Modern understanding of charles bonnet syndrome increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many charles bonnet syndrome presentations.
The Nervous System in Charles Bonnet Syndrome
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to charles bonnet syndrome:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type charles bonnet syndrome
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by charles bonnet syndrome
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type charles bonnet syndrome
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Charles Bonnet Syndrome
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving charles bonnet syndrome
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in charles bonnet syndrome