Sometimes a person begins to notice some disturbances in the normal functioning of the vestibular apparatus: while walking, the head is spinning, movements are poorly coordinated. This is mainly due to poor blood circulation in the brain. In this case, the specialist can establish the following diagnosis: "vestibulo-atactic syndrome." This is a fairly common disease, the symptoms of which are familiar to many people. If any abnormalities in the functioning of the brain are found, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Disturbance of coordination of movements. Reasons
One of the reasons that can lead to the development of this syndrome is birth trauma. Hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, hereditary predisposition - all these factors can affect the proper functioning of the brain. However, in most cases, there is an acquired incoordination of movements. The reasons for this phenomenon are varied. These are all kinds of head injuries, and infectious diseases. Also contributesthe development of this syndrome is poisoning with medicines, an unfavorable radiation background. Vestibulo-atactic syndrome can manifest itself in malignant processes in the brain, hypertension, atherosclerosis. Deficiency of essential minerals and trace elements, bad habits can also lead to its development.
Symptoms of the disease
First of all, the disease is expressed in disruption of the cardiovascular system. As a result, there are problems with both general blood circulation and cerebral circulation. The disease is insidious in that its early manifestation may go unnoticed by a person. The vestibulo-atactic syndrome in the later stages is frequent dizziness, which is sometimes accompanied even by vomiting, eye twitching, impaired coordination of movements, loss of balance. When sick, it is often difficult for a patient to maintain a static posture. Complaints about tinnitus are also noted, flashing dots (“flies”) appear before the eyes. The feeling of fatigue does not go away, sleep is disturbed. Depending on the strength of the manifestation of symptoms, several stages of the disease are distinguished.
Stages of vestibulo-atactic syndrome
Mild disease is characterized by only minor changes. The gait of a person, the coordination of his movements is disturbed. The moderate stage is already quite noticeable problems in the work of the vestibular apparatus. When walking, you can notice pronounced staggering, often worried about headache (with bouts of vomiting). Severe vestibulo-atactic syndrome is characterized by severe problems with the motor functions of the body. It is difficult for the patient to even sit, he is practically unable to keep himself in an upright position. It is worth noting that very often at this stage people completely lose the ability to move around. This form of the disease leads to disability.
Vestibulo-atactic syndrome. Diagnosis
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor uses certain diagnostic methods. The patient needs to do a biochemical blood test, a general urine test. The most informative is magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, dopplerography may be needed. Often, rheoencephalography (that is, an analysis of the blood supply to the brain) is required to establish the diagnosis of vestibulo-atactic syndrome. In addition to the above methods, specialists additionally examine the spinal cord. The doctor also uses special rapid tests that help to further assess the human motor functions.
Romberg test. Assessment of static ataxia
Ataxia is a violation of the coordination of movements that are made voluntarily. Such a state is manifested by problems with accuracy, direction, and the pace of movements. The Romberg test is performed to assess static ataxia and cerebellar function. It is he who is responsible for the balance, tone and consistency of the various actions of the muscles of the body. Patientyou need to stand in a certain position: legs should be together, arms stretched forward. At the same time, the fingers are spread apart. At first, the patient's eyes are open, then he closes them. If there are problems in the work of the cerebellum, the person begins to stagger, lose balance. As a rule, the fingers on the hands deviate in the direction where the hemisphere is affected.
Fingeronose and knee-heel tests
When conducting a finger-nose test, the doctor asks the patient to reach the tip of his own nose with his index finger (eyes closed). Damage to the cerebellum is manifested by trembling in the hands, tremor. If the case is severe enough, the person may miss altogether.
The knee-heel test is performed from a prone position. The patient must first raise one leg, then hit it with the knee (of the other leg). Next, you should run the heel along the lower leg of the opposite leg. If there is a cerebellar lesion, such movements will be quite difficult, if not impossible.
Methods of treatment of vestibulo-atactic syndrome
Vestibulo-atactic syndrome treatment involves the following. Antihypertensive therapy is being carried out. Blood pressure levels are monitored daily. This disease requires a radical change in the usual way of life. Conservative treatment includes both a change in diet and the rejection of bad habits. You need to lower your cholesterol. Statins are often used for this.
However, you should remember the root cause of the disease. The specialist may prescribe special drugs that will stimulate blood circulation in the brain area (for example, Cavinton, Trental). One of the most effective drugs for the treatment of the syndrome is Mexidol, Actovegin. Also, conservative treatment in later stages involves taking antidepressants, physiotherapy manipulations. If positive dynamics is not observed, surgical intervention may also be required. The operation is performed in the region of the vertebral artery (vasomotor fibers are crossed). As a rule, surgery significantly improves blood circulation. Positive results are observed in 70% of patients.
Prevention methods
To avoid the appearance of such a condition as vestibulo-atactic syndrome, you need to properly take care of your he alth. It is worth remembering that tobacco and alcohol are one of the worst enemies of our body. Proper nutrition, the minimum amount of fat will also help maintain the he alth of blood vessels and other organs. It is necessary to avoid strong emotional outbursts, stressful situations. Constant weight control will help prevent obesity, which, in turn, is directly related to the occurrence of vestibulo-atactic syndrome. Physical activity is welcome, but it should be moderate. All diseases must be treated in time so that they do not become chronic. And, of course, you should keep in mindpreventive visits to a neurologist, therapist.
