“Tree” - Cut paper, ink and acrylic on wood canvas, 12 x12” (by Courtney Snyder)
By Courtney Snyder, MD
This post goes out to those who are unknowingly deep in the throes of mast cell activation and/or brain inflammation. Though our culture is only starting to consider psychiatric conditions as inflammation of the brain, if you or someone you know has panic attacks, depression, mood swings, ADHD, brain fog, chronic fatigue, PTSD, autism, cognitive issues or even dementia, then you know the destruction neuroinflammation plays in people’s lives.
Understanding brain inflammation can make the difference in the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves. It can make a difference between feeling shame or feeling we’re having any other symptom like an inflamed joint or a rash. It can make the difference between years of suffering and getting help or making needed lifestyle changes. This awareness can even make the difference between whether someone chooses to live or die. For physicians, therapists and other practitioners, it can impact how they interact with those who they are there to help.
Tweaking neurotransmitter functioning, the primary role of modern conventional psychiatry, isn’t the same as treating inflammation in the brain. While psychotropic medications may help lessen symptoms (and can be life saving), they don’t address root causes including inflammation. In those with high immune reactivity, they may even trigger an inflammatory response themselves. In this post, I’ll do my best to lay out the science as well as speak to the personal experience of brain inflammation. Because this topic requires explanation, I’ve tried to make it easy to jump ahead to find areas of interest. First some definitions: Inflammation - is a good thing. It’s a protective response to injury or infection. It helps remove the problem (toxin, infection) and start tissue healing. Neuroinflammation - is when the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) is involved. Neuroimmunology - the study of this interface between the immune system and the central nervous system. Neuroimmunoendocrinology - the study of the interface between the immune, central nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems. These systems can influence each other in many directions, but for now, know that we have a stress hormone from the brain that activates the immune system to act on the brain and the body. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology - the study of how psychological and emotional stress can cause a hormone to be released from the brain (in an attempt to increase cortisol) that activates the immune system to inflame the brain (and body). When you hear “stress causes inflammation”, that’s what they’re talking about. What’s Happening at a Cellular Level? Meet what I think are the three most important players when it comes to brain inflammation and thus psychiatric conditions. Later, I’ll explain how they work together to cause symptoms and how we can calm them down so we can heal and eventually thrive. 1 - Mast Cells
2 - Microglial Cells
3 - CRH Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (or Factor)
These three players are essential. All is good until the burden or threat is greater than our ability to manage it. Examples would be if there is:
These “stresses” call for more cortisol and to get more cortisol, the brain releases more CRH/ Corticotropin Releasing Hormone, which tells the adrenal glands to make more cortisol. This increased CRH (which again binds mast cells and microglial cells) leads to more mast cells being activated - dumping their mediators which activate more microglial cells (in the brain) resulting in brain inflammation and disrupted neuronal connections. Chronic inflammation can lead to cell and tissue death which is what we call neurodegeneration. The most common example is dementia. GENETICS While there is certainly evidence that there is a genetic vulnerability to mast cells becoming overly active, I and others would argue that toxicity (especially mold toxicity) tends to take it to another level. ASSOCIATED DIAGNOSES Mast cell activation occurs in asthma, allergies, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, interstitial cystitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, cancers and metastasis, endometriosis, obesity, ulcers, prostatitis, periodontitis, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Research, however, is also showing the role of mast cells in traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stress conditions, sleep disorders, migraine, pain, ADHD and autism. TYPES OF MAST CELLS Mast cells are everywhere. We have 2 types, the mucosal type (lining of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary systems which have “mucosa”) and the connective tissue type (in those tissues that hold us, our organs and our blood vessels together, including our skin). Because they are especially concentrated in places with direct contact with the outer environment (skin, GI tract, bladder, sinuses), they’re our first line of defense against toxins and unwelcome microbes. This is why the more common mast cell symptoms involve the skin, GI tract, sinuses, lungs and bladder. MAST CELL ACTIVATION Though patients and parents of patients contact me for their brain related symptoms, such as depressed mood, anxiety, inattention, restlessness, insomnia, agitation, mood, swings, intermittent personality changes or even mania, most also have other physical symptoms of mast cell activation. I’m not sure how much of this is because my practice attracts those with complex illness or because I simply ask about these symptoms - symptoms they might not think to mention. Nonetheless, one does not to have a plethora of physical symptoms to be suffering the consequences of brain inflammation. MAST CELL ACTIVATION SYNDROME/MCAS Those with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome have many signs and symptoms related to the activation of mast cells. Their symptoms are unpredictable and varied. TRIGGERS Common triggers which activate mast cells to release their mediators are:
MAST CELL SYMPTOMS As you'll see below, there are many symptoms. While triggers can vary from person to person, so can symptoms. Triggers and symptoms can be unpredictable and vary from episode to episode. General Fatigue Appetite swings - including excessive appetite after beginning to eat Episodes of low body temperature Temperature (hot/cold) sensitivity Sense of being cold all the time Difficulty exercising Difficulties with anesthesia Unexplained medication reactions Gastrointestinal Nausea and/or vomiting Difficulty swallowing, throat tightness diarrhea or constipation Gastrointestinal pain or discomfort Bloating and gas of irritable bowel syndrome Liver/spleen pain Immune Anaphylactic reactions - ie. difficulty breathing, itchy hives, flushing or pale skin, feeling of warmth, weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and fainting Enlarged lymph nodes Recurring infections Reactivity Medication intolerances Chemical intolerance - ie. fragrances or off-gassing in stores Reactions to certain foods or drinks Odd (or exaggerated) reactions to insect bites or stings Eyes Sensitivity to sunlight or bright light Blurred vision Dry eyes Eye pain Conjunctivitis, “bloodshot” eyes Ears Hearing loss Intermittent tinnitus Nose Nasal congestion Sinus infections or problems Scents/odors/chemical reactions Nosebleeds Mouth Mouth Sores Respiratory Cough Wheezing Shortness of breath Cardiovascular Chest pain Sudden drops in blood pressure Tachycardia (racing heart rate) Genitourinary Frequent urination Painful urination Bladder/kidney pain Skin Rashes Itching Skin lesions or sores Spots Redness Hives Flushing Skin feels on fire Severe sweating Swelling & inflammation Easy bruising Musculoskeletal Joint, bone pain Neurologic Headaches Migraines Dizziness Lightheadedness Fainting /Varying degrees of fainting Vertigo or problems with balance Unexplained weakness - “jelly legs” Difficulty walking Numbness & tingling in face and extremities Strokes Nerve pain Persistent body/tissue pain Psychiatric Intense anxiety or panic attack Depression Mood swings Agitation or anger Severe fatigue Insomnia Brain fog Problems with memory Other signs that may be less acute, but are nonetheless related: Anemia Easy bruising B12 Deficiency Thyroid problems Enlarged liver or spleen Difficult menses (females) Hair loss Osteoporosis and osteopenia (including young patients) (m) LIFE WITH MAST CELL ACTIVATION SYNDROME / MCAS Multiple Systems, Multiple Specialists If you have MCAS, you may have strange symptoms, and/or you may have a lot of symptoms that by themselves would not be of concern. You may just think it’s bad luck. Either way, you can’t put your finger on the problem and neither can the psychiatrist, the dermatologist, the neurologist, the ENT, the pulmonologist, the cardiologist, the urologist, the gynecologist, the allergist or the ophthalmologist who each look at just one part of your body. Without answers, you may conclude that in some way you are the problem - it must be anxiety or psychological issues at play. After all, you seem anxious and depressed. And likely you are - and not just because you're physically sick, or because you’re demoralized by the medical system, but also because your brain is inflamed like other parts of your body. You eventually decide seeking help causes more harm than good. The fatigue leaves you moving through sludge. The brain fog keeps you from being able to organize your thoughts enough to try to solve problems or to make plans. The Illusion of Control If you have even recognized that there are triggers, you become seduced by a seeming level of control. Just when you think you have identified and removed the trigger, the rug is pulled out from under you and you’re hit again with what feels like the flu - headache, body aches, depressed mood, fatigue, inattention and whatever mast cell symptoms plague you. Only after the fog clears, if it clears, are you able to wonder about triggers. When you’re not blaming yourself for your symptoms, you’re trying to figure out what else you could avoid or do to prevent them. You become consumed with your health. Not because you’re a hypochondriac, but because your limbic system is sensing a problem - a danger. And you’re trying desperately to figure it out. Relationship to Your Body Your body is not only defying you, it’s triggering you. With every unusual symptom comes a reminder that things aren’t right. That your tests results show nothing gives you no solace. How long will it be before the MS or early onset dementia or other yet to be diagnosed neurological condition is advanced enough to show up on tests. Your mind looks for answers and lands on extremes. You think you're worried because of the symptoms and if the symptoms were gone, that your worries and fear would be too. It never occurs to you that the anxiety might be just another symptom from the same source as the palpitations or the itching and that one isn’t necessarily or only leading to the other. Relationship to Others and Work How can you be so reactive to so many things? When did you become one of those people who has everything wrong with them; one who can’t harness enough energy or interest to stay connected with friends or even easily engage with those they love. One who has so many abilities, but no fuel, no motivation, and at times not even an ability to care. Caring requires energy. The sick irony is that you don’t look sick. You look normal. You don’t even have a diagnosis to tell people. You may feel alone even with those you love. Relationship to the Future After being knocked down figuratively and literally so many times, you’re afraid to feel hopeful. Will things ever change? You hope they will, but all the paths (the doctor’s appointments, the avoidance, the dietary restrictions) you’ve taken have only led to shame, isolation and further suffering. If you have had mast cell activation and brain inflammation, you have likely said to yourself, “I don’t want to live like this anymore”, when you were in the throes of an episode. I have no doubt that there are many individuals, if not most, who have taken their lives, never knowing that at the root of their suffering was a dysregulated immune system and, at that moment of their deepest despair, their mast cells and microglial cells were causing their brain to be inflamed. They couldn’t imagine that despair would pass (with the subsiding of the episode) or that this type of inflammation can be treated. INSIDE MAST CELLS - MULTITUDE OF MEDIATORS As I said earlier, mast cells contain granules (little bags) of ready to go inflammatory mediators. These messengers communicate with other cells and tissues which is another reason there are so many symptoms. You may recognize the names of some of these mediators: histamine, tryptase, chymase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), serotonin, heparin, proteoglycans and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). And if that list isn’t long enough, another source adds the following inflammatory mediators: IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-33, chemokine, ligand 2, CCL3, CCL5, GM-CSF, metalloproteinase (MMP’s), ROS, substance P, dopamine, TGF-beta, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), neurotensin, prostaglandin D2, leukotrienes, proteases tryptase and chymase. You’ll likely recognize a couple of these neurotransmitters - serotonin important for improving our mood and lowering our anxiety and dopamine important for mood and focus. Perhaps this explains why right before becoming sick, many people will feel especially good and focused or why some children with autism can have great clarity and increased speech right before they become sick. This might too explain when some people have mood swings from high to very low...very quickly. OUTSIDE OF MAST CELLS - RECEPTORS Mast cells not only release inflammatory mediators, they also have receptors for many of those mediators including CRH (which again is a stress hormone released from the brain, but also from other mast cells). So, when mast cells “degranulate” or dump out the contents of those granules, those mediators can communicate with other mast cells. When mast cells are activated, lots of things can be released to fight threats, but when they're persistently activated (because of a persistent threat) some of these mediators can destroy surrounding tissue. EXAMPLES OF EXAGGERATED IMMUNE RESPONSES Though it’s not so hard to imagine how an exaggerated immune response could cause someone to breakout into hives, have an asthma attack or even go into anaphylaxis after eating a peanut, it’s less obvious how an exaggerated immune response affects the brain. Consider the similarities between how one might feel if they have the flu (fatigue, brain fog, down mood) and if they have depression. They’re not so different. One is just lasting much longer. The similarities between anaphylaxis and panic attacks are even more dramatic. Anaphylaxis - a mast cell mediated allergic response that occurs within minutes (or even up to 30 minutes) after exposure to an allergen (like a peanut). Symptoms include:
Panic Symptoms come on suddenly and can be triggered by certain situations.
So yes, while a peanut in one person can trigger anaphylaxis, an emotional trigger (ie. a sensation associated with a traumatic event, or an upsetting thought) can trigger mast cell activation and thus a panic attack. Despite the classic understanding of panic, it is very likely that some people having panic attacks are reacting to physiologic triggers (e.g. something they ate or inhaled) as opposed to psychological triggers. WHERE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM & BRAIN MEET Blood Brain Barrier and Gut Blood Barrier When mast cells are stimulated they disrupt and release mediators that increase the permeability of what we call the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and Gut Blood Barrier (GBB). The blood brain barrier is the barrier between our blood (which is carried throughout the body through blood vessels) and our brain. If you are an unwelcome toxin or microbe that has been ingested and you make your way through the gut blood barrier, into the blood and then up and through the blood brain barrier, the neuroimmune system is going to try to get rid of you. When the body has more toxins or unwelcome microbes than it can manage, there can be an exaggerated immune response impacting surrounding brain tissue. Microglial Cells Mast cells can also recruit other inflammatory cells and activate microglia (the immune cells in the brain). Though they're there to clean up unwanted dead cells and repair brain tissue, if they’re getting too much activation, they will release their own inflammatory mediators causing local inflammation and disrupted connections between neurons. If this goes on too long, nearby neurons will die which leads to neurodegeneration which can equate to the beginning of dementia. This is why there is a strong correlation between brain related disorders in younger people, ie children with ADHD, or adults with depression, PTSD, head trauma and later dementia. EVALUATION While there is detailed, complicated and not terribly reliable testing for mast cell activation, I rely on in-depth questionnaires, a thorough history and a response to treatment as my guide, including:
TREATMENT
And last, but not least....
THE INFLAMED COLLECTIVE People in families, workplace settings, schools or even larger communities where there is a shared toxic exposure, can be unknowingly dealing with consequences of collective brain inflammation. I have little doubt that many marriages have ended because of brain inflammation. It’s not a stretch to see how living in our increasingly toxic and stressful world could be contributing to a collective that is less happy, less focused, less engaged and with greater suffering. Mast cell activation and brain inflammation aren’t new. They’re just becoming increasingly common as can be seen by the dramatic escalation in associated medical and psychiatric conditions. THE PIONEERS (from my perspective) MAST CELL ACTIVATION Dr. Lawrence Afrin (MD) wrote the pioneering book,Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity. He and the mast cell community that follows his work are especially focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mast cell activation (and seemingly less on root causes such as mold toxicity or even a stress hormone pathway vulnerability). If you want to dig deeper into the physiology and available testing, I would highly recommend his book. Dr. Theoharis Theoharides (MD, PhD), Professor of Immunology and mast cell researcher at Tufts University, was the first to show that mast cells can be activated by CRH/corticotropin-releasing hormone, which is key in understanding the onset of disease or worsening of disease when under stress. RCCX THEORY Dr. Sharon Meglathery (MD), a psychiatrist and internist, described RCCX theory - a brilliant and complex theory that explains how some (15%-20%) of us are wired for mast cell activation because we have a weakened 21 hydroxylase enzyme due to a range of mutations on the gene for it. Because of this, we have more CRH being released when under physiologic or emotional stress. This theory (in addition to connecting a number of other dots) drives home the importance of addressing inflammation by addressing this stress response in those with psychiatric and chronic complex medical illnesses. MOLD TOXICITY & MAST CELL ACTIVATION Dr. Neil Nathan (MD) is a pioneer in the treatment of mold toxicity and complex illness. He is also the author of TOXIC - Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness, and my mentor. He and many others in the environmentally acquired illness community are not focused on RCCX theory, and find mold toxicity to be the most common root cause of mast cell activation. They also find that when mold toxicity is treated (which can take time) mast cells typically settle down and the inflammation (in the brain and body) become less of an issue. That being said, interventions that lower the stress response, such as DNRS are regularly prescribed tools for treating mast cell activation while, or even before, directly addressing mold and other forms of biotoxicity. LASTLY,... FOR THE READER WITH BRAIN INFLAMMATION &/OR MAST CELL ACTIVATION: It’s always my hope that sharing some of what is being learned will help someone out there reconsider the stories they have about themselves, their symptoms and even their lives. And, it is my hope that the next time someone reading this has a panic attack, an episode of depression, a tantrum out of the blue, severe brain fog, fatigue or even a suicidal thought, that they’re able to pause and be curious instead of being swept away by their faulty beliefs in that moment. Even if you don’t remember anything I said about mast cells, microglial cells or CRH, I hope you remember the term brain inflammation. I hope you can consider that what you’re feeling isn’t a failing on your part, but instead, the way your immune system is telling you there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. And lastly, I hope you remember that despite brain inflammation and all the suffering it can cause, it can be treated and there can be a life of thriving on the other side. Other resources:
39 Comments
Dana Holbrook
5/17/2020 07:45:09 pm
Thank you Dr. Snyder for yet another fascinating article! You are truly changing the world for the better through healthcare not "sickcare". 5/21/2020 04:59:28 am
Thank you, Dana. I really appreciate that. And thank you, for taking a moment to comment. Courtney
Brenda Keller Schwieterman
6/1/2020 07:22:14 am
What a wonderful article. I was saddened, yet not shocked, by the part describing how divorces often involve a person(s) with neuroinflammation. I feel as though so many people who struggle to consistently make good choices, suffer from brain inflammation. I've been there myself. It causes so much shame and guilt. I am so very grateful for people like you who share this information, removing my doubts and fears, and realizing with help, there's a way out! 6/18/2020 07:12:05 am
Thank you, Brenda. I just saw your comment. I’m so glad you found this helpful.
Lorelei Glenn
6/2/2020 06:25:19 am
Thank you for another wonderful article- for being more than a doctor but also a teacher! Thank you so much... 6/18/2020 07:14:49 am
Lorelei, I just saw your comment - Thank you for saying that. I really do enjoy teaching.
Meg A Schuler
6/3/2020 12:51:11 pm
Thank you Courtney. You write with such compassion and empathy which provides me with much comfort. As you know, I am so overwhelmed and your article helped me once again understand. Although I am sure I will get confused again and again, I am so glad I can keep going back to reference it. Blessings! 6/18/2020 07:20:06 am
Thank you, Meg. I just saw your comment. I’m so glad you found this helpful, and also comforting.
noreen strauch
8/6/2020 11:45:34 am
Please...Courtney...I am dying and desperate...became light-headed 8/9/2020 07:35:12 am
Hi Noreen. When someone has seen multiple specialists without finding answers or relief, mast cell activation is typically at play. While there is testing for it, the testing is very complicated and not very reliable, so many of us will treat presumptively based on symptoms and history (and know if someone is benefitting from treatment or not). I believe when there is suspicion about mast cell activation, there should also be suspicion about mold toxicity or other biotoxins. If you haven’t already, you might consider looking for a functional medicine doctor in your area (or relatively close to your areas) who has experience with treating mast cell activation (and testing for and treating other forms of mold toxicity and other forms of biotoxicity). Know that when it comes to complicated medical illness, there are answers and there is a lot of reason to have hope. Increasingly there are doctors and other practioners out there who are able to identify and treat the underlying root causes, but most of them are going to be describing what they do as functional medicine. You also might find the book, Toxic (By Neil Nathan, MD) that I mentioned in the post, particularly helpful.
Sandy Roth
10/10/2020 04:19:30 am
Noreen, not sure if you will see my comment here but I am experiencing similar problems to yours that is I have Hashis but I cannot tolerate thyroid meds and have been to dozens of doctors. Wondering if we could communicate separately about what we've been through. My email address is [email protected]. I am desperate for help as I am hypo but trying to take any medicine at all gives me horrible symptoms. Good luck to you.
Mike
2/10/2021 10:16:31 pm
Jelly legs... oh yeah hate that, happens a few times a month and the crazy munchies come with it. I fit your neural inflammation to a T :). Back pain goes away with quercetin as well as the neural . Love my quercetin. I'll have to try before food. Almost 5 decades before I figured it out and found an MCAS Dr. 2/15/2021 06:58:47 am
Thank you, Mike, for your comment. Glad you were able to figure this out. As you know, so many people haven't yet figured this out and sadly never will. Courtney
Kalyn Sever
3/3/2021 05:34:24 am
Wow, wow, wow! Thank you so much for this article! I felt like I was reading my life story, and it gave me renewed hope. I am curious. I take Vyvanse for Attention Deficit Disorder, and it is somewhat helpful, especially when I take breaks. But I am curious: does Vyvanse have any effect on mast cells, particularly long term? It initially helped amazingly with focus and lessening my impulsivity. But over time, it has become much less effective. I've also gained back all if the weight I initially lost when I started it. I was also prescribed high dose naproxen for migraines, which has been quite helpful. Is this because it is temporarily decreasing inflammation? I have a lot of research ahead of me! Thank you again!!!! 3/4/2021 05:51:29 pm
You are very welcome, Kalyn. Yes - naproxen would decrease inflammation, though not necessarily the source of inflammation. I don't believe vyvanse has any any impact on mast cells, but rather is working at the level of neurotransmitters. Chronic inflammation can cause a down regulation of receptors for neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which may explain why a medication could become less effective over time (since it's not addressing inflammation, or the nutrient levels that underly neurotransmitter functioning). I hope you continue to find your answers. Courtney
Kelly McCormack
4/25/2021 07:08:19 am
Dear Dr. Snyder, I’ve just discovered and read this piece three times now because I’m reading about myself. I feel so validated and seen through your words. Thank you. 5/7/2021 05:36:24 am
Thank you, Kelly, for letting me know that. I'm so glad it was meaningful. Wishing you the best on your healing journey. Courtney
Kim Johnson
1/16/2022 06:38:32 pm
Thank you for this article. My 12 year old son was diagnosed with Mast cells in his GI tract and has multiple body system effects. The neuro is most noticeable lately - lots of stress due to living in a camper since we found mold in our home, preteen hormones, and just his life turning upside down due to food restrictions, Dr appointments etc. This gives me hope as we continue the detoxing process. It's tough. 1/18/2022 08:58:11 am
You're welcome, Kim. It is tough. Glad you are finding your way. EMF can become a culprit for many people who have had mold toxicity and it can be the source of some neurologic symptoms. I mention it because as many people try to avoid mold - they are actually making their way into higher EMF environments which starts to create new problems. Thank you for commenting. Best to you and your family. Courtney
Megan
9/4/2022 05:26:12 pm
Thank you Dr. Snyder for shining a light in such a dark corner for so many of us. I have been on the specialist merry go round for about 4.5 years now. I am diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine, ulcerative colitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. By a fluke they tested my Tryptase which was a 27 and a month later 31.7. My BMB came back normal (1% mast cells reacting to CD117) so no systemic mastocytosis. Does that still mean I could have MCAS? Is there a way to lower your Tryptase or doesn’t it really contribute to how sick you feel. I feel pretty darn sick. Any advice would be appreciated! 11/22/2022 02:38:35 pm
Thank you, Megan. Mastocytosis is not the same as mast cell activation, so, yes, I would say, you can still have MCAS. Because the testing for MCAS is complicated and has a lot of false negatives, many of us will treat preemptively. The treatment is generally very safe and if someone is benefiting then that would be sufficient to continue. The bigger issue (and one often overlooked in the MCAS community), is why someone is having reactive mast cells. There is usually an underlying factor (often mold toxicity) that when addressed will allow the mast cells to calm down. There are increasingly functional medicine doctors who are knowledgeable in treating mast cell activation and identifying root causes. Best to you on your healing journey.
Carla
12/17/2022 08:24:24 am
Thank you for such a comprehensive article, Dr. Snyder. Have you had experience using SPMs for inflammation caused by MCA? If so, can the SPMS help not only with joint pain but also with brain inflammation? 12/20/2022 02:43:46 pm
Hi Carla,
Sandy
12/20/2022 07:16:02 pm
Do you ever do consulting in conjunction with general practitioners? I’m in rural Canada with not much access to MCAS specialists or functional medicine doctors. I think my GP might be able and willing to help me based on having someone coach him and me through protocols that have been found to help. 1/10/2023 08:27:28 am
Hi Sandy. I do. One route if for another doctor or practioner to schedule a consultation with me directly. The other is for an individual to schedule and have their doctor on the consultation call. The later allows me to provide them information directly related to the person they are treating.
Austin Branham
4/3/2023 11:09:38 pm
What I would have done to find this information a year ago. For anyone in a deep/dark place, suffering from mold toxicity - heed the advice and direction shared here. The tremors, relentless panic and anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms are most likely due to MCAS. I speak from first hand experience.
Matt
5/9/2023 10:49:24 am
Lived for 25 years in a house where the floor vents were in the concrete foundation and filled with water when it rained. I think there is mold in my brain. 6/1/2023 09:54:18 am
Thank you, Matt, for commenting. I'm sorry to read about your exposure to water damage. I hope you are finding your way to treatment and healing. Thank you for this free therapy session. I have mcas from birth on, escalated in 2016, diagnosed myself lately at the age of 58. I am on medication now and currently feel my personality and abilities coming back. If improvements last. You gave me so much validation. 3/20/2024 07:47:06 am
We definitely see an association between COVID and mast cell activation. When I see someone with long COVID, I wonder about low zinc as well as biotoxins like mold toxins that may be keeping their immune system dysregulated. I check plasma zinc in anyone with brain symptoms. The range that I use is not the same as a typical lab range. The below link is to a newsletter with the lab ranges that those of us trained with the Walsh Research Institute use. If you have any difficulties accessing it send me an email at [email protected] and I will share it with you. https://courtneysnydermd.substack.com/p/labs-for-evaluating-brain-symptoms
Amanda
6/24/2024 06:11:05 am
Might low dose naltrexone be helpful for this? I am struggling and need to stabilize things in order to tolerate the mold detox. It seems the adrenals might need support as well. Do you evaluate adrenal function in management of these complex chronic conditions? 7/16/2024 05:24:48 am
Yes. I do find LDN to also be helpful. I consider adrenal function secondary to the toxicity and find that it often improves with addressing nutrients and toxicity. Depending on severity, it may need it's own assessment and supports. Often, however, mast cell symptoms can cause significant fatigue. If there are other mast cell symptoms then it can be that addressing mast cell activation helps with what looks like adrenal fatigue. Thank you for this question.
Amanda
6/11/2025 04:37:16 pm
I just read this article again. It is a wonderful explanation of a complicated and under-recognized issue. Thank you for the encouragement this gives to many people, myself included. As I have found I do not tolerate quercetin or luteolin supplements (possibly due to COMT variations?), I wonder what some other options are for natural mast cell stabilization. 6/24/2025 01:33:43 pm
Hi Amanda,
Amanda
6/12/2025 05:53:57 am
Benadryl is also anti-cholinergic. I wonder if that could be another factor in why it can be helpful for some people. I think that choline and/or acetylcholine are a piece of the puzzle also. I definitely feel negative effects when I take fish oil or phosphatidylcholine. 6/24/2025 01:48:11 pm
Hi Amanda,
Kay Moore
8/17/2025 04:16:58 am
I have MCAS, try to find all the information I can. Thank you Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Courtney Snyder, MDFor anyone experiencing brain symptoms. This blog (and weekly newsletter) is your guide to demystifying root causes and learning about surprising paths to healing. From a holistic - functional adult and child psychiatrist dedicated to helping people heal and thrive. Categories
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