The term "disorder of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system" refers to a violation in which the work of most organs deteriorates. The launch of the pathological process can occur under the influence of many provoking factors. As a rule, the disorder is part of the lesion of the entire nervous system, both functional and organic. According to statistics, the disease is most often diagnosed in women. At the same time, signs of a disorder of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system are found in 15% of children, in almost 100% of adolescents and in 80% of adults. When the first alarming symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will carry out diagnostic measures, based on the results of which he will draw up the most effective treatment regimen.
Development mechanism
Autonomous department of the nervous system regulates the work of all internal organs. In addition, he controls manyphysiological processes. If the autonomic nervous system functions normally, the internal organs work smoothly, ensuring their adaptation to constantly changing conditions in a timely manner. For example, this department regulates breathing and the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle, heat transfer.
Like the central nervous system, the autonomic department is represented by a system of neurons. These are cells that have a complex structure and perform many functions. Under the influence of various provoking factors, a disorder of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system may develop. In such cases, the general condition of the patient worsens significantly, as the work of most internal organs is disrupted.
Reasons
Disorders of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system are divided into the following types:
- Somatoform. This disorder is the easiest to treat. It develops against the background of chronic stress in a person. The somatoform type of disorder is a type of neurosis. The complexity of its diagnosis lies in the fact that the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves in the form of signs of various pathologies of a chronic nature, which a person does not actually have.
- Loss of subcortical structures. The main causes of the disorder are brain injuries, residual CNS disease. The disorder manifests itself in the form of an attack, after which the person feels pronounced lethargy and weakness.
- Continuous irritation of peripheral vegetative structures. Occurs with urolithiasis, PMS and cervicaldorsopathy.
The code for the above disorders in the ICD-10 is G90 “Disorders of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system. In some cases, it is not possible to identify the true cause of the disease. In such situations, it is customary to talk about an unspecified disorder of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system. The code for such a pathology in ICD-10 is G90.9.
The following conditions are provoking factors for the development of disorders:
- Long exposure to stress.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Hormonal imbalance (including those associated with natural age-related changes in the body).
- A lifestyle that does not involve regular physical activity.
- Unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of fatty and fried foods, fast food.
- Tobacco smoking.
- Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Violation of the integrity of nerve fibers resulting from injuries, wounds and after surgery.
- Intoxication of the body.
- Prolonged and especially uncontrolled use of medications.
- Allergic reactions.
It is important to know that a disorder of the autonomic (autonomic) nervous system of any type is one of the manifestations of an existing serious illness. It is not recommended to self-medicate, only a doctor can determine the true cause of the violation and correctly draw up a treatment regimen.
Clinical manifestations
Disordersautonomic (autonomous) nervous system (including unspecified) do not have specific signs. Most people take the discomfort that has arisen as manifestations of existing diseases.
The main types of symptoms of disorders of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system are as follows:
- Cardiovascular syndrome. Includes sharp jumps in blood pressure, impaired peripheral circulation, sudden discomfort in the region of the heart and a violation of the rhythm of this muscle.
- Hyperventilation syndrome. The patient has rapid breathing, muscle spasms, pre-fainting. The person seems to lack air. He also complains of partial loss of sensation in his limbs.
- Irritable bowel syndrome. Includes episodes of diarrhea, frequent urge to defecate, flatulence, muscle cramps, pain in the lower abdomen.
In addition, the following conditions are symptoms of pathology:
- Nausea, often turning into vomiting.
- Feeling of a lump in the throat, making it difficult to swallow food.
- Discomfort in the epigastric region.
- Appetite disorders.
- Frequent episodes of painful urination that are not due to diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Sexual disorders. In men, both erection and ejaculation are disturbed. Women develop anorgasmia and vaginismus. Libido decreases in both sexes.
- Chills.
- Increased body temperature.
When it occursthese nonspecific symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. The specialist will make the correct diagnosis and find out the true causes of the syndrome.
Disorders of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system, if left untreated, can lead to complications.
Diagnosis
Initially, it is recommended to see a therapist. This is a generalist who, if a disorder is suspected, will send for a consultation with a neurologist.
It is important to remember that disruption of the autonomic nervous system does not have specific manifestations. In this regard, a comprehensive examination is necessary for the correct diagnosis. It involves passing laboratory and instrumental tests by a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, oncologist, endocrinologist, etc.
A disorder of the autonomic (autonomic) nervous system is confirmed if no diseases with similar symptoms were identified during the diagnostic process.
Medicated treatment
Is a mandatory item in the therapy regimen. The drugs should be selected by the doctor based on the results of the diagnosis and taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's he alth.
Treatment of disorders of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system involves taking medications. which include:
- Sedative drugs. They have a calming effect. Their active components have a positive effect on the nervous system as a whole. Most often doctors prescribeproducts based on valerian, hawthorn, motherwort, St. John's wort. Trade names of drugs: Novo-Passit, Stressplan, Persen.
- Anxiolytic drugs. In other words, tranquilizers. Especially their reception is indicated for severe disorders of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system. The drugs help to relieve the patient from an unreasonable feeling of anxiety, severe stress and unreasonable attacks of fear. Most often, doctors prescribe: Afobazole, Atarax, Seduxen, Tranxen, Stresam, Diazepam.
- Antidepressants. The purpose of their reception is to improve the degree of mental activity. Always prescribed for somatoform and other disorders of the autonomic (autonomic) nervous system. The active components of the drugs help to eliminate feelings of apathy, depression, anxiety. Against the background of the reception, depression recedes, the psycho-emotional state stabilizes. In addition, antidepressants are prescribed for patients suffering from chronic pain syndrome that is not amenable to symptomatic therapy. The names of the drugs: Amitriptyline, Azafen, Milnacipran, Valdoxan, Prozac. In the presence of severe disorders, one of the following is indicated: Sulpiride, Teraligen.
- Nootropics. They have a cerebroprotective effect. They are prescribed to improve mental activity and increase the resistance of the brain to stressful situations. In addition, against the background of taking nootropics, the energy balance of nerve cells is normalized. As a rule, doctors prescribe: Pyritinol, Phenibut, Piracetam.
- Psychostimulants. Shown in the presence of severe depressive conditions, vagotonia, hypotension, bradycardia. In most cases, doctors prefer herbal products that can be combined with Duplex injections and Sidnokarb. In the presence of intracranial hypertension, "Glycerol" and "Diacarb" are additionally prescribed. In order to improve microcirculation, the reception of Cavinton, Trental and Stugeron is shown. If necessary, calcium and potassium preparations, vitamins E and group B are prescribed.
Depending on the severity of the disease, this treatment regimen can be expanded by the doctor.
Other conservative treatments
The diagnosis of "a disorder of the autonomic (autonomic) nervous system" requires an integrated approach. Taking medication is not enough to get rid of the disease.
The pathology treatment regimen also includes the following items:
- Lifestyle change. The patient must avoid getting into stressful situations both at home and at work. It is also important to properly organize the mode of work and rest. Any overwork negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system. A person diagnosed with any type of disorder (including one unspecified) is prohibited from working in emergency mode. In addition, it is necessary to make adjustments to the diet. The menu should include vegetables, fruits and protein foods. At the same time, it is desirable to exclude fatty, fried and smoked foods, easily digestible carbohydrates, carbonated drinks and alcohol from the diet. It is recommended to spend more time outdoors. The most appropriate physical activities are yoga and swimming.
- Physiotherapy course. The goal of treatment is the elimination of muscle clamps, relaxation of the patient, improvement of lymph and blood circulation. As a rule, doctors prescribe stone therapy, acupuncture, mud baths, massage and electrophoresis.
- Work with a psychologist. Especially consultation with a specialist is indicated for people suffering from workaholism. Such people are constantly in a stressful situation and are used to working in emergency mode. In most cases, they ignore the first symptoms of disorders. The disorder of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system, meanwhile, is progressing and can become severe. The difficulty lies in the fact that most people deny the need to see a psychologist.
Thus, to get rid of the disease, you need not only to take the medicines prescribed by the doctor in a timely manner, but also to make adjustments to your lifestyle.
Folk treatments
It is important to understand that the use of non-traditional methods of therapy does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical help. In addition, the intake of any funds must be agreed with the doctor in order to prevent a decrease in the degree of effectiveness of medicines.
In case of disorders of the autonomic nervous system, herbal decoctions based on St. John's wort, hawthorn, radiola and rose hips have a positive effect. It is necessary to take them daily in 200 ml. The daily dose candivide. The course of treatment is from 6 to 8 weeks. If necessary, it can be repeated after a month break.
If left untreated
It is important to understand that the autonomic nervous system regulates the functioning of all internal organs. In the presence of violations in its functioning, irregular or completely incorrect impulses come to them. As a result, the work of organs is disrupted, there is a significant weakening of the immune system, which threatens the development of various diseases.
In addition, ignoring the problem leads to the fact that poor he alth becomes a constant companion of a person. Unreasonable fears begin to disturb him, he falls into depression. Sometimes there are bouts of a sharp deterioration in well-being. During this period, symptoms of myocardial infarction, migraine, osteochondrosis and a number of other diseases appear. As a result, there is a tendency to alcoholism and suicide.
Forecast
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of the visit to the doctor. If the treatment was carried out on time, the prognosis is favorable.
The doctor determines the success of treatment according to several criteria:
- The patient's headaches disappear, paroxysmal manifestations are completely stopped.
- Increases the degree of efficiency.
- Mood improves, depressive states and inexplicable fears recede.
- Sleep is normalizing.
In other words, if a person's quality of life improved or at least returned tothe previous level, the doctor considers the therapy successful. In order to avoid the re-development of a disorder of the autonomic (autonomic) nervous system, it is necessary to follow the principles of a he althy lifestyle. It is important to eliminate the main provoking factors: stress, overwork, drinking alcohol.
Ignoring the disease leads to the development of complications. If at this stage a person is not provided with qualified assistance, the prognosis can be considered unfavorable. If the patient has a disorder, the participation of loved ones is of great importance. As a rule, it is they who inspire a person that it is vital to see a doctor.
In conclusion
An autonomic nervous system disorder is a disorder that can have several types, including one unspecified. The complexity of diagnosing the disease lies in the fact that its symptoms are similar to the clinical manifestations of many diseases that a person does not actually have. In this regard, a comprehensive examination is required, based on the results of which the neurologist draws up a treatment regimen.
