The Link Between POTS, Dysautonomia, and Migraines—What No One Is Talking About
The Migraine Doc & The Specific Chiropractic Centers of Richardson
If you have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or dysautonomia, you probably know the frustration of dealing with symptoms that most doctors don’t fully understand.
✔ Dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up
✔ Heart racing out of nowhere
✔ Chronic fatigue and brain fog
✔ Cold hands and feet, blood pressure swings
✔ Frequent headaches or migraines
For many people, POTS and dysautonomia go hand in hand with migraines—but no one is explaining why.
🚨 Is it a coincidence? No.
🚨 Is it genetic? Not always.
🚨 Is it fixable? More than you think.
Let’s talk about what’s actually going on inside your nervous system, brainstem, and upper cervical spine—and why fixing the root cause is the key to real relief.
What Is POTS & Dysautonomia?
POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is a form of dysautonomia, meaning the autonomic nervous system (ANS) isn’t functioning properly.
The ANS is responsible for:
✔ Regulating heart rate & blood pressure
✔ Controlling digestion & circulation
✔ Balancing fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-digest mode
When the autonomic nervous system is dysregulated, simple things—like standing up, walking, or even mild stress—can trigger massive changes in heart rate, blood flow, and nervous system function.
Many people with POTS or dysautonomia also suffer from migraines, dizziness, or brain fog—because these conditions share the same underlying dysfunction.
The Brainstem Connection: Why POTS & Migraines Often Go Together
Your brainstem controls your autonomic nervous system. If it’s irritated, compressed, or not functioning properly, it can cause or worsen both migraines and POTS symptoms.
🚨 Brainstem dysfunction = autonomic dysfunction.
🚨 Brainstem dysfunction = migraine cycles that won’t stop.
Here’s how it all connects:
1️⃣ Your brainstem regulates blood flow & heart rate. If it’s not functioning properly, it can cause the rapid heart rate, blood pressure swings, and dizziness that define POTS.
2️⃣ Your vagus nerve runs through the brainstem. If it’s irritated or dysfunctional, it can throw off inflammation control, nervous system regulation, and digestion—all of which play a role in POTS & migraines.
3️⃣ Your C1 & C2 vertebrae protect the brainstem. If they’re misaligned, they can interfere with autonomic function—causing the exact symptoms seen in POTS and migraine sufferers.
Why Most Doctors Get This Wrong
If you go to a doctor for POTS, dysautonomia, or migraines, they’ll likely:
✔ Run blood tests & heart rate monitoring
✔ Prescribe beta-blockers, salt intake, and fluids for POTS
✔ Give migraine meds to mask the headaches
🚨 But they won’t check your brainstem, vagus nerve, or upper cervical alignment.
And that’s where the real dysfunction is happening.
If no one is looking at brainstem function and nervous system balance, they’re only treating symptoms—not the root cause.
How to Fix POTS, Dysautonomia & Migraines at the Root Cause
At-home strategies can help calm your nervous system, but the real key is addressing brainstem function and upper cervical health.
Step 1: Strengthen Your Nervous System at Home
✔️ Cold Therapy (Ice on the Neck or Chest) → Stimulates the vagus nerve and helps regulate heart rate and blood flow.
✔️ Breathing Exercises (Slow, Deep Breathing) → Balances autonomic function and shifts the body out of fight-or-flight mode.
✔️ Electrolytes & Proper Hydration → Supports nervous system communication and prevents blood pressure swings.
✔️ Gentle Movement (Walking, Yoga, or Light Exercise) → Helps train the body to regulate blood flow more effectively.
Step 2: Get Your Upper Cervical Spine Checked
If C1 or C2 are misaligned, they can put pressure on the brainstem, throwing off autonomic function and migraine regulation.
✔️ Correcting upper cervical misalignment helps restore proper nervous system balance.
✔️ Once the brainstem is functioning properly, the body can regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and circulation more effectively.
What Now?
🚀 If you’ve been told POTS or migraines are just “something you have to live with,” it’s time to look deeper.
🚀 If your doctors have focused only on symptoms—but never checked your brainstem or nervous system—you’re missing the real cause.
🚀 If you want a real plan to start fixing the root issue, let’s talk.
📍 Schedule a consultation with me to evaluate your upper cervical alignment and nervous system function.
👉 Book your consult now at www.thespecificrichardson.com/schedule
Because POTS, dysautonomia, and migraines aren’t just random conditions—they’re nervous system issues.
And the sooner you fix what’s really going on, the sooner you can get your life back.
Be blessed,
Dr. Brandon Brown
The Migraine Doc