Treatment of VSD without drugs and psychotherapy. Vegetative-vascular dystonia – a disease of the eyelid

Vegetovascular dystonia (VSD, neurocirculatory dysfunction) – a disorder nervous system, which is characterized by a general disturbance of the patient’s well-being and condition. Dystonia manifests itself as disturbances in the functioning of many organs and systems of the body. In most cases VSD is found in children and adolescence(5-15 years), more about this in our separate.

Patients often present many different complaints. But upon a comprehensive examination of the patient, no changes in the organs are detected, since symptoms arise from deviations in the structure and functions of the autonomic nervous system.

Symptoms

The symptoms that occur depend on the type autonomic disorders: sympathicotonia or vagotonia.

The patient is characterized by increased fatigue, weakness, lethargy, sleep disturbance such as insomnia or drowsiness, and depressed mood. The patient also shows signs of dysfunction various organs and systems. Nervous system disorders include frequent fainting and fever up to 37.5 C and higher. Disturbances in the digestive tract are represented by abdominal pain and intestinal dysfunction. From the outside of cardio-vascular system disorders are manifested by pain in the heart area, or the appearance of a heart murmur. If there are disturbances in the respiratory system, breathing difficulties appear, especially with minor exertion. Signs of disorders in the urinary system are: there is often a tendency to increase the number of urinations at night.

Signs of dystonia can be detected at any age, but more often the disease is observed in girls 7–8 years old.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can occur latently, have a constant course, or be in the form of attacks (vegetative crises).

Crises often occur with increased emotional stress, mental and physical overstrain, at different infectious diseases. They can be long-term or short-term (from several minutes to several hours).

Diagnostics

It is impossible to diagnose the patient himself at home.

In order to make a diagnosis, the clinic begins an examination of the organs whose disorders are bothering the patient. It is advisable to begin the examination with decoding clinical tests blood and urine. Then various tests are carried out to identify disorders of the autonomic nervous system, electrocardiography and echocardiography are performed to identify heart lesions, and various tests can be performed to identify disorders in the respiratory system breath tests, to detect violations in digestive tract You can perform an ultrasound of the organs abdominal cavity. Also, to assess the function of the central nervous system, it is advisable to conduct electroencephalography and echoencephalography.

Also special role when diagnosing vegetative vascular dystonia pay attention to hereditary burden for this disease. At the same time, neurodermatitis is often found in families of vagotonic children, and in children with sympathicotonia, hypertension is often found.

For vegetative-vascular dystonia, consultations with many specialists are necessary, such as a neurologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, ENT doctor, and sometimes a psychiatrist.

Almost everyone who has vegetative-vascular dystonia is weather dependent: their general condition often worsens when the weather changes. The disease is often accompanied by feelings of fear, panic, and fear of death.

The main factor in the development of the disease is genetic predisposition, but if it is, then the development of the disease can be avoided. For example, patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia and high blood pressure need to limit the consumption of salt, fried and fatty foods, flour products. Patients with low blood pressure need to limit the consumption of foods with sodium and potassium. It is also necessary to fight, maintain a sleep-wake schedule, and avoid overwork and stress.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive, including the use of medications, as well as adherence to a rational work and rest regime, moderate physical activity, and a positive emotional attitude.

Preference in treating the disease is given to non-drug methods of treatment. Positive Action They provide therapeutic massage, acupuncture, water procedures, and physiotherapeutic methods.

You can try to reduce the manifestations of the disease with the help of medicinal herbs, such as ginseng root, eleutherococcus, leuzea, lure, aralia, motherwort, hawthorn, valerian.

If non-drug methods are ineffective, pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed. These drugs are selected individually for each patient, starting with minimal doses and gradually increasing to the desired concentration. Particular attention is paid to getting rid of chronic foci of infection in the body, treating endocrine and other pathologies.

Various sedatives and antidepressants are widely used for treatment; drugs that help restore normal blood supply to the brain; It is necessary to take various vitamin and mineral complexes.

It is necessary to carry out constant monitoring of patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia, it is necessary to examine them in the clinic once every 3-6 months and more often, depending on the form and severity of the disease, and most carefully - in spring and autumn, and prescribe a set of therapeutic measures at this time.

At timely detection and treatment of patients, as well as compliance with all preventive recommendations, the prognosis is favorable. With the progressive course of the disease, it is possible to develop pathologies of various organs and systems that adversely affect the patient’s quality of life, as well as leading to his social maladjustment.

Which doctor should I contact?

Patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia are usually treated by a neurologist. Additionally, consultations with a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, and endocrinologist are prescribed. The treatment involves a physiotherapist, a specialist in physical therapy and massage, and a reflexologist.

– a complex of functional disorders, which is based on a violation of the regulation of vascular tone by the autonomic nervous system. Manifested by paroxysmal or constant heartbeat, excessive sweating, headache, tingling in the heart area, redness or paleness of the face, chilliness, fainting. It can lead to the development of neuroses, persistent arterial hypertension, and significantly worsen the quality of life.

During puberty, development internal organs and the growth of the body as a whole outpaces the development of neuroendocrine regulation, which leads to worsening autonomic dysfunction. At this age, vegetative-vascular dystonia is manifested by pain in the heart, irregularities and palpitations, lability of blood pressure, neuropsychiatric disorders ( increased fatigue, decreased memory and attention, short temper, high anxiety, irritability). Vegetative-vascular dystonia occurs in 12-29% of children and adolescents.

In adult patients, the occurrence of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be provoked and aggravated due to the influence of chronic diseases, depression, stress, neuroses, traumatic brain injuries and injuries to the cervical spine, endocrine diseases, gastrointestinal pathologies, hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause). At any age, a risk factor for the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia is constitutional heredity.

Classification of vegetative-vascular dystonia

To date, a unified classification of vegetative-vascular dystonia has not been developed. According to various authors, autonomic dysfunction differs according to a number of the following criteria:

• According to the predominance of sympathetic or parasympathetic effects: sympathicotonic, parasympathicotonic (vagotonic) and mixed (sympathetic-parasympathetic) type of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• According to the prevalence of autonomic disorders: generalized (with the involvement of several organ systems at the same time), systemic (with the involvement of one organ system) and local (local) forms of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• According to the severity of the course: latent (hidden), paroxysmal (paroxysmal) and permanent (constant) variants of the course of vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• According to the severity of manifestations: mild, moderate and severe;
• By etiology: primary (constitutionally determined) and secondary (due to various pathological conditions) vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Based on the nature of the attacks that complicate the course of vegetative-vascular dystonia, sympathoadrenal, vagoinsular and mixed crises are distinguished. Mild crises are characterized by monosymptomatic manifestations, occur with pronounced vegetative changes, and last 10-15 minutes. Crises of moderate severity have polysymptomatic manifestations, pronounced vegetative changes and last from 15 to 20 minutes. Severe crises are manifested by polysymptoms, severe vegetative disorders, hyperkinesis, convulsions, attacks lasting more than one hour and post-crisis asthenia for several days.

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia are diverse, which is due to the multifaceted influence on the body of the VNS, which regulates the main autonomic functions- breathing, blood supply, sweating, urination, digestion, etc. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction can be expressed constantly or manifested by attacks, crises (panic attacks, fainting, other paroxysmal conditions).

There are several groups of symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia based on the predominant disturbances in the activity of various body systems. These disorders can occur in isolation or in combination with each other. Cardiac manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia include pain in the heart area, tachycardia, a feeling of interruptions and fading in the heart.

For dysregulation respiratory system Vegetative-vascular dystonia manifests itself respiratory symptoms: rapid breathing (tachypnea), inability to take a deep breath and exhale completely, sensations of lack of air, heaviness, congestion in the chest, sharp paroxysmal shortness of breath, reminiscent of asthmatic attacks. Vegetative-vascular dystonia can be manifested by various dysdynamic disorders: fluctuations in venous and blood pressure, impaired blood and lymph circulation in tissues.

Autonomic thermoregulation disorders include lability of body temperature (increase to 37-38°C or decrease to 35°C), feelings of chilliness or a feeling of heat, sweating. The manifestation of thermoregulatory disorders can be short-term, long-term or permanent. Disorder autonomic regulation digestive function expressed by dyspeptic disorders: pain and cramps in the abdomen, nausea, belching, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can cause various types of genitourinary disorders: anorgasmia with preserved sexual desire; painful, frequent urination in the absence of organic pathology urinary tract etc. Psycho-neurological manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia include lethargy, weakness, fatigue with little exertion, decreased performance, increased irritability and tearfulness. Patients suffer from headaches, weather dependence, and sleep disorders (insomnia, shallow and restless sleep).

Complications of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The course of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be complicated by autonomic crises, which occur in more than half of patients. Depending on the predominance of disorders in one or another part of the autonomic system, sympathoadrenal, vagoinsular and mixed crises are distinguished.

The development of a sympathoadrenal crisis or “panic attack” occurs under the influence of a sharp release of adrenaline into the blood, occurring at the command of the autonomic system. The course of the crisis begins with a sudden headache, rapid heartbeat, cardialgia, paleness or redness of the face. Arterial hypertension is noted, the pulse quickens, low-grade fever, chill-like tremor, numbness of the extremities, and a feeling of severe anxiety and fear appear. The end of the crisis is as sudden as the beginning; after completion - asthenia, polyuria with the release of urine of low specific gravity.

Vagoinsular crisis manifests itself with symptoms that are largely opposite to the sympathetic effects. Its development is accompanied by the release of insulin into the blood, sharp decline glucose levels, increased activity of the digestive system. Vagoinsular crisis is characterized by sensations of cardiac arrest, dizziness, arrhythmia, difficulty breathing and a feeling of lack of air. There is a slowdown in heart rate and decreased blood pressure, sweating, flushed skin, weakness, and darkening of the eyes.

During a crisis, intestinal peristalsis increases, flatulence, rumbling, and the urge to defecate appear. loose stool. At the end of the attack, a state of severe post-crisis asthenia occurs. Mixed sympathetic-parasympathetic crises, characterized by activation of both parts of the autonomic nervous system, are more common.

Diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Diagnosing vegetative-vascular dystonia is difficult due to the variety of symptoms and the lack of clear objective parameters. In the case of vegetative-vascular dystonia, we can rather talk about differential diagnosis and exclusion of organic pathology of a particular system. To do this, patients undergo consultation with a neurologist, endocrinologist and examination by a cardiologist.

When clarifying the medical history, it is necessary to establish a family history of autonomic dysfunction. In patients with vagotonia, cases of gastric ulcer, bronchial asthma, and neurodermatitis are more common in the family; with sympathicotonia - hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus. In children with vegetative-vascular dystonia, the anamnesis is often burdened by an unfavorable course of the perinatal period, recurrent acute and chronic focal infections.

When diagnosing vegetative-vascular dystonia, it is necessary to assess the initial autonomic tone and indicators of autonomic reactivity. The initial state of the ANS is assessed at rest by analyzing complaints, EEG of the brain and ECG. Autonomic reactions of the nervous system are determined using various functional tests(orthostatic, pharmacological).

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia are treated under the supervision of a general practitioner, neurologist, endocrinologist or psychiatrist, depending on the predominant manifestations of the syndrome. For vegetative-vascular dystonia, complex, long-term, individual therapy is carried out, taking into account the nature of autonomic dysfunction and its etiology.

Preference in choosing treatment methods is given to a non-drug approach: normalization of work and rest, elimination of physical inactivity, dosed physical activity, limitation of emotional influences (stress, computer games, watching TV), individual and family psychological correction, rational and regular nutrition.

A positive result in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia is observed from therapeutic massage, reflexology, and water procedures. The physiotherapeutic effect used depends on the type of autonomic dysfunction: for vagotonia, electrophoresis with calcium, mesatone, and caffeine is indicated; for sympathicotonia - with papaverine, aminophylline, bromine, magnesium).

If general strengthening and physiotherapeutic measures are insufficient, an individually selected drug therapy. To reduce the activity of vegetative reactions, sedatives (valerian, motherwort, St. John's wort, lemon balm, etc.), antidepressants, tranquilizers, and nootropic drugs are prescribed. Glycine, hopantenic acid, glutamic acid, and complex vitamin-mineral preparations often have a beneficial therapeutic effect.

To reduce the manifestations of sympathicotonia, β-blockers (propranolol, anaprilin) ​​are used, and herbal psychostimulants (schizandra, eleutherococcus, etc.) are used for vagotonic effects. In case of vegetative-vascular dystonia, chronic foci of infection accompanied by endocrine, somatic or other pathology are treated.

The development of severe vegetative crises in some cases may require parenteral administration neuroleptics, tranquilizers, β-blockers, atropine (depending on the form of the crisis). Patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia should be monitored regularly dispensary observation(once every 3-6 months), especially in the autumn-spring period, when it is necessary to repeat the complex of treatment measures.

Forecast and prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Timely detection and treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia and its consistent prevention in 80-90% of cases lead to the disappearance or significant reduction of many manifestations and restoration of the body's adaptive capabilities. The uncorrectable course of vegetative-vascular dystonia contributes to the formation of various psychosomatic disorders, psychological and physical maladaptation of patients, adversely affects their quality of life.

A set of measures to prevent vegetative-vascular dystonia should be aimed at strengthening the self-regulation mechanisms of the nervous system and increasing the adaptive abilities of the body. This is achieved through improving lifestyle, optimizing rest, work and physical activity. Prevention of exacerbations of vegetative-vascular dystonia is carried out using its rational therapy.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD) is a disorder of the heart, nervous and circulatory systems. Ignoring the symptoms of VSD can lead to serious complications and consequences.

VSD is a kind of “explosive mixture” when excessive emotionality is added to disturbed blood pressure. As a result, a person may feel:

• strong heartbeat
• headache
• nausea
• heart pressure
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract
• high or low temperature

The autonomic system is the regulator of most vital processes in the body. Its defeat negatively affects the general condition of a person and leads to many unpleasant sensations.

This pathology is very common in our time and is the most common reason for patients to visit doctors specializing in various fields.

Symptoms of this disease very much, and its development and untimely application going to doctors can “reward” you with consequences.

Symptoms of the disease can be divided into seven main areas:

Emotional sphere:

• decreased or complete lack of performance
• increasing and regular nervous tension
• loss of energy, lack of mood
• disturbance of normal sleep, insomnia, frequent awakenings
• nervous breakdowns, tearfulness

Cardiovascular symptoms:

• regular pressure surges
• abnormal heartbeat
• unreasonable pain in the heart and chest

Symptoms of VSD in the respiratory system:

• constant shortness of breath
• suffocation
• it becomes difficult to breathe
• breathing frequently in small sips of air

Symptoms of VSD in the gastrointestinal tract system:

• possible nausea
• vomit
• frequent heartburn
• increased flatulence
• stool disorders
• belching
• stomach pain

Symptoms affecting thermoregulation:

• excessive sweating
• hot flashes
• chills

Vestibular symptoms:

• frequent dizziness
• darkening in the eyes
• fainting

Symptoms of VSD affecting the genitourinary system:

• Frequent urination and the need to go to the toilet
• itching of the perineum
• pain in the genitals

Video: “What is VSD?”

What is a crisis of vegetative-vascular dystonia?

Vegetative-vascular crisis is based on a concentration in human body adrenaline, hormones and other substances. Moreover, depending on individual characteristics and the body’s tolerance, each person tolerates a crisis differently, with different levels of sensitivity.

Vegetative-vascular crisis is the main consequence of dystonia. It has been noticed that the very first crises are perceived the worst and most difficult by a person. With them frequent occurrence, a person is able to adapt to them.

Sometimes the crisis itself is called a panic attack, which occurs suddenly and leaves Negative consequences. There are three types of attack:

• Easy. There are not many symptoms, and the crisis itself goes away in fifteen minutes
• Average. The symptoms of such a crisis are pronounced and obvious, and the autonomic system is clearly disturbed. The crisis lasts up to an hour, and the weakness from it remains for a day
• Strong. It manifests itself as several crises in a row with obvious symptoms. The autonomic system is severely disturbed. Attacks can last several hours and leave a person feeling unwell for several days.

Practically the most main role During an attack, a person’s ability to cope with his emotional state plays a role. If he is able to control his emotions, the crisis will pass easier.

There are several basic rules of behavior during a vegetative-vascular crisis:

1. First of all, take a horizontal, comfortable position and take a break from what you were doing before.
2. Try to calm down and distract yourself from the problem that has affected your emotional state.
3. Take a sedative orally plant origin: valerian or corvalol (modern pharmacies have many drugs)
4. Measure your blood pressure and if it is low, drink coffee with a piece of chocolate (to increase blood pressure)

People with vegetative-vascular dystonia are distinguished by lethargy, fussiness, or even vice versa, agitation. The symptoms of a suffering person are always easy to discern. His hands often tremble, he feels apathy and often falls into depression. Sweating - visual cue VSD. People suffering from VSD have wet palms, feet and often notice circles of moisture in the armpits.

Breathing may be severely impaired, with inhalations becoming intermittent and spasmodic. Patients often breathe through their mouths, which causes dry mouth.

How is vegetative-vascular dystonia treated in adults?

When starting treatment for dystonia, each patient must understand that he needs to adhere to all recommendations for maintaining sleep and rest patterns. You should urgently lighten your work, reduce your daily workload and physical activity, and follow a healthy diet.

Diet for the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia:

1. Refuse harmful drinks: brewed and instant coffee, strong tea, energy drinks
2. Significantly reduce consumption table salt and modern seasonings in dishes throughout the day
3. Eliminate canned food from your diet
4. Use large quantity fresh fruits and vegetables
5. Limit your intake of sweets
6. Don't drink alcohol
7. Make sure you regularly get fiber, vitamins and minerals into your body

Treatment of dystonia can be either medicinal or folk. In most cases, doctors prescribe medicinal preparations and only after they do not have their effect, prescribe:

• massage
• psychotherapy
• phototherapy
• sea ​​baths
• pine baths
• hirudotherapy
• therapeutic pressure chamber
• abdominal decompression

The initial stage of VSD is characterized by insignificant intake medical supplies, the number of which increases in accordance with the symptoms. Doctors prescribe:

• vegetotropic drugs
• heart medications
• psychotropic medications
• sedatives

Tablets for vegetative-vascular dystonia in adults

The most popular medications successfully used in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia are:

improves the functioning of the nervous system. This sedative of plant origin. It is also prescribed for minor and mild nervous and panic disorders. It has a fairly mild effect and is not addictive.

prescribed for stabbing and cutting sensations in the heart area. Has a calming effect.

Asparkam is an indispensable medicine in the treatment of dystonia. The medicine strengthens the heart muscles and improves vascular function.

All medications used in the treatment of dystonia can be divided into main groups:

• Vasodilators - expand the lumen blood vessels(fezam, trental, cavinton)
• Sedatives - needed to relieve nervousness (Corvalol, Bifren, Glycised)
• Neotropic drugs - necessary in combination with vasodilators (aminal, piracetam)
• Heart medications - improve heart function (corvalment, digoxil)
• Antihypertensive drugs - with increased pressure (lozap, diokor)
• Vitamins, medicinal herbs, complex of minerals and amino acids

Massage for vegetative-vascular dystonia for adults

Massage is successfully used in the treatment and prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia. This massage is performed in a targeted manner to relax certain muscle groups. It is considered one of the most effective ways to alleviate the condition of VSD. Massage leads to normalization of the body's nervous system and can reduce headaches. The only condition that requires compliance is to refuse massage if you have high blood pressure.

Massage should be performed on such areas of the body as:

• lower limbs (legs)
• in the abdominal area
• in the pelvic area
• back
• Hands
• head

Important: The massage should relax the muscles and relieve stress, improve the body’s thermoregulation.

Exercises about vegetative-vascular dystonia, alleviating the condition

The set of exercises for VSD is significantly smaller and light loads. It is advisable to carry them out in the open air so that the body has access to pure oxygen. Only by feeling your strength to cope with both easy and complex exercises can you increase the load.

Gymnastics in the treatment of VSD should be varied and involve all muscle groups. Of course, it should bring pleasure and evoke only positive emotions.

Unlike gymnastics, professional sports It is prohibited to exercise if you have dystonia. If after classes you feel pleasantly tired and happy, you are moving towards in the right direction. You can play sports while listening to your favorite music - it will give you pleasure.

Sports activities for vegetative-vascular dystonia:

• swimming
• running and race walking
• cycling
• aerobics to music
• morning work-out and light gymnastics
• active evening walks

Video: “Exercises for vegetative-vascular dystonia”

Traditional treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Traditional medicine really helps to alleviate the general condition of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Before applying the effects of various mixtures, decoctions and tinctures on yourself, you need to make sure that they will not cause any problems for you. allergic reactions and negative consequences.

All traditional medicines are aimed at strengthening the walls of blood vessels and improving the functioning of the heart. In addition to their use, please note that you need to completely change your diet and include foods such as nuts and bananas in your food, as they are rich in potassium and magnesium - minerals that have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart.

Heart tincture: peony tincture, hawthorn, valerian or motherwort tincture. These tinctures can be supplemented with tinctures of eucalyptus or peppermint. The medicinal properties of these components improve blood pressure and have an anticonvulsant effect.

Tibetan tincture: tincture of chamomile, St. John's wort, birch buds and immortelle. Infusions of all components are mixed and diluted with honey. The medicine allows you to feel better almost immediately.

The strengthening of blood vessels is also positively influenced by:

• tincture of pine needles
• onion peel
• grass yarrow
• dog-rose fruit
• thyme
• nettle

Consequences of vegetative-vascular dystonia in adults

Vegetative-vascular dystonia necessarily requires treatment, since ignoring the disease can lead to serious consequences. First of all, VSD disrupts the general condition of the patient and worsens his quality of life. Symptoms and poor health follow the sufferer everywhere and always.

The working capacity of a sick person or is completely absent. VSD turns into various heart diseases and even brings gastrointestinal diseases. The functioning of internal organs is disrupted: liver, kidneys. Cases of mental illness are not uncommon.

Dystonia can “give” serious illnesses if you ignore the symptoms, but if treated in time, VSD can be completely eliminated.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia during pregnancy

Unfortunately, everything VSD symptoms are doubly intensified during pregnancy. TO unpleasant sensations And feeling unwell Chronic fatigue may occur. As a rule, pregnant women complain of numbness of the extremities, poor thermoregulation, excessive sweating and constant pressure surges.

Pregnant women suffering from dystonia should avoid stress and any psychological disorders.

Treatment of VSD during pregnancy consists of taking sedatives of herbal origin, limiting heavy physical activity, full sleep and regular rest. Women should take maternity leave early and visit their doctor regularly.

Prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia consists of following simple rules:

• performance physical exercise: breathing exercises, morning work-out, frequent walks on fresh air, yoga
• maintaining a healthy diet: excluding unhealthy and fatty foods, avoiding fast food, saturating food with plant ingredients
• performing preventive massage
• hydrotherapy
• avoiding daily stress

What to do with vegetative-vascular dystonia in adults: tips and reviews

The main thing that both adults and children need to do when they discover health problems is not to ignore them. As a rule, timely consultation with a doctor always avoids complications and subsequent problems.

Changing your lifestyle is not always a bad thing; adjusting your diet and creating more active pastimes gives positive emotions that not only improve your health, but also improve your quality of life.

No matter how sad it may be, vegetative-vascular dystonia, when the disease is completely advanced, can cause fatal outcome for both adults and children.

Video: “Vegetative-vascular dystonia. Symptoms. Treatment"

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD), if not directly, then indirectly affects almost 80% of the entire adult population of the Earth. And even children (25%) are susceptible to this pathology. This is WHO statistics. Since the pathology concerns the nervous system, and women are more emotional than men, it is the female half that is more susceptible to this scourge.

As a rule, pathology can be detected already in childhood. Severe symptoms appear at the most active age from 20 to 40 years. If a person has received a diagnosis of VSD, most often you can say goodbye to the usual rhythm of life. Moreover, if you do not pay attention to the situation, then as a result you can expect the development coronary disease heart disease, or ulcers or diabetes and you cannot do without hypertension.

Note that for a long time in the medical community there was debate about the status of VSD - is it a disease or not. In some cases, it was proposed to use the name neurocirculatory dystonia in the case of VSD, which turned out to be not an entirely correct interpretation. Ultimately, we agreed that we were dealing with a functional disorder.

In order to understand the development and course of the processes of vascular dystonia, accompanied by dysfunction of various parts of the autonomic nervous system, it is necessary to understand what it is and what it is responsible for.

Autonomic nervous system

The ANS, also known as the autonomic nervous system, is the main regulator of all processes that exist in the body. Only thanks to it is homeostasis maintained - the optimal constancy of a person’s internal environment and the stability of basic physiological functions:

• Breath.
• Circulation.
• Digestion.
• Selection.
• Thermoregulation.
• Exchange processes.
• Reproduction.

An equally important task of the autonomic nervous system, the adaptation-trophic function, is also identified as a separate process. Thanks to this ability, the body's metabolism is able to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Why does disruption of the activity of the autonomous system entail the richest symptoms?

Since this department is dependent on the higher parts of the nervous system, there is a close connection between the autonomic and somatic parts.

All human nerves contain autonomic conductors. The main morphological units of all parts of the nervous system are:

• Nerve cell – neuron – morphological unit.
• The reflex arc is a functional unit.

Thanks to the interaction of neurons and reflex arcs ensures the activity of the whole organism. And since all nerves contain an autonomic component, the symptoms of damage to the autonomic nervous system are very diverse.

For reference. It is surprising that when the autonomic nervous system is damaged, clinical manifestations can often change in completely the opposite direction. This effect arises from which part is more involved in the pathological process.

Classification of the autonomic nervous system

• The cute part.
• Parasympathetic part.

All activities of the autonomic nervous system are regulated by the limbic-reticular complex of the brain - part of the limbic system, which in the body controls processes such as:

• Physiological.
• Psychological.

The limbic-reticular complex is a complex structure that is responsible for the following functions:

• Initial perception and processing of the entire state of the body.
• The influence of external and internal factors on internal environment person.
• Formation of needs from the most primitive to the most complex.
• Motivations of a biological nature.
• Development of emotions.
• Management and control of all interactions between the autonomic and visceral nervous systems, which ultimately ensures complete regulation of homeostasis.

A malfunction in the limbic system causes irritation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which entails the development of certain symptoms and syndromes.

In addition, the regulation of autonomic reactions is carried out by the hypothalamus, which is also responsible for the balanced functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Thus, when there is a failure at any level of the autonomic nervous system, a condition called vegetative-vascular dystonia occurs.

What is vegetative-vascular dystonia (vegetative dysfunction)

There is a lot of information on the Internet that VSD is not a disease, that it is the same as neurocirculatory dystonia, and a lot of other information, which, unfortunately, is only 10% reliable.

Attention. As separate nosological unit, i.e., the disease, VSD has not been singled out due to the variety of its manifestations. According to ICD 10, code G 90 includes 6 separate diseases from G90.0 to G 90.9, the main symptom of which is a violation of autonomic functions.

It is incorrect to combine VSD with neurocirculatory dystonia, since NCD is limited only by a violation of the processes regulating vascular tone and heart activity, while VSD can involve any system of the body.

In addition, the ICD 10 code for neurocirculatory dystonia is completely different - F 45.3. Important! Currently, it is considered most correct that vegetative-vascular dystonia is a multicomplex functional disorder

, the cause of which is an imbalance of regulatory mechanisms. Depending on type pathological disorders

, VSD manifests itself in several main varieties.

Classification

• The main parameter for dividing the types of VSD is the predominance of disorders:
• Sympathetic department.

Parasympathetic department.

• Depending on which part of the nervous system is most susceptible to the pathological process, vegetative-vascular dystonia occurs:
• Vagotonic (parasympathicotonic).
• Sympathicotonic.

Mixed.

• Primary – due to constitutional violations.
• Secondary – occurs as a result of various pathologies.

By the volume of involvement of various organs and systems:

• Generalized.
• Systemic.
• Local.

According to the nature of the disease:

• Hidden.
• Paroxysmal.
• Constant.

According to the severity of symptoms:

• Light flow.
• Moderate severity.
• Heavy.

Since VSD is characterized by the presence of attacks, these include:

• Sympathoadrenal.
• Vagoinsular.
• Mixed.

Classification according to the type of syndromes such as cardiac, hypertensive, hypotonic and mixed is more typical for neurocirculatory dystonia, since, as mentioned above, NCD is limited to the area of ​​the heart and blood vessels.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia has its own symptoms and syndromes that can manifest themselves in any organ and system. Therefore, the most basic ones are:

• Respiratory syndrome, or disruption of the respiratory system.
• Syndrome of cardiac and vascular dysfunction.
• Digestive tract disorders.
• Changes in the activity of the excretory system.
• Violation of thermoregulation.
• Pathology of sweating.
• Changes in the musculoskeletal system.
• Impaired salivation and lacrimation.
• Emotional disorders.
• Asthenia.

With the help of classification, knowing the causes and mechanisms of development of the disease, it is possible to correctly manage the disease, and accordingly, achieve positive results treatment.

Causes and development

Nevertheless, the following are generally accepted:

• Nervous tension, prolonged stress, emotional and physical exhaustion.
• Heredity.
• Features of body structure.
• Changes in hormonal levels.
• Sleep disorders, chronic lack of sleep.
• Pathology of the endocrine system.
• Bad habits.
• Diseases and injuries spinal column, especially cervical spine spine.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Poor and/or unbalanced diet.
• Lack of vitamins.
• Obesity.
• Weak physical activity sedentary lifestyle life.
• Various infectious diseases.
• Diseases of the central nervous system.
• Mental disorders.
• Sudden changes in usual living conditions.
• Allergy.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia and its development is not just a complex process, but an unpredictable one. There are no clear criteria, since there is such a thing as the threshold of a person’s sensitivity to various stimuli.

Important. Some will react with a severe crisis to the slightest signal entering the nervous system, while others, thanks to compensatory and defense mechanisms long time will not feel the existing changes in the body.

Therefore, it makes no sense to talk about the gradual development of such a phenomenon as vegetative-vascular dystonia due to the uniqueness of its parts in each person.

It is the combination of all these reasons that determines the symptoms of the pathological process.

Symptoms

Despite the variety of forms of the disease, there are general manifestations, which can occur with all types of dystonia:

• Changes in blood pressure.
• Pain in the heart area, up to a complete imitation of a heart attack.
• Arrhythmias in various manifestations often combined with coldness, sweating and weakness of the limbs.
• Inability to sleep without taking any remedies.
• Headaches of a transient nature.
• Deterioration of memory processes.
• Decreased vision and hearing.
• Unreasonable weakness, fatigue.
• Nervousness.
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea, often accompanied by vomiting.
• Intolerance to heat and cold.
• Panic and fear for no reason.

The main criteria for determining the type and form of VSD in modern medicine are considered only those clinical manifestations that are characterized by the predominance of the sympathetic, parasympathetic nervous system or their combination, as well as the nature of panic attacks (crises):

1. The course of the disease with a predominance of sympathoadrenal symptoms may occur with small bursts, but is often characterized by the appearance of sympathoadrenal crises, which are manifested by intensification and severity of the main manifestations. Develops in the case of predominance of the sympathetic nervous system. This form is characterized by:
   • Headache.
   • Increased blood pressure.
   • Pain in the heart area, behind the sternum, radiating to the left shoulder blade, arm, collarbone and lower jaw.
   • Rhythm disturbances from mild tachycardia to blockades and pronounced extrasystoles.
   • Visual impairment and tinnitus.
   • Trembling of fingers and hands.
   • Constant nervous tension and expectation of something bad.
   • The appearance of sudden, incomprehensible anxiety.
   • Periodic incoordination of movements.
   • Nausea.
   • Panic attacks.
   • Disorders of memory, attention, deterioration of habitual activities.
   • Development of sympatho-adrenal crisis.

   A sympatho-adrenal crisis, also known as a panic attack, in many cases can be completely identical hypertensive crisis, heart attack, some types of stroke. In this case, the leading symptoms are:

   • A rise in blood pressure to high levels, sometimes sudden, for no apparent reason.
   • Tachycardia.
   • Pain in the heart area of ​​various types.
   • Excitability, nervous tension, fear.
   • Frequent urination.
   • Numbness, weakness of the arms and legs.
   • Dry mouth.
   • Sometimes severe hyperthermia up to 40C.
2. The course of the disease with a predominance of vagoinsular symptoms also proceeds differently with the development of vagoinsular crises. It appears when pathological processes of the parasympathetic nervous system predominate. This form is characterized by:
   • Various breathing disorders - difficult for patients to do deep breath, breathing in many cases is frequent, intermittent, and there is a fear of suffocation.
   • Low blood pressure.
   • Transient cramps of the arms, especially the legs, which often occur at night.
   • Arrhythmias.
   • Headache.
   • Fainting states.
   • Frequent diarrhea, heartburn.
   • Constant freezing of hands and feet, regardless of the weather.
   • Frequent mood changes.
   • Panic attacks.
   • Constant fatigue, irritation.
   • Tendency to depression.

   Development of vagoinsular crisis ( panic attack) is determined by suddenness, a rapid increase in the severity of symptoms, which is further worsened by the fear of death. This condition is characterized by the following manifestations:

   • Sudden weakness.
   • Decreased blood pressure and heart rate.
   • Severe drooling.
   • Panic attacks.
   • Abdominal pain in the most different places, often accompanied by the development of diarrhea.
   • Nausea.
   • Dizziness.
   • Hunger.
   • Weakness, depression.
   • Pallor.
   • Wet, cold hands and feet.
   • Strengthening tactile sensitivity.
   • Bloating and increased intestinal motility.
   • There may be attacks of suffocation.
3. Mixed flow, which is determined by a combination of the two above forms. The attacks that occur in this form are accompanied by a sharp onset of trembling of the fingers, chills, instant blurred vision with the appearance of “spots” in front of the eyes, noise, ringing in the ears, difficult or, conversely, fast, confused speech.

The main forms of flow described above are not the only ones. Vegetative-vascular dystonia is also characterized by the following less frequent manifestations, which are divided into separate types of attacks:

• Hysteroid-like, or fainting-tetanic – accompanied by different symptoms, but the hallmarks are pseudoconvulsions and loss of consciousness, as well as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling. It is interesting that with this type of crisis, no matter how hysterical the patient is, when he faints, traumatization never occurs.
• Vestibulopathic – pressure changes, severe incoordination of movements, dizziness with nausea and vomiting are observed.
• Cluster, or migraine-like - severe paroxysmal headaches.

Such a variety of manifestations requires careful diagnosis in order to determine further tactics for patient management.

Diagnostics

• Bronchial asthma.
• Stroke.
• Heart attack.
• Hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia.
• Acute coronary syndrome.
• Addison's disease.
• Hypertonic disease.
• Pheochromocytoma.
• Acute surgical diseases abdominal and pelvic organs.
• Tetany.
• Oncological diseases.
• Mental disorders.
• Connective tissue diseases.
• Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

For this, the following types of diagnostics are used:

• Anamnesis collection.
• Blood and urine examination.
• MRI, CT.
• Rating on a scale of panic attacks, depression.

And only after a thorough diagnosis and diagnosis can we proceed to treatment.

Treatment of VSD

Therapy for vegetative-vascular dystonia is a long, often lifelong process. Treatment is complex, using various methods:

• Restoring daily routine and nutrition with sufficient quantity vitamins, minerals, microelements.
• Physical activity is especially indicated for sympathoadrenal predominance, since physical labor contributes to the breakdown of adrenaline.
• Depending on the condition - various massages, swimming, etc.
• Psychotherapy.
• Taking medications that should only be prescribed by a doctor. Under no circumstances should you independently take medications that you have heard, seen, or read about somewhere. As mentioned above, VSD simulates a large number serious illnesses Therefore, in order to avoid deterioration of your own condition, all prescriptions are made only by a doctor.
• The period of rehabilitation and recovery.

For reference. Modern doctors increasingly recommend working on yourself in cases of VSD. Auto-training is one of the key parameters for improving the quality of life, helping many to give up medications and lead a normal lifestyle. Working on yourself and understanding what is happening to the body and why is showing excellent results all over the world.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is not always considered by many patients and even qualified doctors to be a pathology that requires mandatory treatment and diagnosis. But this opinion is erroneous, since symptoms that are harmless at first may hide disturbances in the functioning of all internal organs. To understand the causes and signs of pathology, you should familiarize yourself with the information provided.

Dystonia appears due to incipient disruptions in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. She is responsible for normal functioning all internal organs and vessels. The disease is not independent pathological process, but occurs against a background of disorders.

They may be related to psychological and physical conditions. To cure a disease, it is necessary to accurately identify the cause of its occurrence. Treatment and elimination of symptoms will not give any results and will only intensify the course and manifestation of the disease.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for blood pressure, heart rate, blood circulation, heat exchange and adrenaline production. Vegetative-vascular dystonia itself can manifest itself as a constant manifestation and temporary crises (panic attack or fainting).

Attention!!! Even positive emotions can trigger a panic attack if they are unexpected and overly exciting. As soon as blood pressure and heart rate increase, sharp deterioration condition.

Causes of VSD

Finding the source of the problem is not so difficult if you make an accurate diagnosis. But in about 70% of cases autonomic disorder patients are not diagnosed, this causes the health status of the person suffering from the pathology to deteriorate significantly. If the triggering factor for the disease is detected, a short course of therapy is required for recovery. The main causes of the disease are the following factors:

• psycho-emotional disorder, including those aggravated by depression and neuroses;
• injury to the spine, especially the cervical spine;
• damage to the brain or spinal cord;
• congenital heart problems;
• diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders;
• diseases thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system;
• unstable hormonal levels;
• allergies of various types;
• infectious diseases, including tonsillitis and pharyngitis;
• lack of blood circulation to the brain, lungs and heart.

Attention!!! The slightest injury can contribute to the development of pathology if immunity is not at the proper level. To protect yourself from VSD, you should adhere to healthy image life and attend annual medical examinations on time.

Signs of vegetative-vascular dystonia

As soon as the slightest disruption occurs in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, this will immediately affect the patient’s condition. Despite the fact that the blood vessels are the first to suffer, causing the functioning of the heart and brain to deteriorate, disturbances in the autonomic system affect all internal organs.

The following conditions are characteristic of the disease:

• instability of blood pressure, it can deviate significantly from the normal limit up and down;
• The pulse rate changes significantly, it can slow down or speed up significantly;
• a person is accompanied by a constant feeling of fatigue and depression;
• poor tolerance to physical activity; during times of severe stress, patients may not even get out of bed;
• body temperature can independently increase or decrease without any reason;
• constant feeling of chilliness or heat;
• sweating may increase due to hot flashes;
• there is a decrease in the temperature of the hands and feet, it is difficult to warm them even with radiators;
• sudden irritability, constant feeling of apathy and emotional exhaustion;
• severe and prolonged headaches appear;
• patients complain of sudden dizziness;
• is decreasing sexual desire, physical and intellectual activity;
• insomnia appears instead normal dreams nightmares begin;
• spasmodic pain may appear in the stomach area;
• due to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, functional indigestion often occurs in the form of constipation or diarrhea;
• during the period of complications, the patient may suffer from panic attacks, fainting and crises.

Attention!!! The patient may not have all listed signs, but even one of them signals the need to consult a specialist.

Frequency of symptoms of dystonia

In the table below you can find out how often they occur signs of VSD in patients.

Attention!!! The data given is relative and collected based on reviews left by patients. But many patients are not even registered with their diagnosis, or VSD is simply not confirmed.

Types of crises and their manifestations in VSD

Sympathoadrenal

In another way, such a crisis is also called a panic attack. This condition develops after a large release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. This happens due to an erroneous signal from the autonomic nervous system. The attack begins to manifest itself with a significant increase in heart rate, and blood pressure gradually increases.

During a panic attack, the upper blood pressure reaches its maximum level, which can even provoke a stroke and heart attack. Simultaneously with these conditions they turn pale skin, an overwhelming feeling of fear appears, body temperature rises. At maximum development Sympathoadrenal crisis causes uncontrollable chills.

After the panic attack is over, the patient produces colorless urine in large quantities. At the same time, blood pressure drops sharply, and severe weakness is noted.

This condition is accompanied by fainting and antispasmodic pain in the abdominal area. The crisis is provoked by a signal from the autonomic nervous system to release insulin. Additionally, there is a strong decrease in blood glucose levels, and gastrointestinal activity is stimulated.

At the same time as the described symptoms, the patient develops strong feeling heat, consciousness is confused, heart rate drops significantly, pulse is difficult to palpate. Blood pressure gradually drops significantly, bright scarlet spots appear on the skin, and heavy sweating. Due to strong stimulation of the stomach and intestines, flatulence, turbulence in the stomach, and diarrhea appear.

Attention!!! If the seizure is not immediately stopped with special drugs, the body becomes severely depleted, and the frequency of seizures increases significantly.

Prevention of crises and VSD

To protect yourself from vegetative-vascular dystonia, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• try to exercise in moderation physical activity, swimming, yoga, athletics;
• pay more attention to cardio exercises, just exercise on an exercise bike or ride a bicycle;
• sports activities should exclude sudden movements and heavy lifting;
• spend enough time outdoors, walk in parks;
• harden yourself, you can start with a contrast shower;
• avoid heavy overwork so as not to bring yourself to physical exhaustion;
• maintain a sleep schedule, its duration should not be less than eight hours;
• avoid stressful situations;
• take natural soothing infusions.

Attention!!! Almost 50% of the adult population suffers from a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. Compliance with basic rules will reduce the likelihood of pathology and maintain health at the proper level.

Video - Vegetative-vascular dystonia: signs, symptoms, prevention

Diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia

To confirm the diagnosis, the patient must undergo full examination, which includes collecting tests and visiting specialists. First, when symptoms appear, the patient consults a therapist. He prescribes general and biochemical tests, cardiogram and visit to a neurologist.

Based on their findings, you may need to undergo a brain scan. An ultrasound examination of all organs is required and a conclusion is made about their functionality. Only after such an extensive examination can the exact cause of the disease be identified.

Attention!!! If vegetative-vascular dystonia is diagnosed in pregnant women, a full examination should be postponed until the birth of the child. Part of mandatory procedures may simply harm the fetus and worsen the mother's condition.

Traditional methods of treating VSD

On initial stage Vegetative-vascular dystonia can be dealt with using homemade recipes that have virtually no contraindications and can be used by patients at any age.

Mustard bathrooms

1. 50 g of dry mustard should be diluted warm water until creamy.
2. Draw a full bath so that when immersed in it, the water reaches the top of your chest.
3. Carefully pour the mustard solution into the water and stir thoroughly.
4. The water temperature in the bathroom should not exceed +39 degrees.
5. The procedure lasts no more than 10 minutes.
6. At the end of the session, you must put on underwear and completely wrap yourself in cotton cloth.
7. After the procedure, you should drink some warm tea and go to bed.
8. The course of therapy is no more than 10 procedures every three months.

Vegetable juices

1. 20 ml beet juice combine with 20 ml cucumber.
2. After thoroughly stirring the liquid, 60 ml of carrot juice is added.
3. Drink medicine once a day for one month.
4. People with ulcers and gastritis should undergo this course of treatment with caution.

Video - How to treat vegetative-vascular dystonia

If you notice one or more symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, you should undergo at least a minimal examination by a therapist. He will be able to determine the real complexity of the problem and, if necessary, refer you to more specialized specialists. Any disturbances that arise should be treated at an early stage in order to maintain the proper functioning of all body systems. Absence adequate treatment can lead to serious deterioration of the condition, including the development of heart attack and stroke.