# Helicopter brain causes physical symptoms

> Neurologist explains how information overload creates a 'helicopter brain' effect with physical symptoms.
- Title: Helicopter brain causes physical symptoms · Fox News
- Summary: Neurologist explains how information overload creates a 'helicopter brain' effect with physical symptoms. Information overload can cause a 'helicopter brain'…
- Keywords: helicopter brain, neurologist, information overload, physical symptoms, headaches, fatigue, nervous system, autonomic nervous system, stress, coping strategies, mindfulness, pattern recognition
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/health/helicopter-brain-could-making-feel-sick-how-spot-what-do
- Author: Melissa Rudy
- Published: 2026-10-11T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: helicopter brain, neurologist, information overload, physical symptoms, headaches, fatigue, nervous system, autonomic nervous system, stress, coping strategies, mindfulness, pattern recognition
## What is helicopter brain?
Neurologist Dr. Steven Resnick describes helicopter brain as a nervous system constantly on high alert.

> Imagine your own helicopter, that is your nervous system
## Information overload causes symptoms
Excessive online content consumption links to anxiety and physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

> The brain is scanning for danger
## Symptoms are hard to explain
Patients experience unexplained symptoms including headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and dizziness.

> They don't understand what they're feeling is actually authentic, it's real
## Five strategies to cope
Neurologist recommends recognizing patterns, catching triggers, rewarding new habits, and floating instead of fighting.

> Give your new habit a reward you can feel
## Recognize what you feel
Listen to patients to understand their nervous system responses before fixing symptoms.

> I hear patients say, 'I'm scared, I'm fearful, I'm concerned, I'm worried'
## Name the pattern
Identify recurring thoughts, behaviors, and reactions to change stress responses.

> Mindfulness is not just about meditation; it's about noticing
## Catch the trigger
Identify specific cues that start stress patterns like a boss' face or a smell.

> It could be your boss' face. It could be a telephone
## Reward new habits
Replace unhealthy behaviors with rewarding habits like exercise or healthy shakes.

> Even checkboxing something on a piece of paper feels good
## Float instead of fight
Allow anxiety to pass rather than fighting it to create safety associations.

> Don't fight it. You want to allow it. You want to feel it
## Seek medical help
People with persistent symptoms should get medical evaluation to rule out health conditions.

> People experiencing persistent or unexplained physical symptoms should seek medical evaluation
## Key takeaway

Information overload can cause a 'helicopter brain' effect with physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue that requires recognizing patterns and calming the nervous system.