Central Sensitivity Syndrome – A Unifying Model for the Complex and Chronic Patient

As physicians, we have a cohort of patients with chronic and complex health issues that challenge our ability to definitively diagnosis and bring to bear treatment that restores their health. How often have we found ourselves in the uncomfortable position of being unclear how to help a patient through our care and yet, at the same time, unclear of the specialist we could refer them to who could help?

Research has been consolidating the model of limbic kindling and central sensitivity syndrome (CSS) as the primary physiological phenomenon underlying the syndromes that include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue immunodeficiency, myalgic encephalomyelitis, irritable bowel, migraine, multiple chemical sensitivity, post-traumatic stress disorder and others.
Research and clinical experience indicates CSS develops from sufficiently severe and/or chronic stress (physical, chemical, emotional) resulting in degeneration of limbic and associated systems. Chemical intolerance stress is a critical and often overlooked vector for this process.

Restoration of allostasis and homeostasis requires assessing and restoring fundamental body systems, such as oxidation/reduction, mitochondrial function, neuron depolarization threshold, neurotransmitters, catabolic/anabolic, xenobiotic chemical metabolism, and autonomic tone.

All of these ideas will be covered in a way that is tangible and understandable. Patient surveys and diagnostic algorithms will be included. The information will be distilled down to a practical and actionable method for you to use in service to your complex and chronic patients immediately.