Your vestibular system isn’t just about balance—it also plays a surprising role in regulating your autonomic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and even digestion. This connection is managed by the vestibulo-autonomic reflex (VAR), which links your inner ear to your body’s autonomic nervous system.

When your head moves or your body changes position, the VAR ensures that your heart rate and blood pressure adjust accordingly. For example, when you stand up quickly, this reflex prevents you from feeling light-headed or faint by stabilizing blood flow to your brain.

However, when the VAR isn’t functioning correctly, you may experience symptoms like vertigo and dizziness, heart palpitations, or even nausea. These symptoms can disrupt your daily life, leaving you searching for relief.

At Carolina Brain Center, we understand how issues with the vestibulo-autonomic reflex can affect your overall well-being. As a chiropractic neurologist, Dr Dane brings 20 years of experience to the practice, and specializes in diagnosing and treating these dysfunctions to help you regain control of your health.

How Does the Vestibulo-Autonomic Reflex Work?

The VAR operates as a communication bridge between your vestibular system and your autonomic nervous system. When your inner ear detects movement or changes in position, it sends signals to your brainstem. The brainstem then coordinates adjustments in your heart rate, blood pressure, and other autonomic functions to maintain your body’s equilibrium.

One key aspect of this reflex is the vestibulo-sympathetic reflex, which activates the sympathetic nervous system during motion. For example:

  • Heart rate adjustments: Ensuring your heart pumps faster during physical activity.
  • Blood pressure regulation: Preventing a drop in blood pressure when you stand up quickly.
  • Sweating: Triggering perspiration to cool your body during exertion.

Signs and Symptoms of VAR Dysfunction


When the vestibulo-autonomic reflex isn’t working properly, you may notice a range of symptoms, such as:

  • Dizziness and vertigo: Feeling light-headed or experiencing a spinning sensation.
  • Heart palpitations: Unexplained rapid or irregular heartbeats.
  • Nausea: Especially during activities like riding in a car or standing up suddenly.
  • Orthostatic hypotension: Feeling faint or dizzy when transitioning from sitting to standing.
  • Motion sickness: Sensitivity to movement, even during mild activities like walking or riding an elevator.

These symptoms often overlap with other vestibular dysfunctions, making an accurate diagnosis crucial.

Common Causes of VAR Dysfunction


Several factors can disrupt the vestibulo-autonomic reflex, including:

  • Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like vestibular neuritis or Ménière’s disease can interfere with the inner ear’s ability to communicate with the autonomic nervous system.
  • Concussions and Head Injuries: Trauma can damage the pathways that connect your vestibular and autonomic systems.
  • Chronic Stress: Persistent stress can overstimulate the autonomic nervous system, worsening vestibular symptoms.
  • Postural Issues: Poor posture or spinal misalignments can disrupt the flow of signals between your vestibular system and brainstem.How a Chiropractic Neurologist Can Help

At Carolina Brain Center, we take a holistic approach to addressing vestibulo-autonomic dysfunction. We focus on treating the root causes of your symptoms rather than just masking them.

Here’s how we can help:

  1. Comprehensive Evaluation: We use advanced testing to assess your vestibular system and autonomic function, pinpointing the exact source of your symptoms.
  2. Targeted Rehabilitation: Exercises designed to recalibrate your vestibular and autonomic systems can help improve your body’s responses to motion and position changes.
  3. Neurological Adjustments: Gentle adjustments to your spine and neck can enhance communication between your vestibular system and brainstem, promoting proper autonomic function.
  4. Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations for hydration, nutrition, and stress management can support your overall recovery.

By addressing your vestibulo-autonomic dysfunction, we aim to not only alleviate your symptoms but also improve your overall quality of life.

Backed by Science: The Link Between Vestibular and Autonomic Systems


Research has confirmed the strong connection between vestibular function and autonomic regulation. A study published in the Frontiers in Neurology highlights how vestibular dysfunction can lead to significant autonomic disturbances, including dizziness, orthostatic intolerance, and motion sensitivity. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted therapies in addressing these interconnected systems.

Take Control of Your Symptoms


Living with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, or heart palpitations can feel overwhelming, but understanding the role of your vestibulo-autonomic reflex is the first step toward relief. At Carolina Brain Center, we specialize in identifying and treating these complex dysfunctions through a personalized, non-invasive approach.

If you’re ready to take control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dane. We are committed to helping you restore the balance and stability essential to your well-being.