[trustindex data-widget-id=""]

The Nervous System

The central nervous system plays an important role in chornic fatigue syndrom.

Physical or emotionel stress, which is commonly reported as a pre-onset condition in CFS patients, alters the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, leading to altered release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), cortisol, and other hormones. These hormones can influence the immune system and many other body systems.

Disturbances in the autonomic regulation of blood pressure and pulse have been found in CFS patients

The Stress Response – First Stage

1. The Amygdala

  • Area of emotional processing in the brain
  • Interprets images and sounds
  • Perceives danger and instantly sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus

2. Hypothalamus

  • The Command center of the body
  • Controls breathing, blood pressure, heartbeat, and blood vessel dilation/constriction
  • Communications with the Autonomic Nervous System
  • Activates the Sympathetic Nervous System

3. Autonomic Nervous System

  • Sympathetic: Fight or Flight
  • Parasympathetic: Rest and Digest
  • Stress activates sympathetic response
  • The Sympathetic Nervous System sends signals to the adrenal glands
Nervous System
Picture Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPWEhl7gbu4, Professore Dave Explains

4. The Adrenal Glands

  • Secrete Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
  • Increases heart rate
  • Increases blood flow to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs
  • Increases pulse rate and blood pressure
  • Increases breathing rate and bronchodilation
  • Oxygen is sent to the brain to keep it alert
  • Sight, hearing and other senses become sharper
  • Triggers release of blood sugar from fat storage

The Second Stage of the Stress Response

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

  • Relies on a series of hormonal signals to keep the sympathetic nervous system active if the brain continues to perceive stress
  • 1. Hypothalamus Releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
  • 2. Triggers release of Adrenocoricotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary
  • 3. Triggers release of cortisol from the adrenal glands
  • 4. When the threat passes cortisol levels fall and the Parasympathetic Nervous System Decreases the stress respone

Effects of Excess Cortisol

  • Diminishes cellular utillization of glucose
  • Increases blood sugar levels
  • Decreases protein synthesis
  • Increases protein breakdown that can lead to muscle wasting
  • Causes demineralization of bone that can lead to osteoporosis
  • Interferes with skin regeneration and healing
  • Causes shrinking of lympathatic tissue
  • Diminishes lymphocyte numbers and functions

Stress and the Adrenals: Adrenal Fatigue

If the adrenals are depleted from chronic stress these are the possible consequences

  • Depression
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Nervousness
  • Vertigo and dizziness
  • Memory loss
  • Dry and thin skin
  • Weakness
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Osteoporosis
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Low body temperature
  • Weak Immune system
  • Difficulty gaining weight
  • Difficulty building muscle
  • Irritabillity
  • Confusion and Cognitive Impairment
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Palpitations
  • Low blood pressure
  • PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
  • Headaches
  • Unexplained hair loss
  • Excessive hunger
  • Indigestion
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Insomnia

Stress and the Thyroid

  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Autoimmune disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Irregular Menstruation
  • Low Libido
  • Infertility
  • Gum Disease
  • Fluid retention
  • Skin conditions such as acne and eczema
  • Memory problems
  • Lethargy
  • Poor quality hair and nails
  • Hair loss
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Constipation

Other Effects of Chronic Stress

  • 4 times less blood flow to your digestive system
  • Decreased metabolism
  • Decreased enzymatic output in your gut
  • Decreased nutrient absorption
  • Decreased oxygenation to your gut
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Elevated triglycerides
  • Decreased gut flora populations
  • Increased food sensitivity

Disclaimer

I am not a mental health professional. I am not trained to treat mental illness.
If you have concerned about your mental health please see a professional.
That being said- you are welcome to discuss your mental health with me if you feel comfortable doing so.

​

I am not a medical professional.
I am not qualified to diagnose individuals or prescribe medication.
I am not a doctor. If you have a serious medical issue, please see a physician.

Reference:

https://www.gao.gov/assets/hehs-00-98.pdf