Symptoms and treatment of vegetative vascular dystonia

Every person has experienced general fatigue, sleep disturbances, rapid heartbeat, or sudden weakness at least once in their life. Usually, these symptoms pass quickly and do not require medical intervention. However, in some cases, they may be early signs of a more serious condition — **vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD)**. This disorder is especially common among children and teenagers, though it can also occur in middle-aged and older adults.

Main Symptoms of VVD

VVD includes a wide range of symptoms indicating dysfunction in various internal organs and systems. Depending on the type of VVD, it can manifest as:

Cardiovascular symptoms – rapid or abnormally slow heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, pale or mottled skin, numbness in limbs, unexplained chest pain;
Breathing difficulties – shortness of breath, air hunger, trouble inhaling, leading to muscle spasms and dizziness;
Gastrointestinal issues – cramps and dull pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea;
Excessive sweating in extremities;
Frequent urination;
Thermoregulation problems – persistent low-grade fever, frequent chills.

Many people suffering from VVD also experience hand tremors, extreme fatigue, faintness, and ringing or noise in the ears.

What Causes VVD?

Despite clinical signs that may resemble internal organ diseases, VVD is essentially a nervous system disorder. It can be either congenital or acquired. Congenital vegetative-vascular dystonia may develop during pregnancy and could lead to fetal oxygen deficiency, pre-birth conditions, or birth trauma. In rare cases, VVD can appear after a severe illness.

Acquired VVD in adolescents or adults typically arises due to the following factors:

Significant emotional events causing strong reactions;
Nervous breakdown;
Stressful family or work environment;
Endocrine changes in the body.

In isolated cases, VVD may be triggered by strong intoxication of the body.

Diagnosis of VVD

To detect this condition, a variety of diagnostic methods are used. Since patient complaints involve multiple systems, doctors first rule out more serious illnesses with similar symptoms. The standard diagnostic procedure for VVD includes:

Detailed blood and urine tests;
Pulmonary function tests;
ECG;
Ultrasound of cervical spine structures.

An EEG is often prescribed during diagnosis. Specialists involved in diagnostics include neurologists, ophthalmologists, ENT doctors, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists. Treatment is usually managed by a neurologist.

How to Treat VVD

Unlike many other diseases, VVD is treatable at almost any stage. However, the longer treatment is delayed, the more complex the course of the disease becomes. The challenge lies in treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms, which makes symptom relief difficult. Nevertheless, a comprehensive neurological rehabilitation program can fully eliminate vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Each clinic may use its own approach to treating VVD — whether it’s dietary advice, sessions with a psychotherapist, or medication therapy. But in a regular daily environment, these methods may not yield fast or noticeable results. The first step in treating VVD is to change one's usual setting to a calmer, more supportive environment.

The “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium offers the following recovery program for patients:

Mild physical exercises outdoors;
Long walks in the ecologically clean park area;
Therapeutic manual massage;
Balanced nutrition.

If necessary, patients receive professional care from an experienced neurologist and psychologist. In some cases, photonic polychromatic matrix therapy is recommended. This comprehensive treatment effectively eliminates both VVD and its consequences in a relatively short time. The staff at “Berezoviy Gai” guarantees full support and assistance throughout the treatment and recovery process.