Vegeto-vascular dystonia( VSD, Neurocirculatory dystonia)

Vegeto-vascular dystonia( VSD or neurocirculatory dystonia) is a pathological condition, failure of compensatory activity of the autonomic nervous system. Perhaps this is the most frequent diagnosis, which is put by doctors and causes dissatisfaction in the patient, misunderstanding and anxiety - maybe the doctors still did not find something serious, missed?

This situation is due to the fact that vegetative-vascular dystonia is not a disease, but a complex of symptoms, it can be with very many organic diseases: somatic and neurological, endocrinological, gynecological, oncological and so on, with endocrine and hormonal disorders. More often the VSD is of a functional nature, that is, it is not associated with a serious disease. Such a psychogenic disorder between the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures of the type "I want - it's impossible."And the symptoms of dystonia appear. Symptoms can be varied. This is due to the variety of functions performed by the autonomic nervous system.

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Causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The autonomic nervous system is located in the brain and spinal cord, it has nerves and ganglia, neurotransmitters( acetylcholine, norepinephrine). ..
The autonomic nervous system regulates the activity of all internal organs, glands of external and internal secretion, lymphatic andblood vessels, ensures the constancy( homeostasis) of the internal environment and the adaptation of the work of internal organs to the changing conditions of the external environment.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system has an opposite effect on the functioning of organs. And as soon as the balance between this influence is disturbed, there is an imbalance in the work - vegetative-vascular dystonia. But it is said very simply, and the mechanism of regulation and interrelations of organs and systems is very complex.

The emergence of vegetative-vascular dystonia is influenced by constitutional predisposition, the environment of a person - family, religion, climate, education, culture and frequent or long-term stresses in this environment. People with vegetative-vascular dystonia are ill at any age.

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Localization of the main symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia distinguishes VSD according to respiratory, cerebral, cardiological, gastroenterological, vegetative-visceral types, with a violation of thermoregulation.

The vegetative-vascular dystonia can be manifested by the constant symptoms - vascular, neuromuscular, neuroendocrine, cognitive( intellectual disorders), mental( neuroses, depression, panic attacks) and paroxysmal( paroxysmal) - hypotonic, hypertonic type, mixed types.

VSD by hypotonic type is characterized by lowering of arterial pressure.
VSD hypertonic type is characterized by an increase in blood pressure.
VSD by mixed type is characterized by periodic fluctuations in blood pressure.

Crises are typical for all types of vegetative-vascular dystonia. In vegetative vascular dystonia, hypertonic type of anxiety, rapid heartbeat, sudden arousal, symptoms of panic attack, increased blood pressure, cold extremities, chills. In vegetovascular dystonia, hypotonic type - general weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, heart fading, sweating, low blood pressure. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of mixed type, all of the above symptoms are manifested in one way or another.

Vegetative crises( sympathoadrenal) are caused by the predominant influence of the sympathetic nervous system - increased blood pressure, tachycardia, oznobopodobny hyperkinesis( trembling), hyperthermia, pain in the heart, fear, anxiety, panic, cold sweat, numbness of the extremities.

Vagoinsular crises of the VSD are caused by the predominant influence of the parasympathetic nervous system - weakness, lowering of arterial pressure, respiratory disorders, bradycardia( slowing of heart rate and pulse accordingly), feeling of "fading" of the heart, dizziness, dysfunction of the digestive system, hyperhidrosis( sweating), polyuria.

Mixed crises combine a variety of symptoms and their combinations.

The course of vegetative-vascular dystonia is long, probably for years, with periods of remissions and exacerbations.

Neurocirculatory dystonia

With the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders, the term "neurocirculatory dystonia" is sometimes used in the complex of available vegetative disorders. However, it should be borne in mind that neurocirculatory dystonia is an integral part of the broader concept of vegetative-vascular dystonia. There are three types of neurocirculatory dystonia: cardiac, vascular and mixed.

Cardiac type of neurocirculatory dystonia( functional cardiopathy) is manifested by disturbances in rhythm and conductivity( sinus bradycardia, extrasystole, paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal tachycardia, atrioventricular blockade of I-II degree), disturbance of ventricular repolarization( nonspecific changes in the ST segment), and some forms of mitral valve prolapse.

Neurocirculatory dystonia according to the vascular type is accompanied by arterial hypertension( neurocirculatory dystonia by hypertonic type) or hypotension( neurocirculatory dystonia by hypotonic type).

Mixed type of neurocirculatory dystonia has elements of both cardiac and vascular types with various combinations of their symptoms.

With repeated headaches, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, memory difficulties, anxiety, emotional lability( mood swings), sleep disorders, fear for one's health( hypochondria), heart pain, heart rhythm disturbances,shortness of breath, a feeling of "coma" in the throat, abdominal pain, numbness of the limbs. .. with almost any violation in the state of health, you need to see a doctor.

Examination for vegetative-vascular dystonia

For the diagnosis of VSD, consultations of different specialists and examinations( individually, depending on the detected symptoms) will be required. Therapist, neurologist, oculist, endocrinologist, gynecologist( for women) is the shortest list of possible consultations.

To confirm the diagnosis of VSD, it is necessary to exclude a possible somatic organic disease, which can give manifestations of the syndrome of vegetative-vascular dystonia in each individual patient individually. And, accordingly, the complaints detailed in the complaint and the symptoms found during the examination of the doctor are assigned the necessary studies.

The task of the patient: detail your feelings. For example, it's not easy - my head hurts, and the rest - where it hurts( forehead, neck, temple, on the one hand or diffusely), how it hurts( pulsates, bakes, shoots, bursts. ..) what you feel, what sensations are accompanied(can put pressure on the eyes and ears, can vomit, dizziness, visual disturbances. ..), which precedes the appearance of a headache - changing weather conditions, stress, fatigue. ..

Of possible examinations with suspicion of VSD, neurologists often use electrocardiogram, doplerography of vessels, computerand magnetic resonance imaging, examinations of the oculist, endocrinologist, therapist. To exclude diseases of the thyroid gland( and hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may manifest symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia), laboratory tests are used to examine the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland and ultrasound.

When the diagnosis of VSD is established and all possible physical illnesses are excluded, individual treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

It is highly recommended for the successful treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia to modify the way of life: the mode of work and rest, sports are welcome in the game mode, but not in professional, swimming, running, aerobics, fitness, contrast showers,fresh air, healthy food, sleep 8 hours a day, visit to the psychotherapist, sanatorium treatment in the sanatoriums of the neurological profile with the use of all kinds of balneotherapy( hydrotherapy), reflexotherapy, aromarapii, physiotherapy, massage. This IMPORTANT recommendation is often not taken seriously by patients and, in doing so, aggravates their condition.

Drugs for treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Antidepressants and tranquilizers are used.

Medical prescriptions are individual - symptomatic. How multifunctional the vegetative nervous system is, how diverse the clinical picture of dystonia is, is so variable the prescribed therapeutic combination. Assigns all medications and indicates the dosage of the doctor.

With increasing blood pressure - hypotensive drugs, with tachycardia - β blockers, with hypotension - caffeine, ginseng with vitamins of group B.

With venous insufficiency - a vasocet, a venoplan, detraleks. These drugs are taken with heaviness in the head, pulsating, bursting headache, which increases after sleep and during the hot season( dopplerographic examination confirms venous insufficiency), take for a long time from 1 to 2 months, usually 1 tablet in the evening.

With dizziness and increased blood pressure, you can take Cavinton, Cavinton-retard, oxybral, vinpocetine, sermion, nitserium. With reduced pressure and dizziness - preparations ginkgo biloba - memo, ginkofar.

With noise in the head add betaserk - adults 16 mg 3 times a day or 24 mg 2 times a day for a long time - from 1 to 2 months. In case of acute dizziness, the tablet can be placed under the tongue for quick action.

Tranquilizers - afobazol, for example, have anti-anxiety effect. You can take a month for 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Antidepressants prescribe a doctor - should be aware that the minimum intake of such drugs is 6 months and the effect occurs on average 10-14 days. Antidepressant effect has an orange color - use it. Orange, orange juice, bright umbrella. ..

Smile, purposeful stretching of the lips in a smile helps activate the brain areas associated with the formation of positive emotions. Smile more often - it increases the vitality.

With asthenic syndrome, cerebrosthenia, neuroprotectors, antioxidants, blood circulation and microcirculation improves - nootropil, pyracetam, phenotropil, mildronate, cavinton, sermion, glycine, trental. Nootropil( piracetam, lucetam) is taken 1200 times twice a day - in the morning and at lunch, at least for a month. Phenotropil 1 tablet per day. Glycine need to dissolve 2 tablets three times a day for 1-2 months.

In the treatment of vegetative vascular dystonia, it is possible to use herbs for a sedative( antidepressant) effect on the nervous system( mood normalization, anxiety relief, mental overstrain):

Melissa is a sedative with an antispasmodic and anxiolytic, antidepressant effect."Delight of the heart" called the melissa of Avicenus, which makes the heart happy, strengthens the spirit and drives away dark thoughts. Used in the form of medicinal teas, broths, infusions.
St. John's Wort - antidepressant action - reduces anxiety, anxiety, normalizes sleep. Used in combination tablets - Novo-Passit, available in tablets - deprim.
Hops - a sedative action, an analgesic effect.
Hawthorn - normalizes the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, has a calming effect.
Mint - spasmolytic, hypnotic, sedative, cholagogue, reduces nausea.
Valerian - sedative effect, normalizes sleep, relieves psychoemotional stress.
Combined preparations are used - dormiplant, novo-passit, sedasen, sedavite.

With VSD for hypertensive type, it is possible to use sedative herbs and hawthorn, marsh swine, raunatin, and dogrose. You can take hawthorn infusion for ¼ cup 4 times daily before meals( 1 tablespoon hawthorn flowers per 1 glass of hot water, 2 hours insist).It is necessary to reduce the amount of salt, caffeine, alcohol, fat consumed. The diet should be varied with vitamins - vegetables and fruits, pomegranate, apples, grapefruit, garlic, chocolate. Useful light exercise and walking in the fresh air, marine procedures, reflexology.

With VSD for the hypotonic type , you can use ginseng, eleutherococcus, Chinese magnolia vine, which increase working capacity and blood pressure - have tonic and adaptogenic properties. With increased excitability, insomnia can not be used. Tincture of ginseng is taken in the morning on an empty stomach for 1 teaspoonful per month. Recommended oxygen, pearl, aromatic baths, circular, fan tonic shower, exercise therapy, sports classes, reflexology.

All medical and medical measures are appointed and controlled by a physician.

Doctor neurologist Kobzeva S.V.

Consultation of a doctor for vegetative-vascular dystonia

Question: How to get rid of vegetative-vascular dystonia( VSD)?How to cure vegetative vascular dystonia?

Answer: In order to treat vegetovascular dystonia, doctors prescribe special medications, including sedatives and antidepressants. However, it should be taken into account that taking medications with vegeto-vascular dystonia is only necessary with the knowledge of the doctor, as they can be addictive!

It can be quite effective to treat vegeto vascular dystonia with folk remedies: in particular, infusions for vascular purification, heart tinctures, but only in the absence of contraindications to them. Treatment of vegetative vascular dystonia with herbs( hawthorn, motherwort, etc.) also apply to folk treatment, these funds are only auxiliary. Treatment of vegetative vascular dystonia with folk remedies in practice does not provide recovery, but it has a beneficial effect on the body, removes some symptoms.

Therapeutic exercise is the most useful for vegetative vascular dystonia, providing a general strengthening effect on the body. Physiotherapy with VSD - an excellent tool for training the body and improve its performance. In vegeto-vascular dystonia, physical education, considered with due account of age, the state of health of the patient, is simply necessary. However, exercises with VSD should be soft and completely eliminate jumps. It should also be taken into account that the mobile way of life as a whole is the prevention of vegetative vascular dystonia.

Rest - the best remedy for vegetovascular dystonia. Naturally, a person can not quit his job. However, letting yourself go outside the city is quite possible and necessary. Treatment of symptoms of vegetative vascular dystonia in sanatoriums is given a lot of attention - there are a lot of special procedures that will help a person to feel much better. Based on the results, we can say that in the treatment of vegetovascular dystonia, sanatorium procedures are simply irreplaceable.

Question: I have a diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia. I was prescribed medication by a physician, but there is no improvement after treatment. In that case, how can I cure the VSD?

Answer: The causes of such a disease as VSD, can often be psychological disorders( stress, depression, neurosis, fatigue, chronic fatigue).It is impossible to separate mental health from physical health, real health unites both aspects. Fear, phobias - from this there are panic attacks, vegetative-vascular dystonia or chronic fatigue syndrome. All this is treated by psychotherapists without pills, with the help of established techniques. Treatment uses the method of behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy.

Question: What is better - to drink for years drugs and antidepressants or get rid of the symptoms of VSD and panic attacks when visiting a therapist?

If the cause of the disease are physical factors, then prescribing medications for the treatment of the VSD can and should be done. However, drugs with vegetative vascular dystonia, the cause of which are psychological disorders, are simply irrelevant. Do not help in this case in the treatment of VSD and folk remedies. In this case, for the treatment of vegetative vascular dystonia, a professional psychologist is needed. Only in this case the treatment of the VSD will be really effective.

Question: How is vascular dystonia associated with panic attacks?

Description of panic attacks is very similar to describing the symptoms of vegetative vascular dystonia during the crisis( attacks VSD).The nature of panic attacks and exacerbations of the VSD is the same: in the body at these moments there is a high concentration of adrenaline, norepinephrine and acetylcholine. These biologically active substances are the cause of emotional overload and pain. That is why patients who need treatment for panic attacks are often diagnosed with vegetative vascular dystonia and prescribe medications from the VSD, while people need psychological help. Vegeto vascular dystonia and panic attacks are easily confused, especially since not all doctors know about panic attacks in Russia. Pain in VSD( and especially a headache typical of VSD) often do not need treatment with medications, but they continue to be prescribed. However, even in order to lower blood pressure( it rises with hypertension in the VSD), we do not need pills, but fast, professional psychological help.
Treatment of panic attacks and symptoms of VSD, as well as treatment of phobias, often does not require medication.

Doctor neurologist Novikova Т.V.