and daily life feels more manageable. By strengthening brain body communication, this approach supports meaningful improvements in quality of life.

If you are ready to address the neurological foundations of your symptoms and move toward lasting improvement, book an appointment to explore a personalised chiropractic neuro rehabilitation plan.

Why People Choose Chiropractic and Neuro Rehabilitation Care

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:24:55 GMT

Real reasons people seek better function pain relief and performance

People seek chiropractic and neuro rehabilitation care for many reasons, but the most meaningful ones go far beyond short term symptom relief. The decision to pursue this type of care is often about creating real change, reducing stress, and improving physical performance and nervous system function.

Here are the top reasons people choose this approach and how it supports lasting improvements in health and quality of life.

Create Real Change in Health and Function

Many people come to chiropractic neuro rehabilitation because they want more than just temporary fixes. They want answers, understanding, and the tools to support the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt. Instead of only masking symptoms with medication, this approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of pain, imbalance, and neurological dysfunction.

Through targeted spinal care and functional neurological assessment, the goal is to restore alignment, improve nerve communication, enhance circulation, and support your body’s built in healing processes. This proactive and brain first method appeals to individuals who want lasting change in their health and function.

Alleviate Stress and Physical Tension

Everyday life places physical and emotional stress on the body. Poor posture, repetitive strain, workplace demands, and chronic tension can all contribute to muscle tightness, discomfort, stiffness, and mental fatigue.

Chiropractic care combined with neurological retraining supports stress relief in multiple ways. Hands on adjustments and manual therapies help ease tension in the spine and soft tissues, making movement more comfortable. Nervous system focused care also supports relaxation, clearer thinking, and improved emotional regulation, helping people feel more grounded throughout their day.

Improve Performance and Physical Capability

Athletes or active individuals often choose chiropractic neuro rehabilitation to take their performance to the next level. Optimal spinal alignment and efficient neurological communication are essential for flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, and movement efficiency.

By reducing joint restrictions and muscular imbalances, and by enhancing nervous system function, this type of care supports faster recovery from training and injury, improved biomechanics, better coordination, and greater physical resilience. This proactive performance enhancement approach helps people break through plateaus and maintain an active lifestyle with confidence.

Support Overall Wellbeing and Daily Function

Beyond pain relief or performance goals, many people choose this care because they want to live better, feel better, and function more effectively day to day. When the nervous system is working well, it supports energy regulation, sleep quality, focus, and movement confidence. Improving neuro musculoskeletal function helps people feel more capable in everyday tasks and can reduce the impact of chronic stress on the body.

Chiropractic and neurological care works with the body’s natural regulatory systems rather than against them, supporting lasting improvements in overall health.

A Thoughtful and Personalised Approach

People don’t choose this form of care because it is a quick fix — they choose it because it addresses complexity. It considers how posture movement balance nervous system regulation and lifestyle all interact to influence health. Every care plan is individualised based on a thorough assessment of how the brain and body are communicating and functioning together.

This personalised approach helps uncover why problems persist and how to support your body in healing and adapting more effectively.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Function

If you are seeking meaningful improvement in your pain levels, nervous system function, performance, or daily wellbeing, chiropractic and neuro rehabilitation care offers more than symptom management. It supports real change that helps you move with confidence, think more clearly, and live with greater comfort and capability.

Book an appointment today to explore a personalised plan designed to address the root causes of your challenges and help you build lasting health and performance.

Restoring Balance After Ear Infections

dr.anthony.briggs@icloud.com (Anthony Briggs) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:35:30 GMT

Restoring balance and reducing dizziness after ear infection through neurological rehabilitation

I help people recover from balance problems after ear infections by addressing the neurological causes of dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness. If you continue to feel off balance after an ear infection has cleared, it is often a sign that the brain and vestibular system need targeted rehabilitation.

Balance problems after an ear infection

Ear infections commonly affect the inner ear, where the vestibular system plays a critical role in balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. When inflammation disrupts the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures, the brain receives distorted balance signals.

This can lead to ongoing symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo after an ear infection, a feeling of swaying or instability when standing or walking, blurred vision with head movement, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and reduced confidence in daily activities. Even after the infection resolves, the nervous system may struggle to recalibrate. This is known as vestibular dysfunction after an ear infection.

Treating dizziness and vertigo after ear infection

My approach focuses on neurological rehabilitation to help the brain correctly process balance information again. Rather than masking symptoms, I work to restore accurate communication between the inner ear, eyes, and body.

Following a detailed neurological and functional assessment, your care plan may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and gaze stability, neurological chiropractic adjustments to support brain body communication, eye and head coordination training to reduce motion related dizziness, medical laser therapy to support nerve recovery and reduce inflammation, and balance and proprioceptive retraining to rebuild confidence and stability.

Recovery from vestibular dysfunction

Recovery from balance problems after an ear infection is gradual and individual. By working with the nervous system at the right pace, many people experience steady improvements including reduced dizziness, improved balance, clearer vision with movement, better energy levels, and greater confidence in daily life.

Help for balance problems after ear infection

If you are still experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues after an ear infection, you do not have to live with ongoing symptoms. With a neuroscience informed approach, I help retrain the brain and vestibular system so balance can be restored and movement feels safe again.

Book an appointment today for expert support with balance problems after ear infection and take the first step toward lasting stability and confidence.

drtonybriggs

Why Do I Feel Like I Can't Take a Deep Breath? Breathing Changes in Dysautonomia

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Chemoreceptor sensitivity

Overbreathing or hyperventilation patterns

Reduced blood flow to the brainstem

Muscle tension

Common Ways This Shows Up

Why This Often Gets Mistaken for Anxiety

What Can Help

Practise diaphragmatic breathing

Slow your exhale rather than forcing a bigger inhale

Address muscle tension in your neck, chest and upper back

Avoid checking your breathing constantly

Manage your broader POTS symptoms

How I Approach This as a Neuro Rehab Chiropractor

Living in Melbourne With Unsatisfying Breaths

Research Articles

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What is vestibular migraine?

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﻿ Common triggers

How is vestibular migraine diagnosed?

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How I help people with vestibular migraine

FAQ

Why Do I Feel Shaky for No Reason? Adrenaline Surges in POTS Explained

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How I Approach This as a Neuro Rehab Chiropractor

Living in Melbourne With Unpredictable Adrenaline Surges

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POTS and the Feeling of Passing Out but not Fainting

POTS and Presyncope

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POTS Support in Melbourne and Online

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From Lying Down to Standing Up

Coping Strategy

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Coping Strategy

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Coping Strategy

POTS Morning Support in Melbourne and Online

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Should I exercise in the morning if I have POTS?

Can eating breakfast make morning POTS symptoms worse?

Research Articles:

Why Does My Heart Race After Eating? POTS and Digestion Explained

POTS and a Racing Heart After Eating

Which Foods Can Make POTS Symptoms Worse?

What Can I Do If My Heart Races After Eating?

Try Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Pay Attention to Fluids and Salt

Stay Upright and Take It Easy After Meals

Keep a Food and Symptom Log

POTS Support in Melbourne and Online

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