Dysautonomia

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Dysautonomia is a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system. It mainly affects young or middle-aged women but can also occur in those who have had autoimmune or degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Guillain Barré, or Parkinson’s. The autonomic nervous system regulates and coordinates bodily functions involuntary and automatic […] Read More

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Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia is a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system. It mainly affects young or middle-aged women but can also occur in those who have had autoimmune or degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Guillain Barré, or Parkinson’s. The autonomic nervous system regulates and coordinates bodily functions involuntary and automatic (such as blood pressure or body temperature). Impaired functioning can affect the regular functioning of the blood vessels, heart, pupils, bladder, sweat glands, and intestines. Dysautonomia affects multiple organs and can cause a disability in the person who suffers from it, with common symptoms such as fatigue or fainting.

Diagnosis 

The diagnosis of dysautonomia is significantly challenging due to a lack of a well-defined cause of the disease and subjective symptoms. A patient seeking medical help should undergo a thorough examination to identify the primary causes of the symptoms.  The tilt table test is one of the primary diagnostic methods used for autonomic dysfunction. Before going for the tilt table test, you may need to stop medicines (if you are taking any) and avoid eating food for some time.  The practitioner carries the test in multiple ways depending on the condition of the patient. He may ask you to lie flat on the tilt table and may strap you and tilt you upright. He may even stop you at an angle of 60 to 80 degrees. You may need to lie on a bed for about 15 minutes. A doctor will note your pulse rate and pressure frequently. The test lasts an hour or less if the pressure drops substantially or the person becomes dizzy. The test is positive if the blood pressure drops and the person feels weak.

Treatment for dysautonomia

The treatment of autonomic dysfunction depends on the severity of symptoms and comorbidities. In most cases, therapy is complex and based on the conditions of the disease. Use of medication Depending on the specific symptoms, a doctor may prescribe you the following medicines. 
  • ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blocker for high blood pressure
  • Beta-blockers
  • Vitamin therapy: B vitamins
  • Nootropic drugs with anti-paroxysmal effects
  • Psychotropic drugs with anxiolytic effect
  • Antidepressants for severe autonomic dysfunction
Physiotherapy
  • Actively used physiotherapy methods for the treatment of autonomic dysfunction are:
  • Electrotherapy: that involves the use of electrical energy, magnetic, and electric fields. This category includes galvanization and electrophoresis
  • Galvanization enhances lymph and blood circulation in the body by stimulating metabolic and trophic processes.
  • Medicinal electrophoresis: to achieve a calming effect in patients with severe cardiac, hypertensive syndrome, and arrhythmias
  • Acupuncture
  • Sun and air baths

Dysautonomia prevention

Consider these autonomic dysfunction common prevention tips
  • Leading a healthy lifestyle
  • Break bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol)
  • Sleep at least 8 hours a day
  • Dosed physical activity
  • Balanced diet
  • Maintaining mental health and wellbeing
  • Psychotherapy
To be more specific, the prevention of autonomic dysfunction is based on the following principles:
  • Do not stand for a long time:- Avoid standing for a long time. Even Frequent body movements can help in preventing the disease. When working, put one foot in front of the other and then change feet, stand up and release several times and stoop1, or stretch your leg on a chair. 
  • Move feet and knees frequently when you sit on a bus or an airplane.
  • Rest lying down:- Lie down after lunch or dinner, even if it is only for about 15 minutes. 
  • Avoid dehydration:- It is advisable to drink 2 to 3 liters of liquid (preferably water) daily, especially if the patient suffers from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or excess heat. 
  • Performing moderate aerobics exercises:- It is necessary to do moderate aerobics exercises to improve blood flow to the heart.
With timely treatment and multiple therapies, it is possible to treat dysautonomia. In more than 90% of cases, the autonomic nervous system starts functioning normally with proper medication, and symptoms and complications disappear gradually.

Symptoms

Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction are not specific. A person who suffers from dysautonomia shows common symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weakness, excessive sweating, blurred vision, anxiety, unconsciousness, and body temperature rise.

More specific symptoms (subjective) include: 

  • Headache and dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Bloating (flatulence)
  • Dyspnea
  • Chest pain (angina pectoris)
  • Vasovagal syncope
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Paresthesia of the upper and lower extremities
  • Cardiophobia (fear of death and heart-stopping fear
  • General weakness and decrease in regular performance
  • Dyssomnia disorder
  • Dysmenorrhea in women
  • Swelling of the face in the morning
  • Unpleasant sensations all over the body
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Tachycardia

Causes

The primary cause of dysautonomia is existing neurogenetics or degenerative neurological conditions. The secondary reason for the disease includes severe damage to the autonomic nervous system due to:

  • Overweight or obesity 
  • Diabetes
  • Decreased physical activity (a sedentary lifestyle)
  • Continuous use of the computer / TV / electronic gadgets
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Craniocervical instability
  • Long-term smoking experience
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Insomnia and dyssomnia
  • Amyloidosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome 
  • Paraneoplastic syndrome
  • Chronic stress
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Taking narcotic or toxic drugs
  • Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome 
  • Elastic skin
  • Borreliosis
  • Multiple system atrophy
  • Spinal cord injury