Disorders associated with SPD have several layers of symptoms and causalities, which makes both diagnosis and treatment complicated and sometimes seemingly impossible. While the underlying pathology of SDP is generally the same – it’s about signal noise in the sensory nervous system – there are multiple layers of causalities based on the pathology, which themselves cause symptoms depending on the particular function of the respective body part. These symptoms can be similar to each other, yet come entirely different causalities on closer inspection. Deconstructing such a multi-layered and intertwined complex like it presents itself with SPD is not trivial and takes time, but is possible.
Mapping out symptoms
The general approach is to find out, which symptom is cause and effect on what level of dysfunction, and which external stimuli are affecting which physiological processes with what possible consequences. There are various approaches to mapping out the complex of dysfunctionalities with the most obvious being the analysis of symptoms by their type. Some symptoms like fatigue can have multiple causes, whereas others are the consequence of only one particular physiological dysfunction. Equally, some symptoms are always there and constant in their effect, whereas others are episodic or even have a cyclical nature.
The more constant and the less particular a symptom is, the closer it likely is to the underlying core symptom. On the other hand, the more periodical and particular a symptoms is regarding its prevalence and possible cause, the more likely it is a mere consequence from other underlying dysfunctions. Creating a map with these four quadrants is essential for the ability to identify and tackle one symptom complex after another.
Create data for statistical analysis
The second pillar for analysis is objective data for statistical analysis. Most important to continuously track are heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and sleep, which can be done with the help of a conventional health watch or tracker. Each of them has its importance given their central role in upholding physiological processes and their quality. Temporary or chronic deviations from optima are a significant indicator that something is wrong. Knowing about these deviations throughout the day or longer periods is essential to learn about what may cause those deviations as they are often connected with dysfunctions.
Besides automatic tracking, journalling is essential. Sleep times, symptoms, nutrition, medication, physical exercise, mental stress, whether it was a good or bad day, as well as what the suspected causes were, are important pieces of information. Notes from the journal can be compared with suspicious deviations from the statistical analysis, but also help connecting symptom complexes with possibles causalities. Lastly, both notes and tracking bio data can show improvements over time, which often go unnoticed in the daily routine.