What is the autonomic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls several basic functions, including:

heart rate
body temperature
breathing rate
digestion
sensation

You don’t have to think consciously about these systems for them to work. The ANS provides the connection between your brain and certain body parts, including internal organs. For instance, it connects to your heart, liver, sweat glands, skin, and even the interior muscles of your eye.

The ANS includes the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (SANS) and the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (PANS). Most organs have nerves from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

The SANS usually stimulates organs. For example, it increases heart rate and blood pressure when necessary. The PANS usually slows down bodily processes. For example, it reduces heart rate and blood pressure. However, the PANS stimulates digestion and the urinary system, and the SANS slows them down.

The main responsibility of the SANS is to trigger emergency responses when necessary. These fight-or-flight responses get you ready to respond to stressful situations. The PANS conserves your energy and restores tissues for ordinary functions.

Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction

Autonomic dysfunction can affect a small part of the ANS or the entire ANS. Some symptoms that may indicate the presence of an autonomic nerve disorder include:

dizziness and fainting upon standing up, or orthostatic hypotension
an inability to alter heart rate with exercise, or exercise intolerance
sweating abnormalities, which could alternate between sweating too much and not sweating enough
digestive difficulties, such as a loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or difficulty swallowing
urinary problems, such as difficulty starting urination, incontinence, and incomplete emptying of the bladder
sexual problems in men, such as difficulty with ejaculation or maintaining an erection
sexual problems in women, such as vaginal dryness or difficulty having an orgasm
vision problems, such as blurry vision or an inability of the pupils to react to light quickly

You can experience any or all of these symptoms depending on the cause, and the effects may be mild to severe. Symptoms such as tremor and muscle weakness may occur due to certain types of autonomic dysfunction.

Coping and support

Finding support to help you cope with autonomic dysfunction can be just as important for improving quality of life as managing physical symptoms.

Methods for coping and improving quality of life include the following:

Depression can occur with autonomic dysfunction. Therapy with a qualified counselor, therapist, or psychologist can help you cope.
Ask your doctor or therapist about support groups in your area. They’re available for different conditions.
You may find that you have more limitations than before your diagnosis. Set priorities to help you make sure you’re doing the things that are important to you.
Accept help and support from family and friends if you need it.
Ask for help if you need it.

What is Neurofeedback/EEG Biofeedback?

Neuro = brain & Feedback = information given back to you

Neurofeedback treats a variety of conditions in a safe and effective manner because it works at the subconscious level. It creates changes in the brain by creating new electrical activity through a process of measurement and reinforcement.* Quite simply, one is reinforced for changing their brain waves at a subconscious level through the use of computers. The brain learns to self-regulate, which calms the nervous system, reducing or eliminating symptoms. Without self-regulation, many problems of the central nervous system can result – Lack of Focus, Anxiety, Depression and Physical Symptoms, to name a few.* Neurofeedback is successfully used to treat ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Stress, Emotional Distress, Behavioral Issues, Mood Issues, Pain, Lyme, PANS/PANDAS, Headaches, Concussion, TBI and a variety of other issues. Almost any brain, regardless of its level of function (or dysfunction), can be trained to function better. These changes are lasting.

Source:

https://drroseann.com/services/neurofeedback-biofeedback/

http://www.healthline.com/health/autonomic-dysfunction