The term "disorder of the autonomic (autonomic) nervous system" is understood as a violation in which the functioning of most organs worsens. The start of the pathological process can occur under the influence of many provoking factors. As a rule, the violation is part of the defeat of the entire nervous system, both functional and organic. According to statistics, the disease is most often diagnosed in women. Moreover, signs of an autonomic (vegetative) nervous system disorder are found in 15% of children, in almost 100% of adolescents, and in 80% of adults. If the first alarming symptoms occur, consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct diagnostic measures, based on the results of which will make the most effective treatment regimen.
Development mechanism
The autonomic nervous system regulates the functioning of all internal organs. In addition, he controls many physiological processes. If the autonomic nervous system functions normally, the internal organs work smoothly, timely ensuring their adaptation to constantly changing conditions. For example, this department regulates respiration and heart rate, heat transfer.
Like the central nervous system, the vegetative section 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 can develop. In such cases, the general condition of the patient worsens significantly, since the work of most internal organs is disrupted.
Causes
An autonomic (autonomic) nervous system disorder is divided into the following types:
- Somatoform. This is a disorder that is 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 symptomatology of the disease manifests itself in the form of signs of various pathologies of a chronic nature, which a person does not actually have.
- The defeat of the subcortical structures. The main causes of the violation are brain injuries, residual central nervous system disease. The disorder manifests itself in the form of an attack, after which a person feels pronounced lethargy and weakness.
- Continuous irritation of peripheral vegetative structures. It occurs with urolithiasis, PMS and cervical dorsopathy.
The code of the above violations in 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 speak of 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:
- Staying long under stress.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Hormonal imbalance (including those associated with natural age-related changes in the body).
- A lifestyle that does not imply regular physical activity.
- Unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of fatty and fried foods, fast food.
- Smoking
- Regular use of alcohol-containing drinks.
- Violation of the integrity of nerve fibers resulting from injuries, injuries and after surgery.
- Intoxication of the body.
- Long and especially uncontrolled medication.
- Allergic reactions.
It is important to know that the disorder of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system of any type is one of the manifestations of a serious illness. It is not recommended to self-medicate, only a doctor can establish the true cause of the violation and correctly draw up a therapy regimen.
Clinical manifestations
Disorders of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system (including unspecified) do not have specific signs. Most people take uncomfortable sensations for manifestations of existing diseases.
The main types of symptoms of an autonomic (autonomic) nervous system disorder are as follows:
- Cardiovascular syndrome. Includes sharp jumps in blood pressure, impaired peripheral circulation, sudden unpleasant sensations in the heart and a violation of the rhythm of this muscle.
- Hyperventilation syndrome. The patient has rapid breathing, muscle cramps, and fainting. It’s as if a man does not have enough air. He also complains of a partial loss of sensation in the limbs.
- Irritable bowel syndrome. Includes episodes of diarrhea, frequent urges to commit an act of defecation, flatulence, muscle cramps, pain in the lower abdomen.
In addition, the following conditions are symptoms of pathology:
- Nausea, often turning into vomiting.
- Lump sensation in the throat, making it difficult to swallow food.
- Discomfort in the pit of stomach.
- Impaired appetite.
- Frequent episodes of painful urine emission that are not the result of diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Sexual Disorders. In men, both erection and the process of ejaculation are disturbed. Women develop anorgasmia and vaginismus. In both sexes, libido decreases.
- Chills.
- Elevated body temperature.
If these non-specific symptoms occur, 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 (autonomic) nervous system in the absence of treatment can lead to the development of complications.
Diagnostics
Initially, it is recommended to consult a therapist. This is a general specialist who, if a disorder is suspected, will send a neurologist for consultation.
It is important to remember that a violation of the autonomic nervous system does not have specific manifestations. In this regard, for a correct diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is necessary. It involves passing laboratory and instrumental tests with a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, oncologist, endocrinologist, etc.
A disorder of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system is confirmed if diseases that have similar symptoms were not detected in the diagnostic process.
Drug treatment
It is a mandatory item in the treatment regimen. 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 health.
Treatment of an autonomous (autonomic) nervous system disorder involves taking medication. which include:
- Sedative preparations. They have a calming effect. Their active components positively affect the nervous system as a whole. Most often, doctors prescribe funds based on valerian, hawthorn, motherwort, St. John's wort. Trade names of the preparations: Novo-Passit, Stressplan, Persen.
- Anxiolytic funds. In other words, tranquilizers. Especially their reception is indicated for severe disorders of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system. Drugs help to relieve the patient of an unreasonable feeling of anxiety, severe stress and unjustified attacks of fear. Most often, doctors prescribe: "Afobazol", "Atarax", "Seduxen", "Tranxen", "Stresam", "Diazepam".
- Antidepressants. The purpose of their intake is to improve the degree of mental activity. Always prescribed for somatoform and other disorders of the autonomic (autonomous) 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 to 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 agents 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, while taking nootropics, the energy balance of nerve cells is normalized. As a rule, doctors prescribe: “Piritinol”, “Phenibut”, “Piracetam”.
- Psychostimulants. Indicated in the presence of severe depression, vagotonia, hypotension, bradycardia. In most cases, doctors prefer herbal remedies that can be combined with Duplex injections and Sydnocarb. In the presence of intracranial hypertension, Glycerol and Diacarb are additionally prescribed. In order to improve microcirculation, Cavinton, Trental and Stugeron are indicated. 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 a doctor.
Other conservative treatments
The diagnosis of “autonomic (autonomic) nervous system disorder” requires an integrated approach. Taking medications is not enough to get rid of the disease.
The pathology treatment regimen also includes the following items:
- Lifestyle change. The patient needs to 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 who is diagnosed with any type of disorder (including unspecified) is prohibited from working in emergency mode. In addition, dietary adjustments must be made. The menu should contain vegetables, fruits and protein foods. At the same time, it is desirable to exclude fatty, fried and smoked dishes, easily digestible carbohydrates, carbonated drinks and alcohol from the diet. It is recommended to spend more time outdoors. The most suitable types of physical activity are yoga and swimming.
- The course of physiotherapy. 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 the disorder. The disorder of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system, meanwhile, is progressing and may become severe. The difficulty is that most people deny the need to turn to a psychologist.
Thus, to get rid of the disease, you need not only to take medications prescribed by your doctor in a timely manner, but also make adjustments to your lifestyle.
Alternative methods of treatment
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.
With disorders of the autonomic nervous system, herbal decoctions based on St. John's wort, hawthorn, radiola and rosehip have a positive effect. They must be taken daily at 200 ml. The daily dose can be divided. The course of treatment is from 6 to 8 weeks. If necessary, it can be repeated after a month break.
If not treated
It is important to understand that the autonomic nervous system regulates the functioning of all internal organs. In the presence of irregularities in its functioning, irregular or completely incorrect impulses come to them. As a result, the work of organs is disrupted, a significant weakening of the immune system occurs, which threatens the development of all kinds of diseases.
In addition, ignoring the problem leads to the fact that poor health becomes a constant companion of a person. He begins to worry unreasonable fears, he is depressed. Sometimes there are attacks 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 going to the doctor. If the treatment was done on time, the prognosis is favorable.
The doctor determines the success of treatment according to several criteria:
- Headaches disappear in the patient, paroxysmal manifestations are completely stopped.
- Increases the degree of performance.
- The mood improves, depressive states and inexplicable fears recede.
- Sleep is normalized.
In other words, if a person has improved their quality of life after treatment, or at least has returned to their previous level, the doctor considers the therapy successful. In order to avoid the re-development of a disorder of the autonomic (autonomous) nervous system, it is necessary to observe the principles of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to eliminate the main triggering factors: stress, overwork, the use of alcohol-containing drinks.
Ignoring the disease leads to the development of complications. If at this stage you do not provide qualified assistance to a person, 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 the person that it is vital to see a doctor.
Finally
An autonomic nervous system disorder is a disorder that can have several types, including unspecified. The complexity of diagnosing an ailment 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 a neurologist draws up a treatment regimen.