Sometimes a person begins to notice some abnormalities in the normal functioning of the vestibular apparatus: while walking, dizzy, movements are poorly coordinated. This is mainly due to poor circulation in the brain. The specialist in this case 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 detected, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Lack of coordination of movements. Causes
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 brain robot. However, in most cases, an acquired violation of coordination of movements occurs. The reasons for this phenomenon are diverse. These are all kinds of head injuries, and infectious diseases. Also contributes to the development of this syndrome, drug poisoning, unfavorable radiation background. Vestibulo-atactic syndrome can occur in malignant processes in the brain, hypertension, atherosclerosis. A deficit 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, problems arise with both general blood circulation and cerebral circulation. The disease is insidious in that its early manifestation may go unnoticed for a person. Vestibulo-atactic syndrome at later stages is frequent dizziness, which is sometimes accompanied even by vomiting, twitching of the eyes, impaired coordination of movements, loss of balance. With the disease, it is often difficult for the patient to maintain a static posture. Complaints of tinnitus are also noted, flashing dots (“flies”) appear in front of the eyes. The feeling of fatigue does not go away, sleep is disturbed. Several stages of the disease are distinguished depending on the strength of the symptoms.
Stages of vestibulo-atactic syndrome
A mild illness is characterized by only minor changes. The gait of a person is disturbed, the coordination of his movements. The moderate stage is already quite noticeable problems in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus. When walking, you can notice pronounced staggering, often headache (with bouts of vomiting). Severe vestibulo-atactic syndrome is characterized by severe problems with the motor functions of the body. It’s hard for the patient to even sit, he’s practically unable to keep himself upright. It is worth noting that very often at this stage people completely lose their ability to move. This form of the disease leads to disability.
Vestibulo-atactic syndrome. Diagnostics
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 required. Often, rheoencephalography (that is, analysis of the blood supply to the brain) is required to establish a diagnosis of vestibulo-atactic syndrome. In addition to the above methods, specialists additionally examine the spinal cord. The doctor also uses special rapid tests, which help to further evaluate the person's motor functions.
Romberg test. Static Ataxia Assessment
Ataxia is a violation of the coordination of movements that occur arbitrarily. Such a state is manifested by problems with accuracy, focus, and the speed of the movements made. The Romberg test is performed to evaluate static ataxia and cerebellar function. It is he who is responsible for the balance, tone and coordination of various actions of the muscles of the body. The patient needs to stand in a certain position: legs should be together, arms extended forward. In this case, the fingers are apart. First, the patient's eyes are open, then he closes them. If there are problems in the work of the cerebellum, a person begins to stagger, lose balance. As a rule, fingers on the hands deviate in the direction where the hemisphere is affected.
Palatine and heel tests
When conducting a finger test, the doctor asks the patient to reach the tip of his own nose with the index finger (his eyes are closed). The defeat of the cerebellum is manifested by trembling hands, tremors. If the case is rather difficult, a person may miss the mark altogether.
The calcaneal test is performed from a prone position. The patient must first raise one leg, then get it into the knee (the other leg). Next, hold the heel on the lower leg of the opposite leg. If cerebellar damage is present, it will be quite difficult, if not impossible, to make such movements.
Methods of treatment of vestibulo-atactic syndrome
Vestibulo-atactic syndrome treatment suggests the following. Antihypertensive therapy is carried out. Every day, the level of blood pressure is monitored. This disease requires a radical change in your usual lifestyle. Conservative treatment includes changing the diet, and giving up bad habits. It is necessary to lower cholesterol. To do this, statins are often used.
However, remember the root cause of the disease. A specialist can prescribe special drugs that will stimulate blood circulation in the brain (for example, Cavinton, Trental). One of the most effective drugs for treating the syndrome is Mexidol, Actovegin. Also, conservative treatment at later stages involves the use of antidepressants, physiotherapeutic manipulations. If positive dynamics are not observed, surgical intervention may be required. The operation is performed in the region of the vertebral artery (vasomotor fibers intersect). As a rule, surgery significantly improves blood circulation. Positive results are observed in 70% of patients.
Prevention methods
To avoid the appearance of a condition such as vestibulo-atactic syndrome, you must properly take care of your health. It is worth remembering that tobacco and alcohol are some of the worst enemies of our body. Proper nutrition, a minimum amount of fat will also help maintain the health 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. Exercise is welcome, but it should be moderate. All diseases must be treated on time so that they do not acquire a chronic form. And of course, one should remember about preventive visits to a neurologist, therapist.