Vegetative-vascular dystonia, symptoms, causes and treatment. General characteristics and essence of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Symptoms of VSD in men

VSD is a symptomatic complex that combines various dysfunctions of the autonomic system and is caused by disorders of their regulation. The interpretation of VSD is as follows: vegetative-vascular dystonia. The concept of “dystonia” speaks of imbalances in the tone of such parts of the nervous system as the sympathetic and parasympathetic, as a source of various autonomic disorders.

The main mechanism for the manifestation of symptoms of VSD is considered to be emotional stress in the form of acute shock, prolonged emotional experience, leading to exhaustion of the nervous system. VSD is characterized by several disease syndromes, such as cardiac, tachycardic, bradycardic and arrhythmic.

VSD reasons

There are a variety of reasons that cause various S.S.S. disorders ( of cardio-vascular system), among which are infectious diseases, injuries, severe unrest, heavy operations, blood loss. In addition, the development of VSD can be facilitated by physical overload, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic infections, as well as other serious illnesses.

Many doctors associate the development of VSD with hereditary etiology. Also, this syndrome may have a constitutional nature of development and manifest itself already in early childhood in the form of instability of vegetative parameters.

VSD refers to a certain form of neurosis in which the regulation of vascular tone is disrupted. Thus, the main role The formation of this disease is attributed to disorders of the entire nervous system. Insufficient support of a vegetative nature is characteristic of VSD, which can develop with endocrine changes in the body during adolescence. Basically, vegetative disorders at this age manifest themselves in the form of minor or severe disorders endocrine system.

VSD, which is characterized by the hypotonic type, is diagnosed in adolescents and children. The cause of the development of the disease is acceleration, in which S.S.S. does not have time to provide the body with the necessary nutrition for its growing body too quickly. VSD at this age can be caused by poor heredity, wrong mode day, conflicts at home or at school, as well as previous infectious diseases.

Stress is one of the fundamental causes of VSD. With constant strong mental and nervous stress in a morally unfavorable environment, disorders of the nervous system can cause the development of serious diseases.

For example, VSD with a hypertensive type of disease can provoke the development hypertension. But with normalization of wakefulness and sleep, sufficient rest and limited physical activity, this can contribute to the disappearance of all symptoms of VSD and lead to recovery.

Many negative emotions in the form of anger, resentment, frustration and anxiety are the cause of the development of persistent neurosis. People who are sick react quite sharply to any unfavorable situation. They are not able to switch, to break out of the circle of troubles, and the protracted course of such experiences during neurosis lead to a negative course of VSD.

As a rule, VSD of the hypertensive type develops as a result of stress associated with increased functioning of the sympathetic part of the nervous system. Neuroses that occur as a result of increased activity of the parasympathetic part of the nervous system contribute to the development of hypotensive type VSD.

Reasons that influence the occurrence of VSD include alcohol and smoking. Nicotine and alcohol are such poisons that affect two important human systems: the nervous system and the S.S.S. First of all, nicotine affects blood vessels, specifically affecting the autonomic nervous system. It has long been established that nicotine disrupts the blood supply to the walls of blood vessels and leads to their permeability. Due to changes in blood vessels, smokers experience uncoordinated, abnormal vascular reactions. Smoking can provoke the development of neurosis, as it reduces the endurance of the nervous system.

Alcohol is a neurotropic poison. It completely disrupts the function of the nervous system, disrupts metabolic processes in the body and the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and is the main risk factor that increases the likelihood of the formation of VSD.

VSD symptoms

The most common types of diseases include cardiological and systemic neurological. But basically all these disorders manifest themselves in a mixed type.

Symptoms consist of pale skin and tachycardia, which is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure and a decrease intestinal peristalsis, as well as the appearance of weakness in the limbs and chills, feelings of anxiety and fear, which are manifestations of vegetative neurosis.

In addition to sympathetic-tonic manifestations, vagotonic symptoms occur in the form of a decrease in heart rate, breathing discomfort, facial flushing, sweating, low blood pressure, fever, weakness, heaviness in the head, nausea and dizziness, etc. With VSD, there are various somatic symptoms, which simulate complex diseases such as and. Therefore, many diseases can be simulated by attacks of vegetative neurosis.

Among the most common psychoneurotic symptoms of VSD are behavioral and motivational disorders. In this case, patients are characterized by disturbances in emotional balance and sleep, the appearance of tearfulness with feelings of fear or anxiety, which lead to self-flagellation and the inability to make a decision.

In addition to the general symptoms, a respiratory syndrome may be added, in which chest compression and lack of air occur. At the same time, headaches and tinnitus, as well as lightheadedness and fainting, are noted. At the same time, patients develop hypochondria, they lose interest in life and go deeper into themselves, becoming very irritable and conflict-ridden for no particular reason.

As a rule, almost all patients complain of depressed state, lack of meaning in life and previous activity, show anxiety with characteristic fear. Many are frightened by the loss of sexual relationships and previous interests. People who long time They cannot make a decision and engage in self-flagellation. But more optimistic patients with VSD are not even aware of what is hidden in them. This symptom does not allow patients to fully exist in society. Neurotics are in a state where they try to maintain a balance of well-being so as not to let down the people around them. At the same time, they constantly feel asthenia, do not tolerate various physical and mental nature, they develop dependence on the weather, so they cannot concentrate on their responsibilities and affairs.

An important role in the formation of the disease belongs to various conflict situations at school and at home, overprotection, increased stress at school, and psychological neglect. little patient, acute or chronic stress. Predisposing factors for VSD in children include infectious, somatic and endocrine diseases, constitutional abnormalities, caries, tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and neuroinfections with traumatic brain injuries.

The autonomic nervous system of children is directly affected by unfavorable weather conditions, environmental conditions, excessive stress, both mental and physical, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, disruption of daily routine, lack of sleep and hormonal changes V puberty. In general, VSD in children is strongly manifested during the period of rapid growth, with functional loads on an organism with nervous system lability.

As a rule, disorders of the autonomic nervous system manifest themselves in the form of a variety of reactions sympathetic division and parasympathetic, which are caused by disturbances in the production of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, polypeptides, prostaglandins and vascular sensitivity.

When diagnosing VSD in children, various criteria are taken into account, which are considered important in contrast to the forms of the disease.

The etiology of VSD can be psychogenic, infectious-toxic, dishormonal, essential and mixed in nature.

Depending on the disorders of the autonomic nervous system, VSD in children can be of sympathicotonic, vagotonic and mixed type. Considering the prevalence of the disease, it can appear in the form of a generalized, systemic or local form. In addition, VSD in children has mild, severe and moderate forms, and can also occur latently, permanently and paroxysmally.

The clinical symptoms of VSD in a child consist of the predominance of sympathicotonia or vagotonia. Cardiac syndrome is characterized by the development of paroxysmal pain in the heart area, arrhythmia in the form of irregular extrasystole, bradycardia or tachycardia, increased or decreased pressure. With predominant cardiovascular disorders in the structure of the VSD, they speak of a neurocirculatory form of dystonia.

The most dangerous syndrome is neurotic manifestation VSD. At the same time, children quickly get tired, they have sleep disturbances, they remember poorly, and complain of dizziness and pain in the head. Children with VSD are always out of mood, anxious about something, suspicious, and emotionally labile. They sometimes experience hysterics and depression.

For respiratory syndrome Shortness of breath is characteristic at rest and with slight exertion, and there is a lack of air. Thermoregulation disturbances in VSD in children are expressed by chills, chilliness, and poor weather tolerance.

From the digestive system, nausea appears, appetite increases or decreases, causeless pain in the abdomen and spastic pain occur.

Symptoms characteristic of the urinary system are swelling under the eyes and frequent urination. As a rule, such children with VSD have a marbled skin color, sweat a lot, have increased skin greasiness and red dermographism.

Autonomic crises occur in three types, such as sympathoadrenal, vagoinsular and mixed. Although they are much less common, unlike adults.

Children are characterized by vagotonic crises, which are accompanied by cardiac arrest, lack of air, the appearance of bradycardia and sweating, asthenia and hypotension.

Children with VSD necessarily need consultation from many specialists, such as a pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist and ophthalmologist. In this case, other pathologies are excluded to make a diagnosis of VSD.

In choosing treatment methods, preference is given to non-drug therapy, as well as normalization of sleep, physical activity, daily routine and consultation child psychologist. Also, with VSD in children, positive dynamics can be achieved by using massage courses, physiotherapy, and exercise therapy. In addition, swimming, taking a therapeutic shower and general baths with turpentine, radon, pine needles and carbon dioxide are recommended.

If necessary, use sedatives, nootropic drugs, multivitamin complexes, and according to indications - tranquilizers and antidepressants.

Prevention of VSD in children consists of preventing the impact of risk factors on the child’s body, creating general strengthening measures and harmonizing the development of children. Such patients diagnosed with VSD are monitored at the dispensary and receive systematic specific treatment.

Pain with VSD

As a rule, VSD is accompanied various pains. This is mainly pain in the head and in the heart area. In the first case, they can be either temporary or permanent, and can also manifest themselves in the form of tension, cluster pain, etc.

Pain in the head, which is characterized by its monotony, is pain of tension. In this case, patients have a feeling that the head is being squeezed by a helmet and at the same time it begins to ache. In addition, the pain covers the entire head with equal intensity. These attacks appear after shocks, experiences, work that requires concentration, as well as stress. To get rid of tension pain, just rest a little or massage the collar area.

Migraine with VSD is a paroxysmal pain with strong pulsation and, as a rule, located on one side of the head. The pain can be localized in the eyes, temples and forehead. The condition worsens if nausea, vomiting, trembling, cold hands, photophobia and intolerance to sounds, especially loud ones, occur. Migraines can be caused by stress, physical activity, or being in a noisy place. The pain goes away after a cool shower and good rest.

Cluster pain develops at night and causes insomnia, which causes suffering to patients. It is mainly localized on the head or face, but only on one side. Such an attack is very difficult to bear in the first ten minutes. At this moment, the eyes water, the eyelids droop, the face becomes red and begins to sweat.

Heart pain during VSD can manifest itself as unpleasant sensations, and can also be completely unbearable and cause excruciating suffering in the form of depriving a person of rest and good sleep, causing a feeling of fear of death. There are different types of pain in the heart, such as burning, cutting, aching, pinching, stabbing, pressing. At the same time, there is a feeling of something foreign in the chest area. The pain is localized on the left in the subclavian region or behind the sternum and can radiate to left hand, teeth and neck. The pain can last from a few seconds to several hours. It can also manifest itself as a slow increase or a sudden attack.

Basically, pain in the heart with VSD is a consequence of fatigue, physical stress, anxiety, changes in weather conditions, the premenstrual period, alcohol intake, heaviness in the left hand and forced breathing. Sometimes pain can appear after an unpleasant dream.

Heart pain with VSD is characterized by one feature. As a rule, it appears after physical exertion, and not during its implementation. And it arises against a background of anxious feelings, restlessness, lethargy, apathy and weakness.

There are several types of heart pain due to VSD. The first type is characterized by constant aching or pinching pain as a result of depression or melancholy. They are tolerated quite easily and do not affect human performance. These pains occur for no particular reason and slowly get worse. Treated with Menthol and Valerian.

The second type of pain is characterized by intensity and duration in the form of a burning sensation in the heart area. These pains are long-lasting and intense, for which Valocordin and Validol do not help. But mustard plasters on the heart area and painkillers bring relief.

With the third type of pain, their protracted course is noted, with a sudden onset and spread throughout the entire chest. Very often, a rapid heartbeat appears, there is not enough air, a person begins to sweat heavily, urination becomes more frequent, and sometimes a feeling of fear of death arises.

With the fourth type of pain, there is a paroxysmal manifestation caused by emotions. Their main difference is their short duration and relief with Nitroglycerin.

The fifth type of heart pain is characterized by its occurrence as a result of physical activity. Such pain occurs during an exacerbation of the disease.

VSD treatment

Treatment of VSD involves eliminating stressful influences, maximizing the creation of a favorable mood for the recovery process and carrying out relief manipulations associated with the painful symptoms of VSD.

First of all, they establish normal family and everyday relationships, eliminate stressful situations at work, at school, in the service, etc. Thus, the patient’s neuropsychic state is normalized. Then walks on fresh air, full healthy sleep, a diet that is characterized by limiting unhealthy foods, and it is also necessary to give up bad habits, coffee and strong tea.

The main and leading place in the treatment of VSD is given to psychotherapy, which can take place both individually and in groups. With a mild form of VSD, you can limit yourself to taking Motherwort and Valerian medications.

At the same time, patients are prescribed reflexology, massage, physiotherapy, aesthetic therapy, electrosleep, and physical therapy.

To increase the body's resistance to stress, it is recommended to take Ginseng, Eleuthorococcus, Schisandra, as well as harden yourself and perform breathing exercises.

To consolidate the results of VSD therapy, sanatorium-resort treatment using such types of therapy as climatotherapy, sea bathing, mud, and mineral waters is indicated.

There are conditions that are difficult to classify as full-fledged diseases, since a detailed examination of patients does not reveal any serious abnormalities in the functioning of certain organs: there are only complaints about periodically worsening health. These conditions include VSD - a set of symptoms indicating disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Why does VSD occur?

Life activity is controlled by a special mechanism - the autonomic nervous system, which is a complex of cellular structures.

This complex:

  • Regulates everyone's work internal organs, blood vessels, endocrine and exocrine glands;
  • Ensures the body adapts to changes external conditions;
  • Maintains consistency internal environment- homeostasis;
  • Participates in the regulation of human behavior and mental balance.

As long as the autonomic system functions normally, a person feels healthy.

Under the influence of various negative factors, its adaptation capabilities and ability to regulate life processes are reduced.

These factors include:

  • Bad habits (smoking, excessive drinking, caffeinated drinks);
  • Constant stress;
  • Impact harmful substances and radiation, leading to intoxication of the body.

In addition, at various periods of life the human body undergoes serious hormonal changes - for example, during the transition from childhood to adolescence. In women during pregnancy and after childbirth, as well as in the period preceding menopause, and directly during menopause itself, these transitions are often accompanied by temporary autonomic disorders, which completely disappear with the stabilization of hormonal levels.

When VSD is a symptom

Manifestations of vegetative vascular dystonia often accompany diseases of the bone apparatus, the course focal infections, metabolic pathologies, as well as occupational diseases, head injuries.

VSD is considered one of the symptoms of such diseases:

In these cases, isolated treatment of VSD is pointless: its manifestations are alleviated or disappear as a result of treatment of the underlying disease.

VSD: variants of its course and symptoms

The manifestations of the disease are extremely diverse: much depends not only on the root cause, but also on the types of autonomic disorders.

Disorders are sympathicotonic and vagotonic. This division is associated with the predominance of the sympathetic or parasympathetic parts of the nervous system in controlling the body.

Sympathicotonia is characterized by increased excitability, increased heart rate, breathing, and increased blood pressure. Such people experience lacrimation, dry skin and cold extremities. By nature, they are energetic, proactive, and able to withstand significant physical and psycho-emotional stress.

Vagotonia is the opposite phenomenon: vagotonics experience a slower heartbeat and breathing, sweating, and low blood pressure. They are characterized by slowness, suspiciousness, and suggestibility. These people are phlegmatic, prone to depression, physically weak, and prone to fainting.

Depending on the type of disorder, the type in which VSD occurs is formed:

  • hypertensive;
  • hypotonic;
  • mixed.

However, this division is very arbitrary: in pure form types of VSD flow are rare. Most often, specialists have to deal with a mixed version of the course of dystonia.

Symptoms of VSD according to hypertensive type

The name itself means that in patients symptoms often alternate: high blood pressure can be replaced by low blood pressure, and lethargy and drowsiness can be replaced by irritability.

A sharp change in weather also plays an important role in the occurrence of attacks of VSD of any type, since dystonics are highly sensitive to weather conditions. This is due to the reduced adaptive capabilities of their nervous system, which does not allow the vessels to flexibly respond to temperature changes and changes in atmospheric pressure.

This is how diverse the disease progresses - its symptoms can vary depending on temperament, lifestyle and circumstances.

Important: it is impossible to independently determine whether it is VSD - a thorough examination is required to exclude diseases that have similar symptoms.

Vegetative crises

VSD is a condition that cannot be called permanent: in general person feels tolerable, but at certain moments his health worsens sharply. Such deterioration is called and can be provoked by personal experiences, result from excessive physical exertion, alcohol and nicotine intoxication. Sometimes a crisis occurs for no apparent reason.

A more modern name for this condition is panic attack or.

Manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia during crises are always especially strong, and therefore are difficult for patients to tolerate, leaving an imprint on their future life.

How does a person feel when he has a panic attack? All sensations familiar from previous attacks of VSD are intensified many times over.

The patient complains of:

  • Sharp increase in heart rate;
  • Shortness of breath or suffocation;
  • Severe dizziness;
  • Heartache;
  • Numbness of the limbs, face;
  • Spasms in the stomach and intestines;
  • Hot flashes or feeling cold, chills with trembling.

However, the most frightening feeling during a panic attack is the fear of death. A person does not understand what is happening to him, so it seems to him that just a little more and he will die.

Fear intensifies when a person is alone. An attack can last from a few seconds to several hours with short breaks.

Panic attacks are very painful, but never end in death, but the expectation of a repetition of the experience has a detrimental effect on the psyche and starts a cycle in which sympathoadrenal crises begin to occur more and more often.

How to deal with attacks of VSD

Whatever the combination of VSD manifestations, they prevent people from living normally. However, this condition can be quite successfully corrected by taking appropriate measures in advance:

  • Complete cessation of cigarettes and alcohol;
  • A daily routine that allows you to get enough sleep;
  • Reducing psychological stress;
  • Optimal physical activity physiotherapy;
  • Physiotherapeutic procedures;
  • Drug treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is an unpleasant condition, but with a systematic approach it is completely controllable. Understanding this and taking care of your own health is the key to recovery.

General practitioner, candidate of medical sciences, practicing physician.

With vegetative-vascular dystonia, people often have problems with panic attacks. This is especially common in the “hypertensive” type. In such cases, it is best to consult a doctor. But you can alleviate the condition a little by taking sedatives (for example, Novopassit syrup), magnesium B6 in the morning and fish oil. And of course, it’s important correct mode sleep, drink and nutrition. All this together alleviates the condition in case of exacerbations.

Thanks for the info. My 13-year-old son was diagnosed with this about a month ago, and we are currently undergoing treatment. But, to be honest, no significant improvements are visible yet.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD), or neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD) is a complex polyetiological disorder that develops with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the activity of internal organs and blood vessels. This disease can also be found under the names “cardioneurosis”, “vegetoneurosis”, which show the relationship between the symptoms of VSD and the state of the autonomic nervous system.

Although most doctors do not recognize the existence of such a diagnosis and do not consider it to be VSD disease, in the ICH you can find the heading F45.3, which combines all of the above diagnoses. However, for patients, vegetative-vascular dystonia becomes a real test, since the disease has a lot of variants of the course and painful symptoms, and significantly worsens the quality of life. But its duration does not affect, it has favorable prognosis and benign course.

What it is?

In simple words VSD is a syndrome that appears due to nerves. In general, most problems appear precisely because of stress and anxiety, but vegetative-vascular dystonia is always the first in line.

Attacks of VSD are caused by disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, which, in turn, appear against the background of functional disorders of the nervous or endocrine system. That is, the root cause is almost always nervous shock. Which, as we know, rarely go away without leaving a trace and very often can lead specifically to neurocirculatory dystonia, which is the other name for the disease.

Causes of VSD

Among the main causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome, doctors name factors of hereditary predisposition. Against the background of unfavorable external factors, these reasons can have a significant impact on the state of the human autonomic nervous system. The leading component of the manifestations and intensification of the syndrome is the brain, namely the hypothalamus, which is responsible for controlling the human endocrine system. Psychoneurological disorders lead to excessive activity some processes and inhibition of others, which has a complex effect on various systems body, including the cardiovascular system.

  1. Most often, vegetative-vascular dystonia in children is detected as a consequence of heredity. Increased nervousness and stress already in the first months of pregnancy can have a significant impact not only on the formation of the child’s personality, but also on the higher nervous activity of the brain. Evidence shows that emotional instability child's body provokes the development of VSD even in childhood.
  2. The teenage years are transitional not only in the process of transformation of a child into an adult, but also in a neurophysiological one. Conflict situations, emotional stress, chronic diseases, endocrine disorders, lack of movement and other factors are largely provocateurs for the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia in adolescents. Increased mental stress, having a hereditary component, leads to a certain imbalance in the body, which leads to the appearance and development of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
  3. In adulthood, hormonal changes in the body play a special role in triggering the mechanisms of VSD. This is why the female half of the world’s population suffers from VSD much more often than the male half. The prenatal period, pregnancy, menopause, all of this, being turning points in a woman’s life, can become the starting point for mobilizing the manifestation of symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Vegetative-vascular dystonia is especially unfavorable during pregnancy, when even minor deviations in a woman’s health necessarily affect the condition of the fetus.

The same is true for the presence excess weight, which can become a provocateur of manifestations of dystonia. An increase in body weight leads to the development of hypertension, which in turn is an additional burden on the cardiovascular system. The development of vegetative-vascular dystonia in this case affects people of completely different ages.

Types of disease

As a result of vegetative vascular dystonia, the brain and heart, kidneys, and limbs suffer. Therefore, autonomic dystonia syndrome is like a chameleon: different people it manifests itself in such different symptoms that it is difficult to suspect their common cause. There are three types of pathology: hypertensive, hypotonic and mixed.

  1. If, regardless of the “internal need,” the sympathetic nervous system predominates during the day, we speak of hypertensive type vegetative-vascular dystonia. The person complains of attacks of palpitations and/or panic, anxiety, gets tired quickly, but has difficulty falling asleep in the evening. Blood pressure is elevated or unstable.
  2. When the parasympathetic nervous system predominates throughout the day, a person feels weakness, drowsiness, fatigue, and occasionally dizziness and fainting, we're talking about about the hypotonic type of VSD. The pressure is reduced.
  3. When the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems “fight” for leadership, alternately winning and losing, hyper- and hypotensive symptoms replace each other, they speak of a mixed type.

Upon examination, it turns out that the organs and systems are in order, there are no pathologies in them, and such VSD is called primary. If the symptom complex of vegetative-vascular dystonia occurs against the background of another disease, it is considered secondary.

First signs

Disorders of the autonomic nervous system can cause very diverse manifestations; about 150 of them are known. For VSD, the most characteristic symptoms are those associated with the vascular reaction and the central nervous system:

  • headache;
  • noise in ears;
  • dizziness;
  • tendency to faint;
  • increased heart rate;
  • weakness, drowsiness;
  • increased sweating;
  • unclear increase in body temperature;
  • muscle pain;
  • trembling in the body and hands.

Individuals with vegetative-vascular dystonia are characterized by mental characteristics:

  • sudden changes in emotions;
  • tendency to panic;
  • obsessive thoughts;
  • increased anxiety;
  • suspiciousness in character.

Clinical syndromes of VSD

Syndrome autonomic dysfunction combines sympathetic, parasympathetic and mixed symptom complexes of a generalized, systemic or local nature, manifesting permanently or in the form of paroxysms (vegetative-vascular crises), with non-infectious low-grade fever, a tendency to temperature asymmetry.

  1. Vagotonia is characterized by bradycardia, difficulty breathing, redness of the facial skin, sweating, salivation, decreased blood pressure, gastrointestinal dyskinesias. Vagoinsular crisis is manifested by a feeling of heat in the head and face, suffocation, heaviness in the head, nausea, weakness, sweating, dizziness, the urge to defecate, increased intestinal motility, miosis is noted, a decrease in pulse to 45-50 beats per minute, a decrease in blood pressure. up to 80/50 mm Hg. Art.
  2. Sympathicotonia is characterized by tachycardia, pallor of the skin, increased blood pressure, weakened intestinal motility, mydriasis, chills, a feeling of fear and anxiety. During a sympathoadrenal crisis, a headache appears or intensifies, numbness and coldness of the extremities occurs, the face becomes pale, blood pressure rises to 150/90-180/110 mmHg, the pulse quickens to 110-140 beats/min, pain in the area is noted heart, excitement, motor restlessness appear, sometimes body temperature rises to 38-39 °C.
  3. Syndrome mental disorders- behavioral and motivational disorders - emotional lability, tearfulness, sleep disturbance, feeling of fear, cardiophobia. Patients with VSD have more high level anxiety, they are prone to self-accusation, and experience fear in making decisions. Personal values ​​prevail: great concern for health (hypochondria), activity decreases during illness. When diagnosing, it is important to differentiate between somatoform autonomic dysfunction, in which there are no mental disorders, and hypochondriacal disorder, which is also considered a somatogenic neurosis-like condition, as well as panic disorder and phobias, other nervous and mental diseases.
  4. Mixed crises are characterized by a combination of symptoms typical of crises, or their alternate manifestation. There may also be: red dermographism, zones of hyperalgesia in the precordial region, “spotted” hyperemia of the upper half of the chest, hyperhidrosis and acrocyanosis of the hands, tremor of the hands, non-infectious low-grade fever, a tendency to vegetative-vascular crises and temperature asymmetries.
  5. Hyperventilation (respiratory) syndrome is a subjective sensation of lack of air, chest compression, difficulty inhaling, need for deep breaths. In a number of patients it occurs in the form of a crisis, the clinical picture of which is close to suffocation. The most common reasons that provoke the development of respiratory syndrome are physical activity, mental stress, staying in a stuffy room, abrupt change cold and heat, poor transport tolerance. Along with the mental factors of shortness of breath, a decrease in the compensatory and adaptive capabilities of the respiratory function to hypoxic loads is of great importance.
  6. Syndrome of adaptation disorders, asthenic syndrome - fast fatiguability, weakness, intolerance to physical and mental stress, weather dependence. Evidence has been obtained that asthenic syndrome is based on disturbances in transcapillary metabolism, decreased tissue oxygen consumption and impaired hemoglobin dissociation.
  7. Cardiovascular syndrome - cardialgia in the left half of the chest that occurs during emotional rather than physical stress, is accompanied by hypochondriacal disorders and is not relieved by coronal drugs. Blood pressure fluctuations, pulse lability, tachycardia, functional murmurs. ECG and bicycle ergometry most often reveal sinus and extrasystolic arrhythmias; there are no signs of myocardial ischemia.
  8. Neurogastric syndrome - neurogastric aerophagia, esophageal spasm, duodenostasis and other disorders of motor evacuation and secretory functions stomach and intestines. Patients complain of heartburn, flatulence, constipation.
  9. Syndrome of metabolic tissue and peripheral vascular disorders - tissue edema, myalgia, angiotrophoneurosis, Raynaud's syndrome. Their development is based on changes in vascular tone and vascular permeability, disturbances in transcapillary exchange and microcirculation.
  10. Cerebrovascular syndrome - headaches, dizziness, noise in the head and ears, tendency to faint. Their development is based on cerebral angiodystonia, the pathogenetic basis of which is dysregulation of cerebral vascular tone of a hypertonic, hypotonic or mixed nature. In some patients with persistent cephalgic syndrome, there is a violation of the tone of not only arterial, but also venous vessels, the so-called functional venous hypertension.

Panic attack

This is another syndrome that will be a characteristic symptom of vegetative-vascular dystonia. A person experiences severe fright, a feeling of approaching anxiety, and a wave of fear covers him.

At the same time, the body sends signals about danger, but it does not provide options for solving the problem. Therefore, the patient experiences a strong fear of death, it seems to him that his heart stops, his breathing takes away. It is noteworthy that literally after 10-15 minutes the panic attack against the background of VSD passes, and the person’s condition returns to normal.

Current of VSD

In most cases, without provoking factors, the disease is latent (asymptomatic).

However, under the influence unfavorable conditions and overload, crises are not uncommon. Such crises are sometimes sudden in nature and are accompanied by symptoms characteristic of many diseases: pallor, sudden sweating, decreased blood pressure, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and decreased body temperature.

A crisis surge in disease activity is more severe in older people, especially those who suffer from concomitant diseases. In many cases, a crisis is the result of long-accumulated components, and therefore it is not uncommon for a large number of symptoms to manifest simultaneously.

Diagnostics

As already mentioned, VSD is a diagnosis of exclusion. Therefore, to diagnose it, everything is necessary additional methods, which will exclude organic pathology. A general examination of the patient is needed, consultation with a neurologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist and endocrinologist.

A complete cardiac examination is carried out: laboratory tests, cholesterol, ECG, ultrasound of the heart, exercise tests, Holter ECT and blood pressure. Chest x-rays and ultrasounds of organs are also prescribed. abdominal cavity, kidneys and thyroid gland, fibrogastroscopy, colonoscopy for gastrointestinal complaints. The level of thyroid hormones is determined, since its pathology is accompanied by similar symptoms.

If no pathology is found during all additional examinations, then the patient is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia in accordance with:

  • leading clinical syndrome(cardiac, hypotonic, hypertensive, respiratory, asthenic, neurotic, mixed variant of the course);
  • degree of severity – mild (3-6 complaints and symptoms), moderate (8-16 signs), severe (more than 17 signs and frequent crises);
  • phase of the disease (exacerbation or remission).

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

For the described disorder, the treatment regimen must be comprehensive, long-term, and take into account the characteristics of the dysfunctions, the etiological factor and the individual specifics of the person. When this disorder is advanced therapeutic measures will be long lasting.

So, how to get rid of vegetative-vascular dystonia in adults? As a rule, treatment measures involve the use of non-drug regimens, which can be supplemented with sedatives.

Non-drug therapeutic interventions include:

  1. Optimization of periods of work and rest. In order to get rid of the symptoms of VSD, you should evenly alternate between mental and physical labor, and minimize the time spent in front of a computer monitor and TV. If this is not possible, take a break every 60-90 minutes, do gymnastics for the eyes, and warm up for the back.
  2. Maintaining a stable daily routine with mandatory proper rest. The normal duration of night sleep varies from person to person. But for most, this figure should not be less than 8-9 hours. Important They also have conditions for sleeping. The bedroom should not be stuffy; regular ventilation and wet cleaning are necessary. The bed should be comfortable and suitable for the person’s height and build. It is better to give preference to an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
  3. A diet that includes foods rich in potassium and magnesium. It is these minerals that are involved in the transmission of impulses in nerve endings, improve the activity of the heart and blood vessels, and restore balance in the functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, for VSD, it is recommended to consume buckwheat and oatmeal, legumes, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, potatoes, carrots and eggplants.
  4. Adequate physical activity. The optimal activities are those that take place in the fresh air or in the water, but do not put a significant strain on the muscular and cardiovascular systems. Swimming, water aerobics, dancing, skiing and cycling are most suitable for a patient suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia. With such loads, gentle training of the heart occurs and the psycho-emotional state is normalized. At the same time, you should avoid sports that require sudden movements, high jumps or remain in static tension for a long time. This creates additional stress on the vessels and can lead to worsening of the disease.
  5. Acupuncture and massage promote relaxation, eliminate anxiety, normalize blood pressure, and restore sleep. In case of hypertensive type, massage movements are indicated at a slow pace with an increased effect on collar area. With a hypotonic variant of VSD, on the contrary, the massage should be fast and intense.
  6. The use of herbal preparations. For VSD with increased blood pressure, herbs with sedative and hypotensive effect(tincture of valerian, peony, motherwort). The hypotonic variant of the disease requires taking drugs with a stimulating and activating effect (eleutherococcus, aralia, ginseng).
  7. Physiotherapy methods have a positive effect in vegetative-vascular dystonia due to the normalization of the interaction of various parts of the nervous system and vascular tone. Such procedures improve blood circulation in organs and tissues and activate metabolic processes. The list of techniques used is quite large: electrophoresis with medicinal solutions on cervical region spine, applications of ozokerite or paraffin on the collar area, laser irradiation in combination with magnetotherapy. They have an excellent effect water treatments. For all types of VSD, contrast baths, circular and fan showers, underwater massage, and swimming are recommended.
  8. For hypotonic type VSD, it is necessary to consume foods that increase vascular tone: green tea, natural coffee, milk. In case of hypertensive variant of the disease, foods that provoke a rise in blood pressure should be excluded from the diet: strong tea and coffee, pickles and spicy dishes.

When diagnosing vegetative-vascular dystonia, drugs are prescribed exclusively by the attending physician. The therapeutic effect is focused on restoring balance in the functioning of the ganglion system.

Drugs for VSD

Drug treatment is determined by the predominant symptoms in a particular patient. The main group of drugs for VSD consists of drugs with a sedative effect:

  1. Herbal remedies – valerian, motherwort, novo-passit, etc.;
  2. Antidepressants – cipralex, paroxetine, amitriptyline;
  3. Tranquilizers - seduxen, elenium, tazepam, grandaxin.

In some cases, nootropic drugs (piracetam, omnaron), vascular drugs (cinnarizine, Actovegin, Cavinton), psychotropics - Grandaxin, Mezapam, Sonapax - are prescribed. With the hypotonic type of VSD, taking adaptogens and tonic herbal remedies - eleutherococcus, ginseng, pantocrine - helps.

As a rule, treatment begins with “softer” herbal remedies If there is no effect, mild tranquilizers and antidepressants are added. For severe anxiety, panic attacks, neurosis-like disorders without medicinal correction and there’s no way around it at all.

Symptomatic therapy is aimed at eliminating symptoms from other organs, primarily the cardiovascular system.

For tachycardia and increased blood pressure, anaprilin and other drugs from the group of beta-blockers (atenolol, egilok) are prescribed. ACE inhibitors. Cardialgia is usually relieved by taking sedatives - Seduxen, Corvalol, Valocordin.

Bradycardia less than 50 heart beats per minute requires the use of atropine and belladonna preparations. Cool, tonic baths and showers and physical exercise are helpful.

Folk remedies

First of all, treatment of VSD with folk remedies involves providing vascular support.

  • Calming charges. To restore the harmonious state of the nervous system, it is useful to drink herbal teas, which can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared yourself. Here is one of them: mix valerian root, cumin, motherwort, dill and calendula in equal proportions. Pour 1 teaspoon of the mixture into 150 ml of boiling water, leave for 2 hours and strain. Take the medicine 5 times a day, 15 ml for a month. It is not recommended to skip, since regularity of administration directly affects the effectiveness of treatment.
  • Another balm is prepared not only to strengthen blood vessels, it helps with strokes and heart attacks, vascular atherosclerosis, noise in the head, ears, inflammatory processes– Considering the composition, it turns out to be a very strong remedy. To make it, three tinctures are prepared: 40 grams of red clover flowers are poured with 40% alcohol in an amount of 500 ml and infused in the dark for 14 days, then filtered. The second infusion is prepared from the root of the Caucasian dioscorea in an amount of 50 grams, pre-crushed. The ingredient is poured with 40% alcohol in a volume of 500 ml and infused like clover. The third tincture is prepared from soft propolis, which is crushed and filled with 70% alcohol in a darkened glass container in a ratio of 100 grams per 1000 ml. The container is tightly closed, infused in the dark for 10 days at room temperature, and filtered. Then the tinctures are thoroughly mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio. The balm is taken in a small spoon three times a day after meals, first diluted with water in a volume of 50 ml. The duration of such therapy is two months. Then you should take a break for 14 days and repeat the course.
  • You need to take a glass of dry dill seeds, add two large spoons of crushed valerian root to them, place the mixture in a thermos and add a liter of water brought to a boil. The composition is infused for 24 hours, after which it is filtered and 500 ml of natural honey is added to the liquid. Mix everything thoroughly and place in the refrigerator. The medicine is taken three times a day before meals. At least 30 minutes should pass before eating. A single amount of the mixture is one large spoon. The course of treatment lasts until the end of the prepared drug.

This is not worth doing

What should not be done by patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia?

  1. Get involved in diets and fasting.
  2. It's hard to look at what's happening in life negatively.
  3. Create additional stress for the body - contrast showers, modern breathing practices.
  4. Practice meditation.
  5. Exhaust yourself with heavy physical activity.
  6. Try to find a new manifestation of the disease in yourself.
  7. Drinking alcohol.

Also listen to amateurs in this matter (neighbors, friends, acquaintances, relatives who do not have medical education), especially when it comes to prescribing medications!

Let's sum it up

Many doctors believe that such a diagnosis does not exist. The alarming thing is that no one has yet decided on the nomenclature of the disease, everyone calls it differently, no one can say exactly how it manifests itself.

Any of the symptoms related to the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be found in any person at any period of his life. Not all people in the world can suffer from any disease.

  1. The symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia are described very vaguely and in different sources differently. Most patients who have been diagnosed with this for years find it difficult to explain that they do not have such a disease, and indeed that such a disease does not exist. Otherwise, a completely logical question arises: what was he treated for all these months or years?
  2. For many doctors, this diagnosis is a “lifeboat” or a “garbage can”, depending on which way you look at it. If a patient has a number of symptoms, but the examination does not reveal any significant organic pathology, it is impossible to tell him that everything is fine.
  3. He came with complaints, something was bothering him, something brought him to the doctor’s office. He simply will not understand the doctor and will decide that he is not competent enough and will go to another doctor, in the hope that he will understand the problem. Therefore, the doctor uses a proven method and writes the diagnosis “vegetative-vascular dystonia” on the card.

Then he prescribes harmless valerian, motherwort, and walks in the evenings under the moon, accompanied by thoughts about something positive. What do we have? And the wolves are fed, and the sheep are safe. The patient is glad that the cause of his problems has been found; fortunately, the reason is trivial, because most of his friends and relatives have vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Good day, dear readers!

In this article we will look at vegetative-vascular dystonia and everything connected with it.

What is vegetative-vascular dystonia?

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD)– a complex of various clinical manifestations, developing as a result of disruption of the functionality of the autonomic nervous system of certain organs (mainly the heart and blood vessels) and body systems.

Other names of VSD - autonomic dysfunction, neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD).

To make it easier to understand this concept, it should be noted that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an autonomous part of the body’s nervous system, the center of which is located along the spine. The ANS consists of 2 conditioned mechanisms (divisions) that control the functioning of organs - sympathetic and parasympathetic. Both sections of the ANS, thanks to the presence of nerve cells in each organ and system, regulate their functionality, for example, causing the urge to defecate or urinate, feelings of hunger, nausea, increased or slow heartbeat, increased or decreased , desire to sleep or lack of sleep, respiratory processes, production of insulin, adrenaline, serotonin, etc.

The sympathetic department is responsible for the activation of all processes, and the parasympathetic department is responsible for the relaxation or rest of certain organs.

How it works? A person is hungry, a signal goes to the autonomic nervous system, the person eats food, and the receptors again report this to the ANS, which sends a signal to the pancreas, which produces the juice necessary for processing food. After the required portion of juice, when the food is processed, the stomach reports this to the ANS, and it “talks” to the pancreas, which stops the production of juice, then as food passes through the gastrointestinal tract, the whole process is regulated, ending with the urge to defecate. Thus, the autonomic nervous system constantly regulates the work of the entire organism as a whole, either activating or deactivating the work of each organ, automatically. Thanks to these mechanisms, a person does not need to think about how to breathe, or produce pancreatic juice, or increase body temperature if an infection has gotten inside, how to raise an arm or bend a leg, dilate the pupil in the dark or constrict in bright light, etc.

When, due to various pathological factors, a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system occurs, the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic sections of the ANS is disrupted, a person feels various kinds of symptoms, and at the level or organ where the disturbance occurred. It is important to note that the organ may not actually be sick, only its connection with the nervous system is lost, and therefore the normal functioning of the organ/system is disrupted.

Thus, if we say in simple language, then vegetative-vascular dystonia is a collective name for various clinical manifestations (symptoms) arising due to disruption of the central and/or peripheral parts autonomic nervous system (ANS). Moreover, you need to understand that, for example, with VSD it is not associated with hypertension, but manifests itself due to a disruption in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system at the level of the cardiovascular system, just like heart pain. But, if VSD is not treated and proper attention is not given, it can lead to real disease of certain organs - hypertension, other diseases of certain organs/systems.

Doctors note that vegetative-vascular dystonia is most often observed in children (25-80%), most often at the age of 7-8 years or adolescents, mostly female, and in urban environments. This age falls precisely on transitional periods, possibly stressful ones, when the child kindergarten enters the first grade of school, as well as leaving school and studying in higher education educational institutions. VSD is increasingly common in adults, which is also due to modern, often negative news in the media, as well as the often unpredictable “tomorrow”.

VSD. History and modernity

It is impossible not to mention an interesting fact, which perhaps many people do not know, that the diagnosis of VSD, in fact, was made only to residents of the USSR, although today some doctors use it. This is evidenced by the absence of this disease in the international classification of diseases (ICD-10), because This kind of disease does not exist in Europe and America.

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD)

The symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia are very diverse and differ in one direction or another depending on the cause, as well as the organ or system in which this disorder occurred. Thus, according to the same criteria, the VSD group included the following syndromes with their own characteristic features.

Parasympathicotonia (Vagotonia)

Vagotonia, or vagus nerve, is characterized by the following symptoms: depressive state, increased fatigue, sleep disorders (or excessive sleepiness), memory impairment, decreased performance, apathy, fearfulness, abdominal pain, appetite disturbances, bad feeling in a stuffy room or in the cold, leg pain, acrocyanosis, increased sweating, frequent urge to urination, transient swelling under the eyes, etc.

From the cardiovascular system, the following symptoms were noted: pain in the heart area, bradyarrhythmia, muffled heart tone (pulse up to 45-50 beats/min), increased heart size.

Sympathicotonia

Sympathicotonia is characterized by the following symptoms: pale skin, increased blood pressure, anxiety (feelings of fear and anxiety), short temper, inattention, increased sensitivity to pain, mydriasis, polyuria, constipation.

Neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD)

Neurocirculatory dystonia is divided into three types: cardiac, vascular and mixed, each of which is characterized by its own symptoms.

Cardiac type of NCD (functional cardiopathy): disturbances of cardiac rhythm and conduction ( sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, extrasystole, atrioventricular block I-II degree), some forms of mitral valve prolapse and disturbances in the processes of ventricular repolarization.

Vascular type of NCD: arterial hypertension () and arterial hypotension ().

Mixed type NDC: a set of symptoms of cardiac and vascular types.

Other signs of autonomic dysfunction

Cardiovascular syndrome characterized by the following symptoms: disorders heart rate(bradycardia, tachycardia, extrasystole), paleness of the skin, constant changes in blood pressure, various types of discomfort or pain in the heart area that does not go away when taking nitroglycerin.

Hyperventilation syndrome characterized by the following symptoms: a feeling of suffocation, lack of air, as if it is difficult to take a breath full breasts, muscle spasms, dizziness, sensory disturbances in the limbs and perioral area.

Irritable bowel syndrome characterized by: pain in the lower abdomen (bloating), frequent urge to defecate, pain or discomfort in the pit of the stomach, appetite disturbances, nausea and dysphagia.

Cystalgia– painful urge to urinate and the act itself, while urine tests do not show the presence of any diseases;

Sweating disorder, especially increased sweating is observed on the soles of the feet and palms;

Sexual disorders which are characterized in women by vaginismus and anorgasmia, in men by erectile dysfunction and ejaculation;

Violation of thermoregulation, which is characterized by daily temperature changes, from normal to a slight increase (up to), slight chills.

Vegetative crises

Under the influence of unfavorable factors - overwork (mental and physical), acute infectious diseases, stress and others, which we will talk about a little later, a person can be attacked by various kinds of vegetative crises - panic attacks, vegetative storms, paroxysms. They can occur both short-term and long-term, up to several days. Let's consider the most common vegetative crises.

Sympathoadrenal crisis. It is characterized by the following symptoms: headache, increased blood pressure (up to 150/90-180/110 mmHg), rapid pulse (up to 110-140 beats/min), increased excitability, numbness of the extremities with a feeling of coldness in them, pain in the heart area, frequent urination, polyuria, dry mouth, sometimes elevated temperature body (up to 38-40°C).

Vagoinsular crisis. It is characterized by the following symptoms: sudden pallor of the skin, increased sweating, decreased blood pressure and body temperature, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes angioedema may develop. Attacks of suffocation, pain in the heart area, syncope, etc. are also possible.

There are a large number of causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia, but they are all divided into 2 main groups - primary, which most often lie in heredity, and secondary, which provoke dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which already has some abnormalities. Let's consider the main causes of VSD:

Primary causes of VSD development

  • Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) of the fetus recent months pregnancy, during childbirth and the first days after birth. Most often, all this is facilitated by the pregnant woman’s consumption of alcoholic beverages, various medications without consulting a doctor, smoking, stress, and damage to the hypothalamus during childbirth. These situations subsequently lead to an inadequate reaction of the child to a particular stressful situation, emotional imbalance, etc.
  • Unfavorable living environment for a child - family quarrels, the presence of alcohol-dependent people in the family, divorce, excessive custody of the child, conflicts at school, mental stress, emotional overload.
  • Heredity, which is most often transmitted to the child from the mother.

Secondary causes, or factors that increase the risk of developing VSD:

  • Various kinds of chronic diseases - somatic, as well as other systems, constitutional anomalies (diathesis);
  • A sharp change in climate or living environment;
  • Unfavorable environmental conditions in the living environment
  • Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body (), which is most often caused by poor nutrition;
  • Physical, emotional and mental overstrain, stress;
  • Neuroses, hysteria;
  • Hormonal changes in the body - puberty in boys and girls, the beginning of;
  • Inability to verbally express your emotional experiences (alexithymia);
  • Bad habits – drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs;
  • Violation of the structure of the spine (trauma,);
  • Sleep disorder (insomnia or excessive sleepiness);
  • Poisoning (intoxication);
  • Brain metabolic disorders.

Classification of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Due to the fact that the diagnosis of VSD was made only by Soviet doctors, the international classification this state never developed. Therefore, when diagnosing VSD, the following factors are taken into account:

  • Etiology;
  • Localization of autonomic dysfunction – generalized, systemic or local;
  • Variant of disorders - vagotonic, sympathicotonic and mixed;
  • Organs and systems involved in the pathological process;
  • The severity of VSD is mild, moderate and severe;
  • The course is latent, permanent, paroxysmal.

Diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The following methods are used to diagnose vegetative-vascular dystonia:

  • Anamnesis;
  • Cardiointervalography;
  • Echoencephalography (EchoEG);
  • Rheoencephalography (REG);
  • Rheovasography;
  • Pharmacological tests.

Additionally, consultations with the following doctors may be scheduled:

  • Psychiatrist.

Differential diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Differential diagnosis is necessary to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms to VSD. Thus, according to the symptoms, with vegetative-vascular dystonia similar: , dysplasia connective tissue, rheumatic heart disease, non-rheumatic carditis, heart disease, (hypertension), acute, mental disorders.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia is a rather lengthy and painstaking task. A positive prognosis largely depends on correct diagnosis and precise determination of the cause of VSD.

Treatment of VSD is carried out comprehensively and includes the following points:

  • Normalization of daily routine, sleep, rest;
  • Elimination of physical inactivity using dosed physical activity ();
  • Therapeutic massage and water procedures;
  • Balneotherapy (treatment with mineral waters);
  • Phototherapy;
  • Limiting sources of emotional experiences - computer games, TV shows;
  • Counseling and family psychological correction;
  • Normalization of nutrition (regular consumption of food enriched with vitamins);
  • Electrophoresis;
  • Drug therapy.

Work/rest mode

Each person’s body has its own specific “charge”, which depends on many factors. When the strength runs out, but a person continues to overload his body with physical or mental work, the body begins to weaken, thereby being subject to various imbalances in the functioning of certain systems. The same thing happens if a person does not give the body enough time to rest. Therefore, to maintain health, it is very important that a person maintains a work/rest schedule. Work in moderation, rest and be sure to get enough sleep.

Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle leads to weakening of the muscle tissue of certain organs that are least involved in a person’s daily life. In addition, physical inactivity increases the risk of developing various diseases of the cardiovascular system. “Movement is life”, this is a fair saying. How more people moves, the blood is better“plays”, thereby improving blood circulation, the organs receive with the blood the nutrition necessary for their normal functioning in the form of oxygen and various substances.

Therapeutic massage and water treatments

Physical effects on the body, in particular therapeutic massage and water procedures, improve blood circulation and improve work lymphatic system, if necessary, the structure of the spine is restored (in the case of osteochondrosis), and along with the spine, the nerve canals with the vessels that pass through it are aligned. In addition, massage allows you to relax, relieve stress, and improve muscle tone. All these actions have a beneficial effect not only on the functioning of the central nervous system, but can also improve the overall health of a person.

Sources of emotional experiences

The modern number of media, as well as ways to obtain this information, is only growing from year to year. Today, few people will be surprised by a smartphone with the ability to get information from the Internet, a computer, a laptop, or a TV. But the whole problem lies in the quality of the information received. If we make a short review of at least posters for one or another modern computer games, some cartoons, movies, news, then you can highlight the overall picture - murder, violence, cruelty, lies, wars, occultism, etc. All this has an extremely negative impact on the developing psyche of the child, and on many people as well. Bad dreams, selfishness, disrespectful attitude towards other people are just the tip of the iceberg. The basis is emotional instability, imbalance, uncertainty about the future, panic fears. If you are a parent and have not yet studied the flow of information that feeds your child, this is the time to start doing so. Protect your child from the negative flow of information from the Internet and other sources. This is a very important point not only from a therapeutic VSD point of view, but also as a preventive measure against other complex diseases that usually manifest themselves in an adult.

Family psychological correction

This measure is necessary if your family experiences frequent conflicts and difficulties raising a child. Remember, quarrels and scandals have a negative impact on mental development child. Do not allow a showdown in front of the children. Children should grow up in a loving family where each member respects each other. In this way, a person is cultivated who will follow your family model, and it is better for the family to be happy.

Nutrition

For the normal functioning of any human organ or system, various minerals are required. Each vitamin is involved not only in the functioning of the entire body, but also in the development of all organs and regulation of their vital functions.

Some of the vitamins are produced in the required quantities by the body itself, but basically, we can only get vitamins from the food we eat. If a person gets used to eating fast food, sandwiches, chips, beer, etc., he does not receive the required amount of vitamins, because These foods simply don’t contain them. It's tasty, perhaps, but it's certainly not healthy. Moreover, such unhealthy food harms human health. It is also extremely important to eat at least 3 times a day. Food is a kind of “energy” that is necessary for a person to perform various daily tasks. There is no food, or it is incomplete, there is no strength for work, and of course, human health.

Give preference to foods rich in vitamins and minerals - vegetables, fruits, herbs, cereals. Try not to fry foods, but to steam or boil them. The less you heat-treat food products, the more vitamins and will remain in them. Human beauty and health largely depend on human nutrition.

Electrophoresis

For vagotonia, electrophoresis with caffeine and mesatone is prescribed.
For sympathicotonia, electrophoresis with papaverine, bromine, and aminophylline is prescribed.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is usually used in the following cases:

  • Non-drug therapy did not bring the desired result;
  • To relieve various kinds of symptoms that make it difficult to perform daily tasks;
  • For the treatment of various chronic diseases that may be factors determining the development of VSD.

Medicines for VSD:

Sedatives. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and calm. Among sedatives, the following are widely used: preparations based on valerian, hawthorn, “Novopassit”, “Persen”, “Stressplant”, herbal tea with lemon balm.

Tranquilizers (anxiolytic drugs). Used to relieve attacks of fear, stress, anxiety states. Among the tranquilizers we can note: “Diazepam”, “Relanium”, “Tranxen”.

Antidepressants. They are used to relieve feelings of depression, depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability, emotional stress, as well as to increase mental activity. In addition, antidepressants are used in cases where a patient with VSD constantly feels aches and pains throughout the body (in the heart, gastrointestinal tract, muscles, etc.), which are not amenable to symptomatic treatment. Antidepressants include: Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Clomipramine, Coaxil, Prozac, Cipramil.

Nootropics. They are used to improve mental activity, brain resistance to various stressful situations, and improve the energy state of neurons. Among the nootropics we can highlight: “Pyritinol”, “Piracetam”, “Phenibut”.

To normalize peripheral and cerebral circulation, as well as blood microcirculation, it is used: "Cinnarizine", vinpocetine ("Cavinton"), pentoxifylline ("Trental"), (vitamin B3 or PP).

For sympathicotonia, for pain in the heart areaß-blockers are used - propranolol (Anaprilin, Obzidan), Atenolol (Atenol, Tenormin).

To relieve heart pain used: Verapamil (“Verapamil”, “Isoptin”), “Valocordin”, tincture.

With vagotonic reactions. Psychostimulants of plant origin are used - preparations based on Schisandra, Eleutherococcus, Zamanikha, etc.

At intracranial hypertension (high blood pressure) dehydration therapy is used, which is aimed at removing from the body excess water. Diuretics are used for these purposes.

In combination, glycine, glutamic acid, pantogam, and complexes of vitamins and microelements have proven beneficial in the treatment of VSD.

At It is necessary to add food with big amount fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits. It is also allowed to take laxatives: Duphalac, Lavacol, Normaze.

With frequent, the amount of fiber consumed in food must be reduced. Additionally, you can take an antidiarrheal agent: loperamide (Imodium, Lopedium), sorbents (Polifepan, Smecta).

At You can take: “Pirroxan”, “Phentolamine”.

With increased sweating, the skin can be treated with solutions of formaldehyde, potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate), tannic acid.

In case of venous insufficiency– if the patient has noise in the head and throbbing pain in it, heaviness in the head, you can take: “Vasoket”, “Detralex”. Medicines for venous insufficiency are taken for 1-2 months.

At against the background of high blood pressure, medications are used that improve cerebral circulation– “Vinpocetine”, “Cavinton”, “Nicerium”, “Oxybral”.

With strong and dizziness, you can take Betaserc.

Important! During treatment for VSD, be sure to give up bad habits - smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, taking drugs.

Forecast

If detected in a timely manner, accurate diagnosis and strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions for the treatment of VSD, the prognosis for recovery is favorable. In case of VSD, it is very important to correctly carry out psychological adjustment of the child, so that after he grows up, formed during VSD psychical deviations did not accompany him throughout his life.

Important! Before using folk remedies, be sure to consult your doctor!

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD) are varied and non-specific, as is typical for most other diseases. Manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia are associated with the fact that the balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system is periodically disturbed, which is normally quickly restored.

Symptoms of VSD are recorded by patients constantly from day to day or in paroxysms, which implies the development of a vegetative crisis. Such crises occur in the form of pressure surges, fainting, disorders in the respiratory or digestive system, or panic attacks.

General symptoms

The main symptoms of VSD include:

  • Increased fatigue, morning lethargy, weakness.
  • Discomfortable sensations localized in the chest and heart.
  • Psycho-emotional disorders – increased level of anxiety, suspiciousness, irritability, unmotivated mood swings, decreased quality of sleep.
  • A feeling of insufficient air supply, which leads to deep and frequent breaths, pressure in the chest, and suffocation.
  • Headaches are accompanied or replaced by dizziness.
  • Pain in the limbs, spine.
  • Tingling in the hands, numbness, swelling.
  • Memory loss, absent-mindedness.
  • Meteosensitivity.

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia are different for each person, their severity depends on the presence of concomitant diseases and VSD type.

Vegetoneurosis with cardiac symptoms

When the functions of the autonomic nervous system are disrupted, the heart muscle and blood vessels suffer the most. Cardiac type of disease, manifested by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, found in 9 out of 10 patients with VSD. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the heart area. More often they are pressing, pulling, aching. They can be alternating, when one type of pain replaces another.
  • Chest discomfort. In this case, tingling, fluttering, and heart palpitations are often felt.
  • Heart rhythm disturbances. The pathology is manifested by tachycardia, less often bradycardia or arrhythmia.
  • Blood pressure surges. The pressure rises or falls. If a patient has hypotension blue lips, cold hands, feet, fainting state.

Painful symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia should be distinguished from pain with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction:

  • With vegetative neurosis, the pain does not spread to the jaws and teeth, although it often radiates to the shoulder, arm, axillary region or scapula.
  • Painful sensations with vegetative neurosis are not associated with physical activity, but with IHD, excessive effort becomes the cause of an attack.

Heart pain in vegetative-vascular dystonia is not relieved by taking nitroglycerin tablets, but is reduced by taking sedatives or Validol. Often pain appears against the background of psycho-emotional stress. At the same time, you may experience a feeling of a lump in the throat, numbness of the tongue, feet or hands.

Violation of the functioning of blood vessels during vegetative neurosis causes severe weakness, dizziness, and chill-like tremor. An increase in pressure leads to intense migraine-like pain and often pain along the spine.

Hypotension causes unsteady gait, dizziness, strong heartbeat and a feeling of insufficient air supply. This leads to the fear of death.

Symptoms of VSD according to the cardiac type are divided into several subtypes:

  1. The cardiac form of the disease is diagnosed if the patient complains of changes in the heart. These are pain in the chest and palpitations that do not have a clear localization and uniform course. The examination does not reveal organic disorders, and upon questioning it is possible to find out that manifestations of pathology occur after suffering stress.
  2. Hypertensive form of VSD: develops when vascular tone is always increased. The pressure remains at 140/90 mmHg. Art., in addition to this, there are severe headaches, a feeling of heat and flushing in the head, and increased fatigue. Vascular changes are manifested by periodic redness of the skin of the face and body, increased sweating in certain areas of the body. Swelling may appear on the feet, legs, swelling on the feet, legs. The skin of some patients acquires a “marble” coloration. Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia with increased blood pressure include temperature fluctuations, that is, it can decrease or increase for no reason. If this type of dystonia is not controlled and treated, then imaginary hypertension can cause the appearance of true hypertension.
  3. The hypotonic form of the disease develops when the tone of the main vessels decreases. Blood pressure is often less than 100/80 mm Hg. Art., this becomes the cause of weakness, inhibition, lethargy. With a sudden change in body position from a lying position to a vertical one, a semi-fainting state appears ( orthostatic collapse), in severe cases, passing into fainting. Before fainting there may be severe dizziness, darkening of the eyes, ringing in the ears. In patients with hypotension, the fingers periodically turn blue and the feet become cold.
  4. Mixed form characterized by unstable, variable vascular tone, which leads to pressure surges in one direction or another. The remaining symptoms of the pathology are similar to those of other forms of dystonia.

VSD with respiratory disorders

VSD of the hyperventilation form is expressed by the following symptoms:

  • Spasms of the larynx are felt as a lack of air, a foreign lump in the throat, or congestion in the nasal passages.
  • Spasms in the legs and arms are manifested by chill-like tremors.
  • Yawn.
  • Deep, heavy breaths.
  • Appearance visual disturbances during a panic attack (“floaters” before the eyes).

These symptoms cause headache, severe weakness, blurred or foggy vision, and palpitations. Vegetative-vascular dystonia manifests itself with respiratory symptoms, including nausea and belching.

A strong feeling of lack of air leads to a state of panic, fear of death appears, and this only aggravates the patient’s well-being.

VSD with gastrointestinal symptoms

When VSD manifests itself gastrointestinal symptoms:

  • Psychogenic nausea.
  • Heaviness in the epigastrium not associated with food intake.
  • Belching air.
  • Heartburn.
  • Increased formation of gases is recorded.
  • Frequent loose stools are associated with prolonged constipation.

Other symptoms of VSD

The forms of vegetative-vascular dystonia listed above are determined in most patients. But the pathology also manifests itself with other symptoms:

  • With VSD, it is possible to develop copious and frequent urination; examination does not reveal any organic disorders in the urinary system. Often, with prolonged dystonia, libido decreases, women often develop vaginismus, and men often experience unsatisfactory erection or impotence.
  • Violation of thermoregulation. Low-grade fever in patients with vegetoneurosis it often lasts for several weeks or even more. It cannot be brought down by taking antipyretic drugs, but in a state of rest of the nervous system, that is, at night, it decreases to normal numbers. Violation of thermoregulation can also occur in the form of feverish trembling. A drop in temperature causes weakness, sweating, hypotension, and drowsiness.
  • Disruption sweat glands. The autonomic nervous system also controls the functioning of the sweat glands, so if there is an imbalance, sweat production increases or, on the contrary, decreases. Excessive sweating fixed at the moment strong excitement, with panic attacks. Sometimes so much sweat is produced that it drips down and clothes quickly become wet.
  • Malfunction of the salivary glands is expressed by dry mucous membranes of the mouth or overeducation saliva (hypersalivation).
  • Impaired lacrimation. Formation of tears in large quantities is recorded in wind, psycho-emotional stress, and under the influence of low temperatures. Insufficient tear production, resulting in dry eyes, is rare.
  • Psycho-emotional changes. Symptoms in adults from the psychoemotional sphere are expressed by increased anxiety and causeless anxiety. Irritability, aggressiveness, fears, and negative mood occur. With such manifestations of the disease, a person subconsciously prepares for the worst, and this greatly worsens the quality of life of people with VSD.
  • Cephalgia, or headaches. The nature of pain in the head is different. Often pain in the frontal or temporal part spreads to the eye sockets and causes intolerance bright light. Gain painful sensations patients associate it with movement, sharp and loud sounds, and even with certain odors. Migraine-like pain continues for several hours, less often days, it is poorly relieved by analgesics and antispasmodics. In addition to headaches, pain and colic are recorded in the abdomen, heart, lungs, and spine. Such pains do not have a clear localization and do not increase, but can spread to nearby tissues and organs.
  • Uncomfortable sensations. With VSD, sensitivity in the arms and legs is often impaired, which leads to numbness, tingling, tremor, heavy sweating. The feet, fingers and palms turn blue, and swelling of the extremities periodically appears.

A person suffering from dystonia often experiences different combination symptoms. That is why you should tell your doctor in detail about your subjective feelings, describe how the attack progresses, what manifestations of the disease come to the fore.