The neurovegetative dystonia, Also called autonomic dysfunction or dysautonomia, it is a very general term used to describe an alteration in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system or autonomic nervous system.
It seems that this disease comes from "neurasthenia" a term used in the nineteenth century. People who suffered from it had unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and fainting..
At that time such a condition was not studied enough. Instead, today it has been possible to group the different diagnoses that affect the autonomic nervous system under the concept of dysautonomia.
The autonomic nervous system is made up of different elements that form a complex network of neuronal connections. This system is in charge of regulating the involuntary functions of the body, encompassing systems such as ophthalmological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, thermoregulatory and genitourinary..
Hence, this system participates in certain functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, movements of the digestive and muscular system, sweating, etc..
This condition has multiple manifestations that have meant that throughout history it has received numerous names, diagnoses and approaches..
It has even been said that it is not a precise diagnosis, but is a term that is used when the patient presents a pathology in his reactions to stimuli and cannot be classified in a concrete diagnosis.
The symptoms can be very varied due to the multiple functions that can be affected by this disorder. Headaches, syncope, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, etc. generally occur..
Neurovegetative dystonia is not rare and it is estimated that more than 70 million people in the world may have some form of this disorder. It can affect people of any age, gender or race.
Its diagnosis and treatment are very complex. This is because fractional diagnoses are generally done. This fact leads to a partial approach that, in many cases, is not effective..
The causes of this condition are not very clear. Neurovegetative dystonia can have multiple causes, so no single or universal cause has been defined.
It is generally understood that some people inherit a propensity to develop neurovegetative dystonia.
It is also related to certain viruses, or to exposure to chemicals. For example, as in the Gulf War syndrome, in which certain symptoms similar to dysautonomia occurred.
Neurovegetative dystonia can also be the result of trauma to the head and chest, which can affect the autonomic nervous system..
The main ones of vegetative dystonia are highly variable and extensive. Some of them are:
- Headache (migraines)
- Syncope. That is, a sudden loss of consciousness that can also cause paralysis of the heart and breathing. This can be caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain..
- Fibromyalgia: a disease characterized by chronic muscle pain.
- Digestive disorders: gastroesophageal reflux, which consists of the passage of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus because the muscle that divides them does not close, generating irritation. Or irritable bowel syndrome or nervous colitis, which is an inflammation of the large intestine and rectum.
Diarrhea or constipation may also occur.
- Temporary decrease in blood flow - this can lead to paleness and cold hands.
- Extreme sleep, fatigue, concentration problems.
- Affective disorders: depression, anxiety, panic.
- Genitourinary disorders: for example, irritable bladder, which causes pain when urinating. Or vaginal pain when having sex.
- Sleep disorders.
- Sexual problems: men may have difficulty ejaculating or maintaining an erection. In women, vaginal dryness or difficulty having an orgasm may occur.
- Palpitations.
- Dizziness.
- Sweating.
There are different types of neurovegetative dystonia depending on the underlying causes and the severity of the condition..
- Multi-system atrophy (AMS): is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by different symptoms that affect the autonomic nervous system. Some of them are fainting, heart rate problems (such as arrhythmias), stiff muscles, etc..
It is a chronic condition that generally affects people over 40 years of age and causes a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): it is also called postural tachycardia syndrome. People who suffer from it experience increased heart rate or tachycardia when they change posture.
Possible causes of this syndrome are diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, mitochondrial diseases, etc..
- Neurocardigenic syncope: it is one of the most common types of dysautonomia. It is characterized by a decrease in blood flow to the brain, causing fainting. Some cases are very mild and patients rarely have symptoms..
- Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (NSAH): they come from a genetic mutation. Symptoms vary depending on their type, but usually there are sensitive symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the feet and hands.
- Adie syndrome: It is a disorder that affects the pupil, specifically the mechanism responsible for contracting it. Its cause appears to be a viral or bacterial infection that damages the responsible neurons (the neurons of the ciliary ganglion).
There is generally no cure for vegetative dystonia. The diagnosis of this condition is made in a fragmentary way, which makes its treatment difficult..
On some occasions, several symptoms can help to classify one of its subtypes, making a comprehensive approach.
However, most treatments are done on symptoms and are palliative. For example, when there is orthostatic hypotension, what is suggested are lifestyle changes. How to drink plenty of fluids, wear stockings to prevent blood from pooling in the legs, as well as treatment with drugs such as midodrine.
Underlying causes such as diabetes or Parkinson's disease should also be treated. This can help slow the progression of dysautonomia..
Damage to the autonomic nervous system is generally irreversible. Some diseases can be treated and have a good recovery, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying diseases is essential to slow disease progression as much as possible and minimize symptoms.
The person affected by neurovegetative dystonia may have depression and other emotional disorders, for which psychological attention is advised.
Likewise, it is advisable to go to support groups to share knowledge and experiences about the disease in your day-to-day life. The support of family and friends is also essential.
The prognosis depends on the type of dysautonomia you have. When the condition is chronic and generalized, there is a poor prognosis, since there is a progressive deterioration of the autonomic nervous system..
This can lead to death from complications such as acute respiratory failure, sudden cardiorespiratory arrest, or pneumonia..
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