Syndrome vestibulo-atactic: causes, symptoms, treatment

Sometimes a person starts to notice some irregularities in the normal work of the vestibular apparatus: while the head is dizzy, movements are poorly coordinated. This is mainly due to poor blood circulation in the brain. The specialist in this case can establish the following diagnosis: "vestibulo-atactic syndrome". This is a fairly common disease, the symptoms of which are familiar to many people. If any abnormalities in the brain are detected, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist.

Violation of coordination of movements. Causes

One of the reasons that can lead to the development of this syndrome is birth trauma. Hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, hereditary predisposition - all these factors can affect the correct robot of the brain. However, in most cases, there is an acquired violation of coordination of movements. The reasons for this phenomenon are diverse. This and all kinds of head injuries, and infectious diseases. Also contributes to the development of this syndrome, drug poisoning, an unfavorable radiation background. Syndrome vestibulo-atactic can be manifested in malignant processes in the brain, hypertension, atherosclerosis. A deficiency of necessary minerals and trace elements, bad habits can also lead to its development.

Symptomatic of the disease

First of all, the disease is expressed in the violation of the cardiovascular system. As a consequence, there are problems with both general circulation and cerebral circulation. The disease is treacherous in that its early manifestation can remain unnoticed for a person. Syndrome vestibulo-atactic at later stages - these are frequent dizziness, which sometimes accompanied by vomiting, eye twitching, impaired coordination of movements, loss of balance. When a patient is ill, it is often difficult to keep a static posture. Also note complaints about noise in the ears, before your eyes appear flashing points ("flies"). Feeling of fatigue does not pass, sleep is broken. Depending on the strength of manifestations of symptoms, several stages of the disease are identified.

Stages of vestibulo-atactic syndrome

The mild degree of the disease is characterized by only minor changes. The gait of a person is violated, the coordination of his movements. The moderate stage is already quite noticeable problems in the work of the vestibular apparatus. When walking, you can notice pronounced vacillation, often a headache (with attacks of vomiting). The pronounced vestibulo-atactic syndrome is characterized by severe problems with the motor functions of the organism. The patient is hard even to sit, he is practically unable to keep himself in a vertical position. It is worth noting that very often at this stage people completely lose the ability to move around. This form of the disease leads to disability.

Vestibulo-atactic syndrome. Diagnostics

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor uses certain diagnostic methods. The patient needs to make a biochemical blood test, a general urine test. The most informative is magnetic resonance tomography. In addition, you may need dopplerography. Often, to establish the diagnosis of "vestibulo-atactic syndrome" requires rheoencephalography (ie, blood flow analysis of the brain). In addition to the above methods, experts also explore the spinal cord. The doctor also uses special express tests, which help to further assess the motor functions of a person.

A sample of Romberg. Assessment of static ataxia

Ataxia is a violation of the coordination of movements that occur arbitrarily. Such a state is manifested by problems with accuracy, direction, and the rate of movement. The Romberg sample is made for evaluation of static ataxia and functions of the cerebellum. It is he who is responsible for the balance, tone and consistency of the various actions of the muscles of the body. The patient needs to stand in a certain position: the legs should be together, the arms stretched forward. In this case, the fingers on the hands are arranged. At first the patient's eyes are open, then he closes them. If there are problems in the work of the cerebellum, a person begins to stagger, lose balance. As a rule, fingers on the hands deviate to the side where the hemisphere is affected.

Paltsososovaya and kolenopoetochnoy samples

When carrying out the finger tests the doctor asks the patient to reach the tip of his nose with his index finger (his eyes are closed at the same time). The defeat of the cerebellum is manifested by a tremor in the hands, tremor. If the case is rather difficult, a person may miss.

The knee test is performed from the prone position. The patient should first lift one leg, then get it into the knee (the other leg). Then you should hold a heel along the shin of the opposite leg. If there is a lesion of the cerebellum, it will be quite difficult to make such movements, or even impossible at all.

Methods of treatment of vestibulo-atactic syndrome

Vestibulo-atactic syndrome treatment suggests the following. Antihypertensive therapy is performed. Every day, the level of blood pressure is monitored. This disease requires a radical change in the way of life. Conservative treatment includes changing the diet, and avoiding bad habits. It is necessary to lower the level of cholesterol. For this statins are often used.

However, one should remember the root cause of the disease. The specialist can prescribe special drugs that will stimulate blood circulation in the brain area (for example, "Cavinton", "Trental"). One of the most effective medicines for the treatment of the syndrome is Mexidol, Actovegin. Also, conservative treatment at later stages involves the use of antidepressants, physiotherapy manipulations. If positive dynamics are not observed, surgical intervention may be required. The operation is performed in the area of the vertebral artery (intersecting the vasomotor fibers). As a rule, surgical intervention significantly improves blood circulation. Positive results are observed in 70% of patients.

Methods of prevention

To avoid the appearance of a condition such as the vestibulo-atactic syndrome, it is necessary to take proper care of one's health. It is worth remembering that tobacco and alcohol are one of the worst enemies of our body. Proper nutrition, minimum amount of fats will also contribute to the health of blood vessels and other organs. It is necessary to avoid strong emotional outbursts, stressful situations. Constant weight control will help prevent obesity, which, in turn, has a direct bearing on the occurrence of vestibulo-atactic syndrome. Physical loads are welcome, but they should be moderate. All diseases must be treated on time so that they do not acquire a chronic form. And of course, one should remember about preventive visits to a neurologist, a therapist.