Neurotransmitter Testing
The Doctors at Springs Natural Medicine have a variety of ways to identify neurotransmitter imbalances that can address issues such as
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- ADD/ADHD (children, teen agers and adults)
- Bipolar conditions
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Aggression/Anger concerns
- Chronic Pain/ Fibromyalgia
We use questionnaires, a detailed intake of your history and neurological exams along with a neurotransmitter test that identifies your unique picture of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Based on this lab’s results along with the history and physical exam, our doctors can support optimal neurotransmitter levels with amino acids, vitamins and herbal preparations.
Neurotransmitter testing is simple and uses saliva and/or urine tests with the results usually taking about three weeks. Once your results are in, your doctor will recommend simple and appropriate supplementation to achieve optimal neurotransmitter balance.
At Springs Natural Medicine, we offer comprehensive neurotransmitter and endocrine/hormone testing. When your situation is accurately identified, we offer natural solutions and support for all types of neurotransmitter related conditions.
The neurotransmitter tests available evaluate levels of:
Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the nervous system’s “off switches”, decreasing the likelihood that an excitatory signal is sent. Inhibitory transmitters regulate the activity of the excitatory neurotransmitters, much like the brakes on a car. Physiologically, the inhibitory transmitters act as the body’s natural tranquilizers, generally serving to induce sleep, promote calmness, and decrease aggression. These include GABA, Serotonin, Serotonin metabolites and other neurotransmitters.
Excitatory neurotransmitters are the nervous system’s “on switches”, increasing the likelihood that an excitatory signal is sent. Excitatory transmitters can be likened to the accelerator of a car, regulating many of the body’s most basic functions, including thought processes, higher thinking, and sympathetic activity. Physiologically, the excitatory transmitters act as the body’s natural stimulants, generally serving to promote wakefullness, energy, and activity. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and other minor neurotransmitters
Modulators, neuromodulators, metabolites, or precursors to neurotransmitters. A number of chemicals within the body and nervous system serve as modulators or precursors to neurotransmitters and do not necessarily have excitatory or inhibitory properties. The presence of these allow the doctor to see how your body is handling the imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and allows a comprehensive plan to establish optimal neurotransmitter balance.