Ways To Check For Nervous System Dysregulation
Step-by-Step Uvula Assessment
The Uvula is the small dangling structure in the back of your throat.
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Find a Well-Lit Mirror
Use a handheld or bathroom mirror in a brightly lit space.
Open Your Mouth Wide
Say “Ahhhh” to elevate the soft palate and make the uvula more visible.
Observe the Uvula at Rest
Look at the position of the uvula when your mouth is at rest.
Normal: Uvula is centered and hangs straight down.
Possible dysfunction: Uvula deviates to one side.
Watch the Soft Palate During “Ahh”
The soft palate (roof of the mouth at the back) should lift symmetrically.
Normal: Both sides rise evenly and the uvula remains centered.
Abnormal: If one side does not elevate and the uvula pulls toward the stronger side, this may indicate vagal nerve weakness on the opposite side.​​
Optional: Gag Reflex Test
Using a clean cotton swab, gently stimulate the back of the throat (near the tonsils).
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A reduced or absent gag reflex can suggest vagus or glossopharyngeal (CN IX) involvement.
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Be gentle—do not attempt this if it causes panic or discomfort.
Pupil Response
HOW TO TEST: In dim light, shine a flashlight near one eye.​​
Normal: Pupils constrict quickly and evenly.
Dysregulation: Delayed, sluggish, or uneven response may indicate autonomic nervous system imbalance.
Breath Pattern Awareness
Check for: Shallow chest breathing, breath-holding, or rapid breathing at rest.
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Dysregulation signs: Inability to take deep diaphragmatic breaths, or feeling breathless even when calm.
Posture and Muscle Tension
Look for: Chronic neck/jaw tightness, slouched posture, clenched fists or jaw (TMJ), tight psoas/hip flexors.
These are signs of sympathetic dominance (fight-or-flight holding patterns).
Startle Response & Sound Sensitivity
Test: Loud noises or unexpected movements.
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Dysregulation signs: You startle easily or remain on edge after the stimulus.
Emotional Regulation
Ask yourself:
Do I overreact or emotionally shut down often?
Do small stressors feel overwhelming?
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Emotional swings or shutdowns are signs your nervous system may be stuck in hyperarousal (fight/flight) or hypoarousal (freeze/shutdown).
Digestion & Elimination Patterns
Signs of dysregulation:
Constipation or diarrhea
Bloating, indigestion
Loss of appetite or emotional eating
These reflect vagal tone and gut-brain signaling issues.
Voice Quality
The vagus nerve affects vocal tone.
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Notice: If your voice is weak, flat, strained, or shaky—it can reflect nervous system stress.
Sleep Patterns
Difficulty falling/staying asleep, night waking, or waking exhausted are common signs of dysregulation.
Cold Hands and Feet
Chronic poor circulation to extremities can signal sympathetic dominance (stress response).