Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Vegetative-vascular dystonia — is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that may be accompanied by rapid heartbeat, dizziness, weakness, fluctuations in blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air and other symptoms. Since similar manifestations are characteristic of many diseases, an important stage is careful diagnostics and determination of their cause.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», patients can undergo a comprehensive examination to rule out diseases of the heart, nervous, endocrine and other body systems, which may be accompanied by similar symptoms. After determining the cause, a neurologist prepares an individual treatment plan and provides recommendations regarding prevention of repeated episodes. You can make an appointment for a consultation through the online appointment form on the website or by the contact center phone.

Manifestations of autonomic dysfunction may differ significantly in different people. In some, disorders of the cardiovascular system predominate, in others — changes in thermoregulation, digestion or breathing. Depending on which manifestations predominate, the following variants of autonomic dysfunction are conditionally distinguished:

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain that the same symptoms may be a manifestation of different diseases, therefore before starting treatment it is important to determine their true cause.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain that the development of autonomic dysfunction is most often associated not with one cause, but with a combination of several factors. That is why, for a stable improvement in well-being, it is important not only to reduce the manifestations of the disease, but also, if possible, to eliminate or correct the factors that contribute to their occurrence.

Manifestations of autonomic dysfunction may differ depending on which organs and systems are disrupted the most. In some patients, symptoms from the cardiovascular system predominate, in others — from the nervous, respiratory or gastrointestinal system.

The most common symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia include:

• rapid heartbeat or a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart;

• fluctuations in blood pressure;

• headache, visual disturbances, in particular the appearance of floaters before the eyes;

• dizziness, general weakness, rapid fatigability;

• shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air or difficult inhalation;

• increased sweating, trembling, chills or a feeling of heat;

• nausea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, unstable bowel movements;

• sleep disturbance, increased anxiety, decreased concentration of attention.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain: in some patients, symptoms occur only periodically, while in others they may persist for a long time or recur after stress, overfatigue or insufficient sleep. At the same time, such manifestations are not specific only to autonomic dysfunction and may be observed in other diseases. That is why a comprehensive examination is necessary to determine the cause of deterioration in well-being.

Since symptoms of autonomic dysfunction may occur with various diseases, the main task of diagnostics is to determine their cause and exclude other conditions with similar manifestations. During the consultation, the doctor asks in detail about complaints, the time of their appearance, possible provoking factors, past diseases and lifestyle, after which conducts an examination.

If necessary, the doctor may recommend:

• general and biochemical blood tests;

• tests to assess thyroid function;

• ECG to assess the work of the heart and exclude cardiological diseases;

• daily Holter monitoring of ECG or blood pressure;

• ultrasound and other instrumental studies depending on the clinical situation.

If necessary, the examination plan may be expanded. For example, the doctor may prescribe a study of blood glucose level and other tests to exclude endocrine diseases, in particular diabetes mellitus, which in the case of a long course may be accompanied by disruption of the autonomic nervous system.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain that the diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction is established only after examination and exclusion of other possible causes of symptoms. This allows not to miss heart diseases, thyroid gland diseases, anemia, disorders of glucose level and other conditions that may manifest with similar complaints.

The treatment program for vegetative-vascular dystonia is prepared after examination. If the cause is anemia, hormonal disorders, cardiovascular or another disease, therapy is directed primarily at this condition. If such causes are excluded, the main attention is paid to stabilizing the work of the nervous system and correcting lifestyle.

According to Cleveland Clinic, treatment of autonomic dysfunction depends on the cause of the disorder and may combine lifestyle changes, symptom control and therapy of the underlying disease.

Treatment of VVD may include:

• correction of sleep, rest and physical activity regimen;

• gradual restoration of regular moderate loads;

• work with stress, anxiety and psycho-emotional overstrain;

• correction of deficiencies if they are confirmed by tests;

• treatment of the underlying disease if it is detected during examination;

• drug therapy only according to indications.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain that there is no universal treatment scheme for autonomic dysfunction. For one patient, correction of regimen and loads is sufficient, another needs treatment of a concomitant disease, psychotherapy or drug support.

Autonomic disorders can worsen well-being for a long time, even if they are not associated with a dangerous disease. Because of repeated attacks of weakness, dizziness, heartbeat or lack of air, a person may limit physical activity, avoid loads or usual activities.

Possible consequences may be:

• frequent repeated episodes of deterioration of well-being;

• sleep disturbance and a constant feeling of fatigue;

• decreased work capacity and concentration of attention;

• increased anxiety due to expectation of a new attack;

• dizziness and presyncopal states.

If symptoms are attributed only to VVD and examination is not undergone, heart diseases, thyroid gland diseases, anemia, disorders of glucose level or other conditions with similar manifestations can be missed. That is why it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor.

For prevention, it is recommended:

• to maintain a stable sleep and rest regimen;

• to gradually increase physical activity;

• not to skip meals and to maintain a sufficient drinking regimen;

• to limit excess caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol;

• to take breaks during prolonged work at the computer;

• to control chronic diseases and undergo preventive examinations.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend paying attention to recurring symptoms, even if they seem insignificant. If dizziness, rapid heartbeat, weakness or headache regularly bothers, it is worth undergoing an examination and determining the cause of such manifestations.

The cost of VVD treatment in Kyiv depends on the necessary scope of diagnostics and the individual therapy program. During the consultation, the doctor will determine which examinations are needed specifically in your case, and based on their results will provide recommendations regarding treatment.

Current prices for doctors' consultations can be viewed here. To make an appointment, use the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Sources:

• US National Library of Medicine

• NCBI Bookshelf

• PubMed