Vegetative dystonia

Vegetative dystonia describes various symptoms of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It affects nerves that are not randomly controlled and trigger health or psychological symptoms. Those affected find vegetative dystonia to be very stressful.

What is vegetative dystonia?

The vegetative dystonia shows itself differently. It is actually a misdirected tension that affects the heartbeat, digestion or breathing through the autonomic nervous system. Symptoms from the heart to the circulatory system, headaches or diarrhea can occur.

Vegetative dystonia is controversial among doctors because the different symptoms make a specific diagnosis difficult. They range from headaches, profuse sweating, insomnia or dizziness. The heart rate increases or decreases and the person's hands shake.

Many symptoms often occur at the same time. The autonomic nervous system is also responsible for an irritable bladder, which is a sign of a constant urge to urinate. If chronic pain occurs, the cause of which cannot be clarified, a disease of the autonomic nervous system is suspected, a vegetative dystonia.

causes

The causes of vegetative dystonia are often physical and emotional factors, but social factors also have an influence on well-being. Emotional stress affects this sensitive balance.

The loss of a partner or problems at work cause physical discomfort that could be diagnosed as vegetative dystonia by the doctor. Risk factors such as stress, an unhealthy diet, alcohol and smoking are also harmful. An imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can cause vegetative dystonia.

The sympathetic nervous system ensures tension, accelerated breathing and allows the body to remain in flight or fight like the former hunter-gatherer. The parasympathetic nervous system, which provides regeneration and the necessary relaxation, is completely different. The autonomic nervous system, to which the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are subordinate, controls all automated functions of the human body.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Vegetative dystonia can manifest itself through a variety of different symptoms that are difficult to classify. These unspecific signs include headache, dizziness, digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation, difficulty falling and staying asleep, and increased sweating.

The heart rate can be slightly increased, but it can also be decreased, and the hands often shake slightly. In the context of vegetative dystonia, a so-called hyperkinetic cardiac syndrome often occurs, which is associated with an accelerated heartbeat and marked fluctuations in blood pressure. Irritable bowel syndrome manifests itself in abdominal pain, flatulence and changes in bowel habits, while an irritable stomach causes a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite.

Often, due to an overactive bladder, patients experience a constant need to urinate and urinate frequently. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and drowsiness due to increased inhalation (hyperventilation) occur, cramps in the extremities and back pain due to tense muscles are possible. The ability to concentrate can be restricted, and a decline in memory, severe fatigue, increased irritability and nervousness are often observed.

Many patients report a decrease in sexual desire. Vegetative dystonia can be assumed if the symptoms are related to major or long-lasting psychological stress, chronic stress or another psychological disorder such as an anxiety disorder and physical causes can be ruled out.

Diagnosis & course

The diagnosis of vegetative dystonia requires precise clarification in the form of a discussion with the doctor. When the medical history is recorded, possible risk factors, prescribed medication and any symptoms that have occurred are clarified.

A physical exam can help look more closely at symptoms. Blood pressure measurements and a blood test rule out possible inflammation in the body and circulatory fluctuations. EKG or X-rays as well as ultrasound examinations also clarify further. Perhaps there is a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance that shows up in physical symptoms.

If there are no signs of actual physical causes, the conclusion often remains that the problem is vegetative dystonia. As a rule, such a diagnosis cannot be clearly proven by the doctor, but also cannot be ruled out due to the lack of physical findings.

Complications

This disease leads to various complaints. They all have a very negative effect on the quality of life of the person affected and can significantly reduce it. As a rule, they suffer from severe internal restlessness and irritability.

Insomnia and permanent nervousness can also occur and lead to significant complaints in the patient's everyday life. Most of those affected also suffer from dizziness and continue to vomit or feel sick. There is also headache and permanent tiredness and exhaustion of the patient.

The poor blood circulation leads to cold hands, constipation or flatulence. In some cases, the disease can also lead to sexual aversion and thus to complaints or to complications with one's own partner. If the disease is not treated, heart problems often occur, which in the worst case could lead to death of the person concerned.

Treatment is carried out with the help of drugs and various therapies. Usually there are no further complications. Complete healing is not always guaranteed. The disease may also have a negative impact on the life expectancy of the person affected and reduce it.

When should you go to the doctor?

Recurring disorders of the gastrointestinal tract indicate health irregularities. A doctor is needed if symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain or constipation occur regularly over several weeks or sporadically over several months. Recurring headaches, dizziness or stomach upset should also be discussed with a doctor. Abnormal heart rhythm, uncomfortable flatulence, loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness are signs of an existing illness.

Loss of concentration, loss of physical and mental performance, and increased emotional irritability should be discussed with a doctor. Fluctuations in blood pressure, a diffuse malaise or a feeling of illness are further signs of impaired health. Loss of libido, anxiety, or muscle problems also need to be investigated further. A visit to the doctor is advisable if there are abnormalities in going to the toilet, breathing disorders or cramps.

Frequent urination is a typical symptom of vegetative dystonia. If the daily obligations cannot be fulfilled as usual due to the symptoms, a medical examination is recommended. The loss of zest for life and a lasting decrease in well-being are considered warning signals of the organism by medical professionals. A control visit should be initiated so that it can be clarified whether there is a need for action and a therapy plan must be drawn up.

Treatment & Therapy

The doctor decides about the treatment for vegetative dystonia. If the symptoms persist, it may be advisable to start psychotherapy. Depending on the actual trigger for vegetative dystonia, this disease usually responds well to psychotherapeutic measures.

It makes sense to offer the person affected ways and means to handle the complaints that arise more easily and still cope with everyday life. Such supportive processes take place in cognitive behavioral therapy. Often the symptoms are only warning signs for other processes that need to be resolved and processed. Those affected avoid reliving triggering situations, which starts a vicious circle. A trained psychotherapist tries to offer those affected ways to cope and to control vegetative dystonia. Relaxation techniques such as Qigong, autogenic training and walks also help to process vegetative dystonia more easily.

Medicines are only used for vegetative dystonia if they relieve the pressure on those affected. These are, for example, painkillers, but also antidepressants that the doctor prescribes after consulting the patient. This only treats vegetative dystonia for a short time. Medicines are not intended for the long-term treatment pathway for vegetative dystonia.

More than half of the people suffering from vegetative dystonia experience the symptoms easily and the situation improves again. Only fearful or negatively minded people suffer longer from these symptoms and continue to avoid certain situations. In addition, there are often depression or anxiety disorders that worsen the prognosis of vegetative dystonia.

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prevention

A positive outlook on life and a healthy lifestyle, combined with a nutrient-rich diet and exercise, help to prevent vegetative dystonia. Withdrawal from family and friends is not advisable in vegetative dystonia, as it has an unfavorable influence on the course. Vegetative dystonia is not a final judgment. Even in the case of a severe course with increasingly severe symptoms, some of which are chronic, there is of course hope. In general, vegetative dystonia can regress.

Aftercare

After a diagnosis of vegetative dystonia, it is important for those affected to rethink their previous lifestyle. Special psychotherapies can help the patient to restore his emotional balance and alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or yoga also have a positive effect on the disease.

General restlessness and nervous sleep disorders are typical symptoms of vegetative dystonia and can be reduced with the use of herbal supplements. For many patients, regular intake of valerian has proven to be effective, as it reduces waking up at night and also has a relaxing and antispasmodic effect on the irritable bladder that often occurs. Hop extracts and preparations from the passion flower soothe nervous restlessness and anxiety.

Melissa helps with stomach and intestinal disorders and also has a calming effect. St. John's wort extracts influence the metabolism in the brain and particularly help against depressive moods and psycho-vegetative disorders. An intact social environment is important and often helps the patient to cope better with the disease.

Sufficient leisure activities are just as necessary as social contacts. An overall positive outlook on life, a relaxed lifestyle with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise can help those affected to alleviate or overcome vegetative dystonia.

You can do that yourself

Those affected can reduce the existing sensitivities to a certain extent through special training. In addition, all disease processes can be positively influenced if there is a nervous and emotional balance in the patient. An inner calm is of great value in the healing process. Symptoms should prompt people to rethink their lifestyle.

There are also home remedies that are good for treating vegetative dystonia. Valerian is tried and tested, because it soothes states of restlessness, reduces arousal and can promote sleep readiness in the case of particularly nervous sleep disorders. Valerian also reduces waking up at night and can also improve daytime well-being. It also has a relaxing and antispasmodic effect on the irritable bladder that often occurs, gastritis and bed-wetting. Hop extract also has a calming effect on anxiety and restlessness and promotes gastric juice production as an aid to nervous loss of appetite and stomach problems.

The passion flower is also particularly worth mentioning. It helps with nervous restlessness and is anxiolytic. It also has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles that are unconsciously controlled in those affected, such as the intestines. This also applies to lemon balm. It relieves gastrointestinal disorders and has a calming effect in the case of nervous-related sleep disorders. Above all, St. John's wort extract can influence the metabolism of neural messenger substances and their receptors in the brain. It helps with depressive moods and psycho-vegetative disorders.