VSD (Vegetovascular dystonia): causes, symptoms and treatment

One of the most common pathologies in the modern world is vegetative-vascular dystonia. It is diagnosed in 80% of the population. In pediatric practice, VSD is detected in 25% of cases. However, there is still no consensus regarding the definition of pathology.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a symptomatic complex that includes damage to various organs and systems. In order to diagnose the disease, determine the causes of its development and carry out the correct treatment, we recommend contacting the Yusupov Hospital. For research, the clinic’s specialists use equipment that meets quality and safety standards. Therapy is prescribed according to the latest international recommendations.

The formulation of VSD is found only in domestic medicine. However, there is no such disease in the international classification of diseases ICD-10. The symptom complex is combined into such a concept as “autonomic dysfunction” (ICD-10 code F 45.3).

Causes

Vegetative-vascular dystonia affects various systems and organs. Symptoms may appear already in fetal development. It has been proven that the largest number of diagnosed cases are detected between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Among the main reasons for the development of VSD are the following:

• hereditary burden;
• physiological features of the structure of the body;
• psycho-emotional or physical stress;
• hormonal instability;
• chronic somatic pathologies;
• history of traumatic brain injury.

Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital quickly identify the causes of the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
In accordance with the identified etiological factors, a treatment program is developed. Make an appointment

Vegetative-vascular dystonia in simple words

The diagnosis of vegetative vascular dystonia is more often found in adult men and women, but also occurs in children and adolescents. If you or your loved ones are faced with this diagnosis, then first of all remember that the essence of VSD is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. How does this manifest itself and what to do? – we will try to understand these and other questions in our article.

Does VSD have a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels? Vegetative vascular dystonia in adults and children equally affects the functioning of both the cardiovascular system and various internal organs. But this manifests itself primarily in the variety of symptoms of autonomic disorder. The patient may have pain in the heart, head, stomach, back, and various parts of the body. But a medical examination does not reveal any pathologies in the “problem” area. And autonomic dysfunction really does not carry a serious risk of developing other non-vegetative diseases. People can live for years with signs of vegetative vascular dystonia! Thus, various pains and ailments in this case are symptoms of exclusively autonomic dysfunction.

Why does vegetative vascular dystonia in adults and children manifest itself with such a variety of symptoms? The autonomic nervous system plays a very important role in our body. The fact is that the autonomic part of the nervous system regulates the functioning of all internal organs and is responsible for the normal course of all basic processes in our body (blood circulation, breathing, digestion, etc.). It is in the autonomic nervous system that there are those mechanisms that allow the body to recover on its own, overcome any ailment, and adapt to stress and environmental changes.

What pathological changes occur during vegetative-vascular dystonia and what are their causes? In both adults and children, the cause of vegetative-vascular dystonia is overstrain of the nervous system, which can occur due to:

- psycho-emotional stress, long-term or short-term (for example: unloved job, relationship problems, death of a loved one, divorce)

- long-term workload without rest (work 24 hours a day and without vacations)

— chronic infections (herpes virus, frequent sore throats)

- operations under general anesthesia

- other toxic effects on the nervous system (alcohol, drugs, cannabis smoking)

- traumatic brain injury

— high physical activity (professional sports)

Due to overstrain of the nervous system, the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system is disrupted. The body begins to actively produce the hormone adrenaline, and the nervous system is in a state of constant excitement. A person cannot fall asleep, relax, or not think about bad things - these are the first signs of vegetative vascular dystonia in adults. Subsequently, the person develops either permanent or paroxysmal autonomic disorder.

Kinds

Doctors distinguish the following forms of vegetative-vascular dystonia:

• according to the hypertensive type;
• hypotonic type;
• according to the cardiac type;
• mixed type.

VSD of the hypertensive type. This type of pathology is accompanied by rises in blood pressure to high values. In this regard, headache, dizziness, weakness, flashing “spots” before the eyes, and a feeling of nausea appear. VSD of the hypotonic type. A symptom of this form of pathology is a decrease in blood pressure. Difficult to diagnose due to the general nature of the manifestations. Mixed type VSD is characterized by regular changes in blood pressure from high to low values. Mixed vegetative-vascular dystonia most often appears due to a hereditary predisposition. Clinical symptoms of this form of the disease are panic attacks, increased anxiety, and irritability. VSD of the cardiac type Occurs against the background of other diseases. It manifests itself as pain in the heart area.

Expert opinion

Author:

Tatyana Aleksandrovna Kosova

Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, neurologist, reflexologist

According to the latest statistics, VSD is diagnosed in 50–70% of the population. At the same time, it is not possible to identify a pattern regarding age and gender. The onset of the disease can occur at any period of life. Among adolescents, vegetative-vascular dystonia is detected in 25–40% of cases.

VSD refers to a complex of pathological symptoms united by a common concept. Diagnosing the disease can be difficult due to the variety of clinical signs. At the Yusupov Hospital, ECG and EchoCG are prescribed for examination. In addition, MRI, CT, 24-hour Holter monitoring, EEG and laboratory tests are used. Based on the results of a comprehensive diagnosis, doctors select the correct therapy. The amount of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Depending on the prevailing symptoms, certain groups of drugs are prescribed.

Patients often underestimate the danger of VSD. Without treatment, the disease becomes more complicated. This worsens the patient's condition and requires serious therapy. Therefore, when the first pathological signs appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and quality treatment are the key to a speedy recovery.

VSD classification

Signs of the disease depend on the condition of the blood vessels. Depending on this, several types of vegetative-vascular dystonia are distinguished - hypertonic, hypotonic, cardiac, mixed, vagotonic.

This disease occurs in the form of attacks, in the form of two or three pathologies. Depending on the severity of VSD, the following forms are distinguished:

1. Mild – working capacity remains, symptoms of VSD do not cause discomfort. There are no vegetative crises.
2. Moderately severe – periods of loss of ability to work appear from time to time. This is associated with relapses of vegetative-vascular dystonia and the appearance of a vegetative crisis.
3. Severe – represents a long and persistent course of VSD; acute conditions and crises are common. Then the inability to work for a long time is diagnosed.

Hypertensive type

Symptoms and treatment are associated with pronounced vascular tone. It is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. Main criteria for VSD:

• cardiopalmus;
• hot flashes;
• headache;
• increased fatigue of the body and psychological mood;
• nausea and vomiting;
• loss of appetite;
• increased sweating;
• strong feeling of fear;
• floaters before eyes.

Hypotonic type

Characteristic symptoms of the disease leading to a decrease in vascular tone and blood pressure include:

• darkening of the eyes;
• fainting;
• weakness in the body, arms and legs;
• a sharp drop in pressure;
• pale skin;
• nausea;
• gastrointestinal dysfunction - diarrhea or constipation;
• heartburn, belching;
• respiratory disorders;
• cold feet and palms.

Mixed type

It is characterized by variability in vascular tone, so blood pressure parameters fluctuate. It rises sharply, then suddenly falls.

With this type, the symptoms of VSD change. This negatively affects the quality of life of patients; weakness, increased sweating, and fainting are replaced by headaches, hot flashes, and symptoms of tachycardia.

Attacks during VSD are accompanied by fear of death and breath holding. This provokes aggravation of the situation. There is pain in the heart.

Cardiac type

Accompanied by aching, throbbing pain in the heart muscle. It has no effect on well-being. Sometimes patients with VSD develop symptoms of arrhythmia and severe sweating, but studies do not reveal pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Vagotonic type

This type of vascular dystonia is characterized by respiratory abnormalities. The person is unable to take a deep breath and feels tightness in the chest. There is a high probability of low blood pressure and slow heartbeat. Increased salivation is observed, and gastrointestinal problems appear.

VSD in men

A distinctive feature of VSD in male patients is considered to be erectile dysfunction. Then they go to the doctor. When vascular dystonia is detected, symptoms and treatment (taking pills) will differ significantly.

VSD in women

In women, VSD develops due to hormonal instability. Such problems are observed during menopause or pregnancy. A hereditary tendency becomes a risk factor.

Symptoms

Due to the fact that vegetative-vascular dystonia affects various organs and systems, the pathology has a variety of clinical manifestations. The nervous, cardiovascular, and genitourinary systems may be involved in the process. As a result, a misleading impression of the presence of other diseases is created. Experienced doctors at the Yusupov Hospital carry out differential diagnosis of conditions and identify VSD in the shortest possible time. Common symptoms of pathology are:

• Psychoneurotic: headaches, dizziness, anxiety, tearfulness. Patients are concerned about irritability, a tendency to panic attacks, sleep disturbances, daytime sleepiness, and apathy.
• Respiratory: periodic attacks of suffocation, feeling of lack of air, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, inability to take a deep breath.
• Cardiac: rapid heartbeat, feeling of pain in the heart area, chest tightness, irregular heart rhythm.
• Peripheral somatic syndromes: arthropathy, myopathy, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
• Genitourinary: erectile dysfunction, urination and defecation disorders.
• Thermoregulatory: changes in body temperature, feeling of chills.
• Dyspeptic: abdominal pain, feeling of nausea, increased gas formation. The stool becomes unstable, heartburn and belching appear.

Numerous positive reviews indicate the successful work of the Yusupov Hospital specialists. Doctors have been successfully identifying VSD for many years, despite the complexity of diagnosis.

Symptoms for different forms of VSD

Patients with the cardiac form of VSD are bothered by pain in the heart of a stabbing, aching, pressing nature that does not go away after taking nitroglycerin.
Patients feel palpitations, cardiac tremors, and interruptions in the functioning of the heart. The pulse can be frequent or rare, blood pressure can be low or high. During an exacerbation of VSD symptoms, patients experience a feeling of fear of death and a “lump in the throat.” They cannot calm down, rush about and demand urgent action. A panic attack unsettles a person from normal life. After an attack, patients remain fearful for a long time.

A sign of VSD is insomnia and impaired sleep quality. After a sleepless night, the patient feels exhausted and his mood worsens. The smallest trigger factor can throw a VSD patient out of balance. If VSD occurs of the respiratory type, patients experience attacks of suffocation, dissatisfaction with inhalation, chest pain, and a feeling of lack of air.

Patients suffering from hypotonic type VSD lose consciousness during a vegetative crisis, their skin becomes pale and sweaty, and their legs and arms become cold.

Dysfunction of the digestive system is manifested by heartburn, nausea with vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Patients are bothered by cramping pain in the abdomen.

Patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia complain of pain in the joints and muscles, and they develop osteochondrosis.

In the mixed form of VSD, manifestations of all types of vegetative-vascular dystonia are determined. VSD of the hypertensive type is usually combined with functional venous hypertension, respiratory and myocardial syndromes, arterial hypotension - with respiratory syndrome and functional venous hypertension, less often with myocardial syndrome.

The cardiac form of neurocirculatory dystonia is most often combined with respiratory syndrome, functional venous hypertension and regional cerebral dystonia. Functional venous hypertension as a leading syndrome is determined in combination with myocardial and respiratory syndromes. During a crisis, all symptoms of VSD worsen. The attack begins suddenly and goes away.

Dizziness

The cause of dizziness during VSD may be a violation of cerebral vascular tone. The condition of cerebral vessels is influenced by many factors - from unpleasant news to the release of adrenaline into the blood due to stress. The catalyst for reactions that develop during VSD are:

• mental stress;
• acute and chronic stress;
• burdened heredity;
• diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases;
• diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system;
• pathology of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, gonads.

In case of dizziness due to VSD, neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital examine patients using modern devices from the world's leading manufacturers.
Patients undergo magnetic and magnetic resonance imaging, radiography of the cervical spine, and electroencephalography. If an exacerbation of VSD symptoms occurs due to a decrease in blood pressure, coffee and green tea, a piece of dark chocolate, and lemongrass tincture help. You can add a spoonful of honey to the tea. In case of a severe attack of vegetative-vascular dystonia, the patient should be laid down and fresh air should be allowed into the room. Treatment begins with a sedative or sedative. After measuring blood pressure, a decision is made on the advisability of drug therapy.

The cause of dizziness during VSD may be a pathology of the cerebral vessels. How to strengthen cerebral vessels during VSD? To increase the elasticity of the walls of arteries and capillaries, neurologists prescribe the following medications for cerebral vessels:

• vitamin C is an antioxidant, whose role is to protect the walls of blood vessels from destruction under the influence of free radicals, enhances the functions of vitamin P;
• vitamin P – contains a complex of polyphenols and bioflavonoids, which help strengthen capillaries and prevent the loss of vascular tone;
• nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) - expands capillaries and prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels.

If you feel dizzy with VSD, medications are prescribed that contain microelements that strengthen the walls of blood vessels and stimulate metabolism: potassium, selenium, silicon.
How to relieve dizziness with VSD? The pharmaceutical industry produces herbal preparations that improve blood circulation in the brain. These are nicotinic acid derivatives, products based on garden periwinkle and Ginkgo Biloba extracts. Nicotinic acid derivatives dilate large vessels, although small capillaries are also affected by them.

Ginkgo Biloba extracts are included in the preparations Tanakan, Bilobil, Ginkor Fort. When taken orally, they perform several tasks:

• relieve vasospasm;
• increase the permeability of the vascular wall;
• relieve swelling;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• accelerate metabolism in nervous tissue.

Garden periwinkle contains a special group of alkaloids that have a pronounced antispasmodic effect on blood vessels, accelerate metabolism, and increase microcirculation in the vessels of the brain. Mexidol helps well against dizziness with VSD.

Headache Syndrome of vegetative-vascular dystonia manifests itself in many ways.
Headache, as the most important symptom of VSD, occurs mainly in people who are susceptible to fears and phobias, strong emotions after stress. How does a headache hurt with VSD? Patients give the following description of headaches with VSD:

• is not strong and harsh;
• may be accompanied by fainting, nausea, dizziness, ringing or noise in the ears, unsteadiness of gait;
• begins in the morning, does not leave a person all day and is distinguished by its constancy;
• in pain, the patient has difficulty perceiving the world around him;
• When you tilt your head, the pain intensifies and becomes throbbing.

During a headache attack, the patient feels as if he is wearing a helmet and is squeezing his head.
Where does the headache occur with VSD? The pain is localized in a specific area or spreads throughout the head. Patients feel a feeling of discomfort in the back of the head and neck. During an attack, one ear may become blocked; sometimes the patient feels as if there is something pressing in the temples, eyes and forehead. To get rid of headaches, neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital suggest that patients eliminate traumatic factors, bad habits, normalize work and rest patterns, and nutrition. Hypnosis, manual therapy, and acupuncture are effective in treating headaches due to autonomic disorders. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital are fluent in non-drug treatment methods and use proprietary rehabilitation methods.

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The essence of the syndrome and features of its appearance

The nervous system has a structure consisting of somatic and autonomic components.
The first is responsible for motor reactions that arise under the influence of external factors. The vegetative part is involved in the work of internal organs, blood vessels and glands, which is described in scientific articles about VSD and the websites of clinics licensed to treat it. The autonomic system is usually divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic fragments. The first part is responsible for increasing activity and stimulating metabolism. This leads to increased tissue excitability. The parasympathetic system restores the body and regulates its functions during sleep.

They are distinguished by synchronous recovery. However, under the influence of external conditions, a dominant is formed, and a predominance of a certain department is observed. Mental adaptation is disrupted, the emotional state suffers.

Vegetovascular dystonia (VSD) is a combination of manifestations that appear when there are interruptions in the functioning of the autonomic part of the nervous system. The disease causes various abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs.

This syndrome has different names - neurocirculatory dystonia, autonomic dysregulation, autonomic neurosis, neurasthenia.

Diagnostics

Vegetative-vascular dystonia has various clinical manifestations. In this regard, it is necessary to carefully carry out diagnostics to differentiate pathological conditions. The main research methods include:

• clinical blood test;
• biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• blood for thyroid hormones;
• rheoencephalography;
• ECG;
• EchoCG;
• 24-hour Holter monitoring;
• MRI.

Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital use modern equipment. With their help, it is possible to establish the causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia in the shortest possible time. Experienced specialists select effective treatment aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the pathological condition.

Treatment

Therapy for vegetative-vascular dystonia begins with a visit to a psychotherapist and lifestyle changes.
Medicines are used exclusively in complex treatment. The drug and dosage are determined by doctors at the Yusupov Hospital after examining the patient. For VSD, neurologists prescribe the following medications:

• antidepressants;
• sedatives;
• tranquilizers;
• nootropic drugs.

Antidepressants are necessary to get rid of the manifestations of depressive conditions that are observed with vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Medicines quickly relieve anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality and increase appetite. For vegetative dystonia, antidepressants are prescribed first, since eliminating depression simultaneously reduces other manifestations of VSD. With prolonged use, the drugs are addictive. Antidepressants cause side effects that include various disorders of the central nervous system, increased sweating, heart rhythm disturbances and nausea. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital are careful when choosing a drug for the treatment of VSD. The most harmless and effective antidepressants are azafen, deprim, cipralex. Sedatives reduce anxiety. In the treatment of VSD, drugs based on medicinal herbs, barbiturates, bromine and magnesium preparations are used. Herbal remedies are considered the safest, since they have minor side effects and do not have significant contraindications. For VSD, neurologists use drugs based on valerian extract (Novo-Passit, Dormiplant, Persen) and hawthorn (Kralal, Fitosed). Barbiturates have significant side effects. They can be addictive, and if the dosage is slightly exceeded, they can lead to poisoning. The safest drugs in this group are Corvalol, Barboval, Valocordin. They are prescribed for the cardiac form of VSD.

Tranquilizers are effective medications that provide a quick but short-term sedative effect. They relieve feelings of fear, worry, anxiety, and relieve emotional stress. Drugs of this pharmacological group are not prescribed during pregnancy and weakened immunity, children and mental patients. VSD therapy is carried out with gentle medications with a gradual transition to more powerful drugs. To treat VSD, doctors use diazepam, nozepam, oxazepam, seduxen, and elenium.

Nootropic drugs include drugs that affect certain brain functions:

• activate mental activity;
• improve memory;
• increase learning abilities.

The use of drugs in this group relieves patients with VSD from weakness and apathy, promotes clarity of consciousness, and eliminates psychomotor retardation. Nootropics have mild side effects and low toxicity. Most often, doctors prescribe glycine, phenibut, piracetam, nootropil, and fezam for VSD.

Complications

Many people do not attach importance to such a diagnosis as vegetative-vascular dystonia. This opinion is wrong. Like any disease, VSD can lead to complications. Among them:

• hypertension;
• hypotension;
• visual impairment;
• anemia;
• depression;
• weight loss;
• involuntary urination.

In this regard, doctors recommend seeking medical help when the first pathological signs appear. This will help to identify the problem in time and carry out a course of treatment.

Prevention

In order to reduce the risk of developing symptoms of VSD, the following preventive recommendations must be followed:

• to live an active lifestyle;
• avoid psycho-emotional stress;
• do not abuse alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks;
• stop smoking;
• adhere to a rational and balanced diet.

These medical advice will help minimize the possibility of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
When the first signs of pathology appear, you must contact a doctor for a medical examination. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital in Moscow will perform a full course of diagnostics necessary to identify vegetative-vascular dystonia. They will prescribe treatment that will relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

You can ask questions or make an appointment with a doctor by phone.

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Prevention of VSD

Having found out why VSD is worsening, it is worth paying attention to preventive measures designed to prevent or weaken the development of the main phases of this condition.

Prevention of VSD includes:

• compliance with the work and rest regime;
• rejection of bad habits;
• balanced diet;
• positive thinking, liberation from negative emotions;
• protection from stress, physical and emotional fatigue;
• maintaining an active lifestyle;
• yoga, fitness, physical therapy classes;
• hydrotherapy (contrast shower, bath, bath procedures);
• stimulation of the autonomic nervous system through massage;
• Spa treatment.

Following all of the above rules will help avoid the development or prevent exacerbation of the disease.