Diagnosis of vegetative vascular dystonia. Other symptoms and signs of VSD. Treatment of VSD in adults

Vegetative-vascular dystonia includes the manifestation of all forms of disturbance of autonomic regulation.

IN last years give preference to the term “vegetative dystonia syndrome” over “vegetative dystonia syndrome” vascular dystonia“, since this makes it possible to talk about the syndrome of vegetative-visceral dystonia, and the latter can be divided into various systemic dystonias (vegetative-cardiac, vegetative-gastric, etc.). Therefore, some authors more often use the term “vegetative dystonia syndrome.” The second part of the definition of the syndrome also caused some debate. N.K. Bogolepov proposed replacing “dystonia” with “dysfunction”. This is a logical and attractive position, however, for the pathology and physiology of the autonomic nervous system Traditional terms are vagotonia, sympathicotonia, and amphotonia.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a complex presented in the form of subjective complaints from patients, dysfunctions of the autonomic part of the nervous system. VSD is rightfully considered one of the most difficult syndromes to diagnose. The clinical manifestations demonstrated by vegetative-vascular dystonia are diverse, there are more than 150 of them. All psychovegetative symptoms are associated with dysfunction of the limbic-reticular structure, which controls the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Vegetative-vascular dystonia is not an independent nosological entity; rather, it develops as a secondary syndromic reaction in response to persistent, chronic diseases or for long periods stressful situations from outside. VSD is a broad concept, more complex than the similar one - “neurocirculatory disorders”; accordingly, diagnostic measures should be deployed in the same way as treatment. Just three decades ago, vegetative-vascular dystonia was diagnosed relatively rarely; today, according to statistics, more than 75% of the inhabitants of our planet suffer from this disease to one degree or another. Most of them do not seek medical help, since the symptoms of the syndrome are smoothed out, but about a third of patients require complex therapy, and about 10% require hospitalization.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is called a syndrome because, as a rule, autonomic disorders are secondary manifestations of the most various forms pathology. And although the classification distinguishes between primary and secondary autonomic disorders, the common syndromic definition for them is autonomic dystonia syndrome. When analyzing the syndrome of vegetative dystonia, a number of factors are taken into account:

1. character autonomic disorders;
2. their permanence and paroxysmalness;
3. poly- and monosystemic nature of disorders;
4. generalized systemic and local disorders;
5. finally, and this seems especially important, three leading vegetative syndromes are distinguished within the syndrome of vegetative dystonia:
   • psychovegetative syndrome,
   • progressive autonomic failure syndrome,
   • vegetative-vascular-trophic syndrome.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD, Neurocirculatory dystonia)

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD, Neurocirculatory dystonia) Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD or neurocirculatory dystonia) is a pathological condition, a disruption of the compensatory activity of the autonomic nervous system. Perhaps this is the most common diagnosis made by doctors and causes dissatisfaction in the patient, misunderstanding and anxiety - perhaps the doctors did not find something serious after all, or missed something?

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

Causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia

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

The sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems have opposite effects on organ function. And as soon as the balance between this influence is disturbed, an imbalance in work occurs - vegetative-vascular dystonia. But it is said very simply, but the mechanism of regulation and relationships between organs and systems is very complex.

The occurrence of vegetative-vascular dystonia is influenced by constitutional predisposition, environment human habitat - family, religion, climate, education, culture and frequent or prolonged stress in this environment. People of any age suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Based on the location of the main symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, VSD is distinguished into respiratory, cerebral, cardiological, gastroenterological, vegetative-visceral types, with impaired thermoregulation.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can manifest itself persistent symptoms- vascular, neuromuscular, neuroendocrine, cognitive (impaired intellectual functions), mental (neuroses, depression, panic attacks) and paroxysmal (paroxysmal)- according to hypotonic, hypertonic type, mixed types.

• IRR of the hypotonic type is characterized by a decrease blood pressure.
• VSD of the hypertensive type is characterized by an increase in blood pressure.
• VSD of the mixed type is characterized by periodic fluctuations in blood pressure.

All types of vegetative-vascular dystonia are characterized by crises. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, sudden agitation, symptoms of a panic attack, increased blood pressure, cold extremities, and chills are observed. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type - general weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, cardiac arrest, sweating, low blood pressure. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of mixed type, all of the above symptoms appear to one degree or another.

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

Vagoinsular crises of VSD are caused by the predominant influence of the parasympathetic nervous system - weakness, decreased blood pressure, breathing problems, bradycardia (slowing of heart contractions and, accordingly, pulse), a 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, possibly for years, with periods of remissions and exacerbations.

Cardiopsychoneurosis

When cardiovascular disorders predominate in the complex of existing autonomic disorders, the term “neurocirculatory dystonia” is sometimes used. 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.

The cardiac type of neurocirculatory dystonia (functional cardiopathy) is manifested by rhythm and conduction disturbances (sinus bradycardia, extrasystole, paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal tachycardia, atrioventricular block I-II degrees), disruption of ventricular repolarization processes (nonspecific changes in the ST segment), some forms of mitral valve prolapse.

Neurocirculatory dystonia of the vascular type is accompanied by arterial hypertension(neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypertensive type) or hypotension (neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypotonic type).

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

For recurring headaches, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, increased fatigue, memory difficulties, anxiety, emotional lability(mood swings), sleep disorders, fear for one’s health (hypochondria), pain in the heart, disorders heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling of a “lump” in the throat, abdominal pain, numbness of the limbs... with almost any health problem you need to consult a doctor.

Examination for vegetative-vascular dystonia

To make a diagnosis of VSD, consultation will be required. different specialists and examinations (individually, depending on the detected symptoms). Therapist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist (for women) - the shortest list of possible consultations.

To confirm the diagnosis of VSD, it is necessary to exclude possible somatic organic disease, which can give manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome in each specific patient individually. And according to the complaints described in detail and the symptoms discovered during the doctor’s examination, the necessary studies are prescribed.

The patient’s task is to describe his feelings in detail. For example, not just - I have a headache, but in detail - where it hurts (forehead, back of the head, temple, on one side or diffusely), how it hurts (pulsates, burns, shoots, bursts...) what you feel, what sensations are accompanied (may be pressure on the eyes and ears, maybe vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbances...), which precedes the appearance of a headache - changes in weather conditions, stress, overwork...

From possible examinations if VSD is suspected, neurologists more often use an electrocardiogram, vascular Dopplerography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, examinations by an ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, or therapist. To exclude diseases thyroid gland(both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can manifest themselves as symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia) laboratory tests are used - they examine the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland and ultrasound.

When the diagnosis of VSD is established and all possible somatic diseases, individual treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Highly recommended for successful treatment vegetative-vascular dystonia, modify lifestyle: work and rest schedule, playing sports in a play mode, but not professionally, swimming, running, aerobics, fitness, contrast shower, staying in the fresh air are encouraged, healthy eating, sleep 8 hours a day, visit a psychotherapist, Spa treatment in neurological sanatoriums using all types of balneotherapy (hydrotherapy), reflexology, aromatherapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage. This IMPORTANT recommendation patients often do not take it seriously and thereby aggravate their condition.

It is very important to normalize blood circulation in the brain and prevent the development of stroke and other serious illnesses of cardio-vascular system. For example, the combination drug Vasobral improves blood circulation and metabolism in the brain. The components of the drug prevent blood clots, reduce the permeability of vascular walls, increase the resistance of brain tissue to lack of oxygen, increase mental and physical performance. The effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia has been clinically proven.

Drugs for the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Antidepressants and tranquilizers are used.

Medication prescriptions are individual - symptomatic. How multifunctional is the autonomic nervous system, how diverse clinical picture dystonia, the prescribed treatment combination is so variable. The doctor prescribes all medications and indicates the dosage.

When blood pressure rises - antihypertensive drugs, for tachycardia - β blockers, for hypotension - caffeine, ginseng with B vitamins.

For venous insufficiency - Vasoket, Venoplant, Detralex. These drugs are taken for heaviness in the head, throbbing, bursting headache, intensifying after sleep and in the hot season (this is confirmed by Doppler examination venous insufficiency), taken for a long time from 1 to 2 months, usually 1 tablet in the evening.

For dizziness and high blood pressure, you can take Cavinton, Cavinton-retard, Oxybral, Vinpocetine, Sermion, Nicerium. For low blood pressure and dizziness - ginkgo-biloba preparations - memoplant, ginkofar.

For noise in the head, betaserc is added - for 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, you can put the tablet under the tongue for quick action.

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

Antidepressants are prescribed by a doctor - you should know that the minimum duration of taking such drugs is 6 months and the effect occurs on average within 10-14 days. Has an antidepressant effect Orange color- use it. Orange, Orange juice, bright umbrella...

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

At asthenic syndrome, cerebrosthenia, neuroprotectors, antioxidants, drugs that improve blood circulation and microcirculation are prescribed - nootropil, piracetam, phenotropil, mildronate, cavinton, sermion, glycine, trental. Nootropil (piracetam, lucetam) is taken 1200 twice a day - in the morning and at lunch, for at least a month. Phenotropil 1 tablet per day. Glycine should be dissolved 2 tablets three times a day for 1-2 months.

The choice of any medications should be treated with extreme caution so as not to cause addiction in the patient and the need for constant use in order to achieve relief from the condition. Attracts attention domestic drug Eltacin, which relieves excessive tension, helps stabilize blood pressure, improve sleep, increases the body's energy potential and tissue resistance to oxygen starvation, and thus affects the cause of vegetative-vascular dystonia, and not just its symptoms.

In the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, it is possible to use herbs for a sedative (calming), antidepressant effect on the nervous system (normalizing mood, relieving anxiety, mental stress):

• Melissa - sedative with antispasmodic and anxiolytic, antidepressant effect. Avicena called Melissa “the delight of the heart,” making the heart happy, strengthening the spirit and driving away dark thoughts. Used in the form of medicinal teas, decoctions, infusions
• St. John's wort has an antidepressant effect - reduces anxiety, restlessness, and normalizes sleep. Used in combination tablets- Novo-Passit, available in tablets - deprim.
• Hops - sedative effect, analgesic effect.
• Hawthorn - normalizes the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, and has a calming effect.
• Mint is an antispasmodic, hypnotic, sedative, choleretic agent, reduces nausea.
• Valerian has a sedative effect, normalizes sleep, relieves psycho-emotional stress.
• Combination drugs are used - dormiplant, novo-passit, sedasen, sedavit.

At VSD according to hypertensive In this type, you can use sedative herbs and hawthorn, marsh grass, raunatin, and rose hips. You can take hawthorn infusion ¼ cup 4 times a day before meals (1 tablespoon of hawthorn flowers per 1 cup hot water, leave for 2 hours). It is necessary to reduce the amount of salt, caffeine, alcohol, and fats consumed. The diet needs to be diversified with vitamins - vegetables and fruits, pomegranate, apples, grapefruit, garlic, chocolate. Light exercise and walks in the fresh air, sea treatments, and reflexology are useful.

At VSD of hypotonic type You can use ginseng, eleutherococcus, Chinese lemongrass, which increase performance and blood pressure - they have tonic and adaptogenic properties. If you have increased excitability or insomnia, they should not be used. Ginseng tincture is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, 1 teaspoon for a month. Recommended oxygen, pearl, aromatic baths, circular, fan toning shower, physical therapy, sports activities, reflexology.

All medications and therapeutic measures prescribed and controlled by a doctor.

Consultation with a doctor on vegetative-vascular dystonia

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

Answer: For the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, doctors prescribe special medications, including sedatives and antidepressants. However, it should be borne in mind that medications for vegetative-vascular dystonia should only be taken with the knowledge of a doctor, since they can be addictive!

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with folk remedies can be quite effective: in particular, infusions for cleansing blood vessels, cardiac tinctures, but only in the absence of contraindications to them. Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with herbs (hawthorn, motherwort, etc.) also refers to folk treatment; these remedies are only auxiliary in nature. Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with folk remedies in practice does not provide recovery, but has a beneficial effect on the body and relieves some symptoms.

Physical therapy is most useful for vegetative-vascular dystonia, providing a general strengthening effect on the body. Physical therapy for VSD is an excellent means for training the body and increasing its performance. In case of vegetative-vascular dystonia, physical education, thought out taking into account the age and health status of the patient, is simply necessary. However, exercises for VSD should be gentle and completely exclude jumping. It should also be taken into account that an active lifestyle in general is a prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

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

Question: I am diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The doctor prescribed medication to me, but there was no improvement in my condition after treatment. In this case, how can I cure VSD?

Answer: The causes of a disease such as VSD can often be psychological disorders(stress, depression, neuroses, overwork, chronic fatigue). Cannot be separated mental health from the physical, true health combines both aspects. Fear, phobias - this causes panic attacks, vegetative-vascular dystonia or syndrome chronic fatigue. All this is treated by psychotherapists without pills, using proven techniques. Treatment uses method behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy.

Question: What is better - to take medications and antidepressants for years or to get rid of the symptoms of VSD and panic attacks by visiting a psychotherapist?

If the cause of the disease is physical factors, then medications can and should be prescribed to treat VSD. However, medications for vegetative-vascular dystonia, the cause of which are psychological disorders, are simply irrelevant. In this case, folk remedies will not help in the treatment of VSD. IN in this case For the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, the help of a professional psychologist is necessary. Only in this case will the treatment of VSD be truly effective.

Question: How is vegetative-vascular dystonia related to panic attacks?

The description of panic attacks is very similar to the description of the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia during a crisis (attacks of VSD). The nature of panic attacks and exacerbations of VSD is the same: in the body at these moments there is a high concentration of adrenaline, norepinephrine and acetylcholine. These are biologically active substances cause emotional overload and pain. That is why patients in need of treatment for panic attacks are often diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia and prescribed medicines from VSD, while people need psychological help. Vegetative-vascular dystonia and panic attacks are easy to confuse, especially since in Russia not even all doctors know about panic attacks. Pain during VSD (and headache, especially characteristic of VSD) often does not require treatment medicines, however, they continue to be prescribed. However, even in order to lower blood pressure (it increases with VSD of the hypertensive type), you do not need pills, but quick, professional psychological help.
Treatment of panic attacks and symptoms of VSD, like treatment of phobias, often does not require drug intervention.

Based on an article by neurologist T.V. Novikova.

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 the functioning of all internal organs, blood vessels, endocrine and exocrine glands;
• Ensures the body adapts to changes external conditions;
• Maintains the constancy of the 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.

Influenced by various negative factors its adaptive 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.

Besides, in different periods life 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 bone apparatus, current focal infections, metabolic pathologies, as well as occupational diseases, head injuries.

VSD is considered one of the symptoms of such diseases:

• Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine;
• Thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus;
• Radiation sickness.

In these cases isolated treatment VSD is meaningless: its manifestations are alleviated or disappear as a result of therapy for 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, 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 of the 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 the sensations familiar from previous ones attacks of VSD, are amplified 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, physical therapy;
• Physiotherapeutic procedures;
• Drug treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is an unpleasant condition, but with systematic approach quite controlled. Understanding this and caring about own health- 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 fat. 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.

VSD is not considered independent disease, but rather a set of signs - symptoms of other pathological processes.

As for classification, there is no consensus.

But depending on the transformations of the cardiovascular system and pressure, VSD is divided into these types:

1. Normotensive(cardiac cardiac) type. It manifests itself as pain in the heart and irregular heart rhythm.
2. Hypertensive type. It manifests itself in high blood pressure regardless of the state (stress or rest).
3. Hypotensive type. Characterized by low blood pressure with weakness and tendency to faint.

Depending on the predominant activity sympathetic or parasympathetic division Autonomic nervous system is divided into: sympathicotonic, parasympathicotonic and mixed types of VSD.

According to the nature of the flow can be: permanent (signs are constantly present, more often with hereditary tendencies), paroxysmal (vegetative attacks) or latent (hidden).

Causes of the disease

To the main causes of VSD relate:

• hereditary tendency;
• endocrine changes in the body, the most striking example is hormonal changes during puberty;
• diseases endocrine system(thyroid gland, adrenal glands, gonads);
• stress, distress;
• organic brain damage (trauma, tumor processes, strokes).

Symptoms characteristic of VSD

Basic:

• fast fatiguability;
• feeling of anxiety with rapid heartbeat;
• feeling of tightness in the chest;
• heartache;
• disorders of the intestines and gastrointestinal tract;
• increased sweating;
• rises in temperature that are difficult to explain, a feeling of a lump in the throat;
• decreased motivation;
• lack of air, numbness of arms and legs;
• paresthesia, “crawling” sensation, meteosensitivity.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia depletes the patient. Doctors often attribute VSD complaints to gastritis, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, thyroid dysfunction.

Vegetovascular dystonia is a dysfunction of the nervous system, which is characterized by general deterioration the patient's well-being. Classified as a...

Diagnostic methods

Diagnose VSD difficult, since there is no equipment or tests with which it is possible to establish such a diagnosis. This disease can only be defined by the sum of its symptoms.

First of all, when diagnosing vegetative-vascular dystonia, it is important to exclude purely somatic, neurological, and endocrine diseases.

The state of the nervous system is determined based on autonomic tone, reactivity and activity support.

These components are evaluated based on based on patient complaints, ECG and cardiointervalography data. In the diagnosis of VSD, an important role is played by EEG, EchoEG, REG, rheovasography, which makes it possible to assess functional state CNS, identify changes in cerebral and peripheral vessels, intracranial hypertension.

In case of rhythm and conduction disturbances, changes in the ST segment on the ECG, the necessary pharmacological tests, Holter ECG monitoring, etc. are performed. In case of vegetative-vascular dystonia, consultations with a neurologist, ENT doctor, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, and in some cases, a psychiatrist are necessary.

Since VSD is not a nosological form of the disease, but the result of dysfunction of brain structures, lesions endocrine glands, internal organs, etc., come first when making a diagnosis an etiological factor is identified(if identified), which facilitates targeted therapy.

Differential diagnosis makes it possible to exclude diseases that have symptoms similar to vegetative-vascular dystonia. In the presence of cardiac complaints, with changes in the heart, it is necessary to exclude rheumatism, which has quite characteristic diagnostic signs.

In this case, signs of dysplasia should be taken into account connective tissue, the clinical manifestations of which collectively resemble not only rheumatic carditis, but also congenital heart defects, non-rheumatic carditis.

If elevated blood pressure is detected, it is necessary to exclude the presence of primary and symptomatic arterial hypertension.

Respiratory disorders(shortness of breath, attacks of suffocation) that occur during crises in children with VSD are often differentiated from bronchial asthma.

If febrile reactions are present, it is necessary to exclude acute infectious disease, sepsis, infective endocarditis, and oncological pathology. In the presence of psychovegetative symptoms, it is important to exclude mental disorders.

Treatment of various forms of VSD

Treatment for vegetative-vascular dystonia must be comprehensive, long-term, taking into account the characteristics of autonomic disorders and their etiology.

Preference is given to non-drug methods. These include normalization of the daily routine, elimination of physical inactivity, dosed physical activity, limitation of emotional influences (TV shows, computer games), individual and family psychological correction, as well as regular and balanced nutrition.

What does it show and is it possible to independently decipher the results of the study?

The drug Betaserc will help with headaches; instructions for use, the pros and cons of the drug and other interesting information are in our material.

Treatment Goals

Purpose treatment of VSD is to overcome internal discomfort, improve the general health and quality of life of the patient. In this way, you can not only eliminate the root causes of the disease, but also prevent relapses.

Lifestyle Features

The question of how to cure vegetative vascular dystonia does not arise until the patient completely changes his lifestyle.

There are several provisions:

• proper nutrition;
• playing sports;
• avoiding smoking and alcohol;
• reducing the amount of stress.

Diet for vegetative-vascular dystonia, as a rule, not assigned: the patient can eat whatever he wants as long as it does not harm other organs.

Avoiding alcohol is especially important in the treatment of VSD.

Very important physical activity, as it helps regulate vascular activity at the muscle level and provides an outlet for stress.

Physiotherapy, massage

Treatment of VSD of hypotonic, hypertensive, mixed and other types must begin with the following procedures: acupuncture, water treatments, physiotherapy (laser puncture, magnetic puncture, vacuum therapy, electrical stimulation), therapeutic massage.

Very effective method therapy is considered massage. This procedure performs several functions at once: it tones blood vessels and relieves nervous tension.

Drug treatment

In the treatment of VSD, medications are prescribed to correct the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and medications aimed at eliminating symptoms from organs and systems.

To improve memory processes and reduce the excitability of the nervous system, it is advisable to take This amino acid improves metabolism in the brain, as a result of which the astheno-neurotic component of dystonia is noticeably reduced. In addition, the use of nootropics with a sedative effect is justified.

If tachyarrhythmia occurs with vegetative vascular dystonia, then treatment indicated potassium preparations, barboval, corvalol, corvaldin.

Homeopaths for the treatment of VSD, cardio-gran, pumpan, kralonin, neurohel, etc. can be prescribed. These medications have a sedative, vasodilator and antispasmodic effect.

For increased blood pressure and tachycardia, reserpine and β-blockers can be used.

Dystonia is often accompanied by neuroses. Tranquilizers will help reduce anxiety, fear, tension, normalize sleep, a number of them have an anticonvulsant effect.

In addition, they have vegetotropic properties and have positive effect with functional extrasystoles and cardialgia, blood pressure lability.

Use for sleep disorders sleeping pills, however, they should not be taken for long, since sleeping pills cannot provide physiological rest.

Herbs for VSD

If medical supplies for the treatment of VSD did not help, you can use folk remedies medicine:

1. Adonis spring(spring adonis). Raw materials - grass (stems, leaves, flowers) and unripe fruits. The herb contains the cardiac glycosides cymarin, adonitoxin, flavone glycoside, adonivernite, several other cardiac glycosides, saponins, adonite alcohol, phytosterol and mineral salts. Therapeutic effect: stimulates and regulates the activity of the heart, expands blood vessels heart and kidneys, strengthens heart contractions, evens out heart rhythm and eliminates congestion. The plant is poisonous, use with caution only as prescribed by a doctor.
2. Anise. Raw materials - ripe fruits (seeds). Contains fatty oil and essential oil, including anethole, methylsalvicol, acetaldehyde. It has an expectorant, intestinal stimulant, carminative and sedative effect, lowers blood pressure, temperature, and helps overcome depression during stress.
3. Orange sweet. Raw materials - fruits, fruit peels, flowers. Used for fears nervous tension, depression, decreased appetite, feverish conditions, hypertension, atherosclerosis, liver disease, obesity, hypertension, gout, scurvy, and also with excessive heavy menstruation and others uterine bleeding, take to calm the nervous system.

How to treat VSD according to different types

Let's consider two main types of VSD

Hypertensive type

Hypertensive type of dystonia characterized by increased blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. This causes headaches and heartbeat, pulsation of blood vessels in the periphery.

At the same time, vascular hypertonicity increases the risk of stroke in elderly patients. This means that the hyperkinetic type of dystonia can lead to hypertension. Therefore, treatment of VSD of the hypertensive type is also preventive.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia of the brain ( cerebral form) needs to pharmacological treatment . The following groups of pharmacological agents are used for therapy: drugs:

• beta-blockers (sotalol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, atenolol);
• ACE inhibitors (enalapril, berlipril, lisinopril);
• calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine);
• sedatives (hawthorn tincture, Corvalol, sedavite);
• vitamin complexes and antioxidants;
• antiarrhythmics according to indications.

These drugs correct the functioning of the heart and reduce the heart rate.

Treatment of hypotonic type VSD

Few drugs have been developed to treat the hypokinetic type of dystonia, because the pathology is not so common. However this form also needs treatment. The following are indicated for use: drugs:

• m-anticholinergics (atropine);
• methylxanthines (aminophylline, theophylline);
• vitamins and antioxidants;
• coffee, strong tea twice a day, green tea(due to caffeine).

It is difficult to find a solution to the question of how to cure vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type; this form of the disease often proceeds benignly.

Treatment of such a pathology as vegetative-vascular dystonia is especially rarely necessary in adolescents and children, as well as pregnant women.

Things to remember

Vegetative dystonia – this is a syndrome, For effective treatment which it is necessary to find out exactly the root cause of its occurrence.

Concluding statement about the presence of vegetative dystonia syndrome with manifestations of cardiovascular, gastroenteric, thermoregulatory or respiratory systems is done only after excluding organ pathology from these systems.

Disease prevention

Prevention of VSD in adults, first of all, is to normalize daily activities, refusal bad habits and mastering self-regulation skills. An important role is in the timely prevention of various types of hormonal disorders.

Those who have symptoms of VSD at least once a year should exercise treatment and preventive courses(acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, herbal medicine, classes in psychological support groups).

The goal of prevention is to prevent exacerbations and improve the patient’s well-being.

VSD is dangerous due to the difficulty of diagnosis. It is often installed in advanced stages, when drug treatment is already necessary. This is why it is so important to carry out self-prevention illness.

Video: How to cure vegetative vascular dystonia

How to alleviate the condition of VSD. It’s enough just to master your body - play sports, know how to relax, eat right. As well as specific exercises from a professional.

Perhaps no disease raises as many questions as vegetative-vascular dystonia. This is understandable, because even the very definition of this disease is very vague. It can be caused by many different reasons.

It is characterized by many manifestations, ranging from disorders of the cardiovascular system to various psycho-emotional disorders.

But perhaps the most important feature of this disease is that its course is quite favorable.

To correctly understand what kind of disease this is, you need to have at least a small understanding of the structure of the human nervous system. Without going into deep details, suffice it to say that there is a special network of nerve fibers called the autonomic nervous system, or otherwise the parasympathetic.

Its role is constant involuntary control over the work of internal organs and even regulation of their activity, if such a need suddenly arises. It is precisely with disruptions in the functioning of this system that vegetative-vascular dystonia is associated.

Still not revealed the real reason VSD. It is believed that the following factors can trigger the development of this disease:

• frequent rhinitis and nasopharyngitis infectious nature;
• constant stress and psycho-emotional stress;
• excessive exposure to physical factors (cold, heat, ultraviolet radiation, etc.);
• traumatic brain injuries;
• sedentary lifestyle life;
• smoking;
• alcohol;
• hormonal imbalances;
• mental stress;
• exposure to toxic substances.

It is believed that one factor is not enough to provoke the development of the disease. At least two must be present. Only then is an appropriate background formed that can disrupt the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

VSD classification

There is no generally accepted differentiation of vegetative-vascular dystonia yet. But Russian authors, for the most part, adhere to one classification of this nosological form, based primarily on differences in etiology, the predominance of the clinical syndrome, the type of vegetative crisis, the phase and severity of the disease.

According to etiological form:

• infectious-toxic;
• idiopathic;
• hereditary;
• caused by physical overload;
• conditional mental disorders;
• mixed.

According to the predominance of the clinical syndrome:

• hypertensive;
• cardialgic;
• hypotonic;
• arrhythmic;
• migraine-like;
• syncopal;
• dysthermic, etc.

According to the variant of vegetative crisis:

• vagoinsular;
• sympathoadrenal;
• combined.

By phase:

• remission;
• exacerbation.

By severity:

• light;
• average;
• heavy.

Clinical picture of VSD

It is important to know!

This disease is most typical only for young. Mostly children, girls and boys are affected. More often the disease occurs in females. These facts are explained by the great lability of the nervous system in children and adolescents and pronounced hormonal changes in the female body in puberty(during puberty).

The following symptoms are characteristic of vegetative-vascular dystonia:

• increased sweating;
• marbling skin(especially on the palms);
• the appearance of red spots on the neck during excitement;
• pain in joints and muscles at rest;
• rapid heartbeat during stress or constant tachycardia, which is always absent during sleep;
• heat intolerance (bath, sauna, any stuffy rooms, public transport);
• headaches and dizziness without any reason;
• decrease in heart rate below 60 beats per minute during sleep;
• causeless rises and falls in blood pressure;
• various, causeless pains in the heart area.

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of manifestations of this disease, and it is very rare for patients to have just one symptom. Most often there is a combination of them. This is why such great variability makes diagnosis very difficult.

Doctors, first of all, try to exclude serious problems with the heart or with the brain, and only then think about a more favorable pathology. It may take a long time for a doctor to arrive at a correct diagnosis, especially considering the fact that it is simply impossible to confirm VSD with any specific laboratory test.

Diagnosis of the disease

In most cases, when examining patients with VSD, the following changes can be found:

• instability of the T wave and ST segment on the ECG during hyperventilation or an orthostatic test;
• quite specific changes on the cardiogram at the end of the ventricular complex (QRS);
• V general analysis blood signs of a moderate inflammatory process;
• instability of pulse and blood pressure during daily monitoring of these indicators.

Obviously, absolutely reliable laboratory signs no disease. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the characteristic clinical picture and the presence of at least several of the signs listed above.

Treatment of VSD

For the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia from medications usually used:

• pyrroxane;
• anaprilin;
• cyclodol;
• quercetin;
• ascorbic acid;
• caffeine.

All these drugs are selected strictly individually, taking into account the form of the disease, and taking them independently, without a doctor’s prescription, is extremely dangerous.

Treatment of VSD with folk remedies

Due to the favorable course of vegetative-vascular dystonia, its treatment with folk remedies is very popular. The use of traditional methods always carries a high risk of developing side effects and allergic reactions, and with herbal remedies this risk is significantly less. There are also very effective exercises and combined folk recipes for the treatment of VSD.

Treatment should begin with regular walks in the fresh air. It's about not about when a person walks through the park while running home or to work, but about a purposeful trip to the street for at least an hour in some deserted place. It is not at all necessary that it be a park area; the main thing in choosing a location is the distance from highways and other sources of air pollution.

As for exercises for VSD, there is nothing complicated here. All of them can be performed at home, without special preparation. On initial stage Regular morning exercises will do. The main emphasis should be on warming up the neck muscles, breathing exercises and mobility spinal column. Some special therapeutic exercises should be carried out in a special room under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Also from sports disciplines the following will be very useful:

• swimming;
• cycling;
• Athletics(excluding power elements);
• aerobics;
• gymnastics.

Traditional methods of treating vegetative-vascular dystonia

VSD can be treated by cleansing the body of toxins with clay. For this treatment, you need to drink a solution of clay with water every day for one week: one tablespoon of clay per glass of warm water. Moreover, every day we reduce the amount of clay. By the last day of taking it, just add a teaspoon to the water.

It is best to buy clay for treatment at a pharmacy; this will be the safest option, since clay dug up yourself will contain dirt and various impurities, and in this case it will need to be washed thoroughly.

Baths with mustard

If you have VSD with headaches, then you can use the following the folk way treatment:

1. We dilute mustard in warm water - 5 tablespoons. You need to take enough water to get a mass that resembles thick sour cream.
2. We cut this composition into a bath with a water temperature of about 39 degrees.
3. Take a mustard bath for 7 minutes. After this, we immediately wrap ourselves in a sheet and go to bed.

After this you need to drink soothing tea, and you will feel much better.

Tea with cognac for headaches

If you have a headache and low blood pressure in the morning due to VSD, it is recommended to drink strong tea with the addition of one teaspoon of cognac.

Treatment with beets and vegetable juices

1. For vegetative-vascular dystonia, you need to take beets small size, cut it into two halves, and then apply the beets to your temples. And hold it like that for seven minutes.
2. It will be useful to drink fresh beet juice, diluting it with carrot and cucumber juices in the following ratio: 1:3:1.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with herbs

Traditional methods of treating vegetative-vascular dystonia, naturally, cannot do without the use of herbs and other herbal remedies. Their mild effect is ideally suited for the treatment of this disease. The most effective treatment will be:

• valerian;
• motherwort;
• hawthorn;
• dill;
• caraway;
• calendula;
• peppermint;
• barberry, etc.

With daily intake of herbs, improvement occurs quite quickly, after 2 weeks. However, it is worth considering that herbal treatment needs to be carried out for quite a long time.

Dosage herbal decoctions and infusions per day, for different age groups:

• Children under one year - 0.5 teaspoon;
• children under three years old - 1 teaspoon;
• children from three to six years old - 1 dessert spoon;
• children from six to ten years old - 1 tablespoon;
• over ten years and adults - 2 tablespoons.

Herbal preparations for the treatment of VSD

Collection for men:

• rose hips fruits - 4 parts;
• licorice roots - 4 parts;
• St. John's wort herb - 3 parts;
• valerian roots - 3 parts;
• mistletoe grass - 2 parts;
• roots of Leuzea, Rhodiola and Angelica - 2 parts each.

Collection for women:

• angelica roots and viburnum fruits - 3 parts each;
• roots of dandelion, licorice, Rhodiola rosea, Leuzea - ​​2 parts each;
• nettle leaves - 2 parts;
• rose hips - 2 parts;
• wormwood and knotweed - 2 parts each.

Preparation:

1. Grind herbs, fruits and roots in a coffee grinder.
2. We take two tablespoons of the herbal powder that we ground and pour it into a thermos with 0.5 liters of boiling water.
3. Let it sit overnight.
4. In the morning, the resulting infusion can be drunk.

Application for treatment:

The dosage is one third of a glass, three times a day.

Treatment of VSD with herbs should be carried out over a course of 6–8 weeks.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with folk remedies depends on the symptoms that predominate in the clinic of this disease. For example, for the hypertensive variant of VSD would be better suited hawthorn, and for hypotonic barberry. At mixed forms Various combinations of herbs (hops, fennel, etc.) are widely used.

As for food products that are useful for VSD, the following must be present in the diet:

• fish and seafood;
• carrots;
• cereals;
• fruit;
• dairy products;
• fresh herbs;
• nuts.

These products contain substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. It is important to remember that excessive consumption of any one type of food can lead to dysfunction. gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important that the ingredients are harmoniously balanced. Only in this case can you count on the beneficial effects of these products.

Disease prevention

Although an unambiguous cause of vegetative-vascular dystonia has not yet been found, all doctors unanimously agree that stress prevention will help avoid the occurrence of this disease. It is necessary to minimize the likelihood of emotional overstrain. A healthy lifestyle, a balanced and proper diet, and exercise are also part of the prevention of VSD.

Note!

It is very important to have a rational daily routine. Time for rest and sleep should be sufficient (in total, at least 8-9 hours a day). Required regular intake food, if possible, at the same time every day. All these are enough simple recommendations will help not only avoid illness, but also, in general, improve your health.

No matter how terrible the symptoms of VSD may seem, this disease has a good prognosis in almost 100% of cases. Can help to make a correct diagnosis instrumental methods studies and tests, but in general the disease is detected on the basis of a characteristic clinical picture.

Application folk remedies for the treatment of VSD is completely justified due to its favorable course. Therapy must be comprehensive and include not only herbal remedies, but also diet and application physical therapy. If folk remedies are ineffective, they resort to drug treatment.