Understanding Neuroplastic Symptoms: The NSQ

The Neuroplastic Symptom Questionnaire (NSQ) is designed to provide insights into your symptoms, explain why they may not have improved despite treatment, and reveal patterns that suggest a neuroplastic process in the brain and nervous system. This process may be amplifying, perpetuating, or even causing your symptoms. A higher number of "yes" responses indicates that the issue may involve more than just tissue-related problems.

What Does “Neuroplastic” Mean?

"Neuroplastic" refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change. The brain is a learning organ that helps maintain balance and predict future events based on past experiences. The concept of “neurons that fire together, wire together” means that repeated experiences shape the brain's pathways. While this is beneficial for learning new skills, excessive physical, mental, or emotional stress can make the brain more sensitive and protective—this is known as “neuroplastic sensitization.” It’s like setting an alarm system too high after a series of break-ins; it becomes overly sensitive to minor triggers.

Why Is the NSQ Important?

1. **Commonality of Neuroplastic Symptoms**: Neuroplastic symptoms, such as blushing or insomnia when stressed, are common and occur in everyone at times.

2. **Accurate Diagnosis for Effective Treatment**: Effective treatment relies on accurate diagnosis, addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.

3. **Limited Response to Physical Treatments**: Neuroplastic symptoms, due to their brain-based nature, may not respond well to physical treatments and may be influenced by placebo or mind-body factors.

4. **Different from Structural Issues**: Structural or pathological problems will not respond to neuroplastic reprocessing or Insight Medicine, which are designed to address neuroplastic symptoms.

5. **Diagnosing Neuroplastic Processes**: The NSQ helps distinguish neuroplastic symptoms from structural issues by evaluating factors such as nervous system sensitization, contextual stress, symptom variability, fear, and triggering.

6. **Resolution of Symptoms**: While neuroplastic symptoms can be severe, they are not dangerous and can be resolved with appropriate neuroplastic reprocessing and Insight Medicine.

Note: The NSQ is not exhaustive and should not replace a comprehensive medical evaluation. It is intended to identify non-structural patterns in your symptoms. For any doubts or concerns, consult a trusted clinician, physical therapist, mental health professional, or other trained providers to complete your medical assessment.