NeuroSport Spine & Concussion Center

Many patients with POTS and dysautonomia experience symptoms that seem unpredictable or difficult to explain. For some individuals, mast cell activation may be part of the picture.

Common clues may include:
• flushing
• itching
• hives
• heat intolerance
• food sensitivities
• GI symptoms
• rapid heart rate
• symptom “flares”

These symptoms can overlap with autonomic dysfunction and may fluctuate dramatically from day to day.

We just added a new NeuroSport Knowledge Center page exploring the connection between mast cell activation and POTS.

Read more:
https://www.neurosportspineandconcussion.com/mast-cell-pots

Why Drinking More Water Doesn’t Always Help in POTS

Many patients with POTS are told to “drink more water,” yet continue to experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and rapid heart rate when standing.

The issue is often not the amount of fluid intake.
It is how the body absorbs and retains that fluid.

Hydration in POTS depends on:
• Electrolyte balance
• Sodium intake
• Glucose-assisted absorption
• Blood volume regulation

Water alone is rapidly filtered and excreted, often resulting in minimal impact on circulation.

This graphic outlines why a more targeted approach to hydration can make a meaningful difference.

We’ve created a detailed, evidence-guided resource that explains:
• What to drink and why
• How much fluid and sodium is typically needed
• When hydration matters most
• A practical at-home electrolyte formula

Learn more here: https://www.neurosportspineandconcussion.com/pots-hydration

NeuroSport Spine and Concussion Center
Specializing in POTS, dysautonomia, and complex neurological conditions

Morning light is not optional if your sleep is off.

10–30 minutes outside in the morning can determine:
• When you fall asleep
• How well you recover
• How stable your energy is

If you miss this, everything else becomes harder.

Most people are not getting enough morning light, even if they think they are. If you want a deeper explanation of how this works and how to apply it:

https://www.neurosportspineandconcussion.com/light-exposure-sleep-circadian-rhythm

Dizziness when standing is often dismissed as dehydration or stress.

In many cases, it reflects a problem with how the autonomic nervous system regulates blood flow when you change position.

Over time, patients may notice:
– lightheadedness when standing
– increased heart rate
– fatigue or brain fog in upright positions

This pattern is commonly seen in conditions such as POTS and dysautonomia.

We put together a simple overview explaining what’s happening and what to look for:

👉 https://www.neurosportspineandconcussion.com/dizziness-when-standing-pots

Lightheadedness. Brain fog. Fatigue. Heart racing.

These are not random symptoms.
They are often signs of autonomic dysfunction — including conditions like POTS.

At NeuroSport, we evaluate how the brain, heart, and blood vessels communicate under stress. When that system is off, patients can struggle with even basic daily activities.

The good news:
With the right evaluation and targeted rehabilitation, many patients improve significantly.

If you or someone you know has been told “everything looks normal” but still doesn’t feel right, it may be time to look deeper.

📍 NeuroSport Spine and Concussion Center
📞 360-326-2121

Many patients with chronic pain are told their imaging is “normal.”

Yet their symptoms remain very real.

One reason may be dysautonomia, a condition where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is not regulating the body normally.

When autonomic regulation is disrupted, patients can develop a complex mix of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, exercise intolerance, brain fog, and chronic pain. Because these symptoms involve multiple systems, patients often see multiple providers before the underlying pattern is recognized.

The graphic below illustrates a clinical pattern we frequently see in patients with autonomic dysfunction.

Understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system can change how these patients are evaluated and treated.

NeuroSport Spine and Concussion Center
Your Path to Recovery, Our Expertise

New pediatric concussion research worth knowing 🧠

A newly published study examined orthostatic tachycardia and autonomic responses in adolescents with persistent symptoms following concussion.

What the researchers found:
True Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) after concussion was uncommon, even among symptomatic patients. Only a small subset met strict diagnostic criteria.

Why this matters:
After a concussion, symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, and exercise intolerance can feel alarming. These symptoms may involve the autonomic nervous system, but they do not automatically mean POTS.

At the same time, some post-concussion patients do develop POTS which is why objective testing and careful interpretation are essential.

At NeuroSport, this reinforces our approach:
• Structured orthostatic vital sign testing
• Looking beyond heart rate alone
• Individualized care guided by physiology, not labels

If you or your child are experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or exercise intolerance after a concussion, a structured evaluation can help clarify what’s going on.

Reference:
Stein A, Barlow KM. Orthostatic Tachycardia in Children With and Without Persisting Post-concussion Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
PMID: 41289731
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41289731/

Struggling with sleep? You’re not alone.

New research shows that magnesium bisglycinate may gently improve sleep in adults with mild insomnia when taken before bedtime.

Magnesium supports the nervous system’s ability to relax and may be helpful for people dealing with stress, neurologic recovery, or disrupted sleep patterns.

At NeuroSport, we believe good sleep is not a luxury. It’s a foundation for healing and performance.

📖 Study: Schuster et al., Nature and Science of Sleep, 2025

⚠️ Educational use only. Not medical advice.

Diagnostic Ultrasound at NeuroSport ✨

One of the most powerful tools we use in-office is diagnostic ultrasound—giving us real-time imaging without radiation exposure. It helps us assess injuries quickly, safely, and accurately so we can guide treatment right away.

✅ Why we use it:

- Visualizes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in motion
- Helps confirm or rule out injuries immediately
- Tracks healing and guides clinical decisions
- Safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free

🔎 Conditions we’ve identified with ultrasound in our office include:

- Fibular head fracture
- Foot/ankle ligament ruptures
- Femoral hernia
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Rib fractures
- Finger dislocation

At NeuroSport, we’re committed to using the latest technology to give our patients answers—and get them back to what they love—faster, safer, and stronger. 💪

📸 Here’s a look at diagnostic ultrasound in action with our team!

🚫 Old Concussion Rulebook: “Sit until you’re better.”
✅ New Evidence: Strict rest beyond 48 hours can actually slow recovery.

Research shows that early, light activity (walking, stationary cycling) helps athletes recover 4–9 days faster than prolonged rest.

🔑 NeuroSport Takeaway:

- 24–48 hours of relative rest is enough.
- Start symptom-limited aerobic activity early.
- Most athletes recover in 2–4 weeks when care is guided properly.
- Persistent symptoms? They need a full evaluation, not more couch time.

Concussion recovery doesn’t belong on the bench. The right movement, started early and progressed safely, gets athletes back faster, safer, and stronger.

💡 At NeuroSport Spine and Concussion Center, we integrate the latest science into every recovery plan.

📞 Call us today at 360-326-2121 to learn more.