Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

ABSTRACT

Dysautonomia is a group of conditions which affect the autonomic nervous system. The nervous system is a highly complex system which transmits signals to all the different parts of the body. In vertebrates, there are 2 main parts, The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The Central Nervous System consists of the brain and the spinal cord, it is the command center of the body which originates from the brain and controls the movements. It is the vast network of nerves which sends signals from other cells and glands all over the body. The brain weighs between 1.3 to 1.4 kg which consists of fat (60%) and 40% consists of proteins, water and salts. It is divided into four regions- the brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum and diencephalon.

The neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system and transmits the electrochemical impulses between the brain and the rest of the nervous system. A neuron consists of the Cell body, Dendrite and an axon which controls cellular activity and has genetic material. The autonomic nervous system controls the nerve of the body’s inner organs which cannot be controlled. Autonomic Nerve travels throughout the body and most of the organs receive parasympathetic supply to the vagus and sympathetic by the splanchnic nerve. In this article, we are going to discuss its causes, symptoms and its ayurvedic aspect in detail.

INTRODUCTION

Dysautonomia is part of the nervous system that involuntarily controls the body functions such as breathing, heartbeat and digestion. It is a group of disorders which affects more than 70 million people worldwide and it can come in many forms such as primary Dysautonomia (Parkinson’s disease) and Secondary Dysautonomia (due to some injury and other health conditions). It can be Congenital (inherited at birth) and Sporadic (arising from the mutation at any point in life). Inherited Dysautonomia is seen among the Ashkenazi Jewish Population. It is also known as Autonomic Dysfunction or Autonomic Neuropathy which affects women and men equally. Dysautonomia Usually involves the failure of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic parts of the Autonomic Nervous system. The autonomic nervous system increases the cardiovascular sympathetic outflow and decreases the parasympathetic outflow. It can be mild to serious in severity and can be fatal. Orthostatic Hypotension is known as Dysautonomia.

TYPES OF DYSAUTONOMIA

There are at least 15 types of Dysautonomia and the most common are Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome.

1. NCS (Neurocardiogenic syncope)

NCS is affecting millions of people and the main symptom is fainting. There is a temporary loss of circulation of blood and the triggers include are

• Dehydration
• Stress
• Warm environment
• Alcohol consumption

2. POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome)

It is a secondary Dysautonomia, which commonly affects the autoimmune condition.

Symptoms include

• Chest Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Shaking
• Tachycardia

Apart from the autoimmune factors, it includes symptoms such as

• Diabetes
• Genetic disorders
• Stretchy veins
• Hepatitis C
• Pregnancy and Various trauma

3. Multiple System Atrophy

It is rare, in the brain it slowly breaks down in the region of the Cerebellum, basal ganglia and BrainStem. It is neither Hereditary or contagious. It leads to difficulties in motor neurons, balances problems and problems in controlling the bladder.

4. Autonomic Dysreflexia

It affects people with injuries in the spinal cord which leads to secondary Dysautonomia. 90% of people with cervical and thoracic spinal cord injuries develop Autonomic Dysreflexia. It ranges from various conditions and injuries which include- Urinary Tract Infections and skeletal fractures. Produces various spikes in blood pressure.

Symptoms Include

• Headache
• Blocked Nose
• Patchy Skin
• Nausea

5. Baroreflex Failure

It is rare and affects blood pressure. Baroreceptors are the stretch receptors which are in blood vessels. It stretches the artery wall and signals to the brain stem.

It includes various symptoms such as

• Headache
• Excessive Sweating

6. Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

It is the complication of diabetes which affects the nerves of the bladder, digestive system and other organs.

It includes

• Orthostatic Hypotension
• Constipation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sudomotor Dysfunction
• Brittle Diabetes

MECHANISM

• The Autonomic Nervous System is a peripheral nervous system which has two branches- The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS).
• SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) controls the responses and increases the heart rate with blood pressure.
• PSNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) slows down the heart rate and aids in proper digestion.

CAUSES

• It can be inherited and degenerative neurologic disease (primary dysautonomia).
• Familial Dysautonomia is caused due to specific gene mutation in the inhibitor of the Kappa B kinase complex protein.
• When it is inherited there is hereditary sensory neuropathy type 3 or Riley day Syndrome.

The most common causes are

• Alcoholism
• Amyloidosis
• Diabetes
• Eaton-Lambert syndrome
• Guillain Barre syndrome
• HIV and AIDS
• Toxicity
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• LYME Disease

SYMPTOMS

The primary Signs and Symptoms of Dysautonomia include

• Orthostatic Hypotension
• Impotence
• Shortness of breath
• Hypoglycemia
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Trouble in swallowing
• Tremors
• Frequent urination
• Low appetite
• Weakness
• Anxiety

DIAGNOSIS

• Cold Pressor Test
• Hyperventilation Test
• Tilt Table Test
• Hematocrit
• Electrocardiogram
• Nerve biopsy

TREATMENT

• Physical Therapy
• Exercise Therapy
• Mindful Techniques- These include Yoga, Meditation and some breathing exercise
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)- It overcomes the thinking pattern which contributes to overcoming stress, anxiety and worry

The more common treatment includes

• Drink more water
• Add extra salt to the diet as it keeps the normal fluid in the blood
• Sleep with raised head in bed
• Medications such as Midodrine increase blood pressure.

COMPLICATIONS

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- Causes Mental and Physical Symptoms
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)- In this breathing suddenly starts and stops during sleep
• Vitamin Deficiency- A deficiency of Vitamin D plays an important role in Autonomic disorders.
• Abnormal heart rate
• Digestive problems
• Blurred Vision

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of holistic medicine which is used widely all over the world. Ayurveda focuses on the healing of the whole body, it states that it is the ‘Science of Life’. According to Ayurveda, the world is made up of five elements: Aakash (space), Jala (water), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire) and Vayu (air). And the combination of each element results in three humors which are Vata, Pitta and Kapha which are responsible for emotional, Mental and physiological health. In Dysautonomia Vata doshas are mainly predominant for the various movements in the body and various nervous system activities. When there is an imbalance in Vata doshas, it results in various diseases. Tridoshas move in all the channels of the body and due to Vata doshas nature (minuteness and subtleness), it provokes the aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas and displaces them from their normal pathway and throws them to the abnormal path of the body causing many diseases.

Avarana is a unique concept in ayurveda which is seen in Vata disorders, Avarana is the covering or enclosing. Free-flowing Vata gets obstructed and this causes many disorders and is known as Avaran Janya Vyadhis.

HERBS USEFUL IN DYSAUTONOMIA

1. BRAHMI

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is helpful in managing age-related memory as it is rich in antioxidants which enhance learning. It is helpful in balancing Vata and Kapha doshas which is useful in the brain and thus improves strength and immunity. Promotes the degeneration of brain cells and promotes the proper functioning of the liver. Improves the degeneration of neurons and overcomes various sleep disorders.

2. ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is helpful in balancing tridoshas, especially Vata and Kapha doshas. Is rich in antioxidants which boosts the immune system. Is a good nervine tonic which pacifies the various nervous systems. Strengthen respiratory disorders and improves the health of the thyroid.

3. TAGAR

Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) is helpful in managing various neurological disorders and strengthening the nervous system. It is helpful in calming the mind which induces proper sleep. Manages the menopausal symptoms and removes the excess toxins from the body. Manages convulsions and prevents epileptic seizures.

4. BHUMI AMLA

Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri) is helpful in balancing Kapha and pitta doshas. It is helpful in all types of bleeding disorders and improves the taste. Is useful in anorexia and chronic respiratory disorders. Relieves hiccups and minimises the burning sensations. Improves the proper functioning of the brain as it is rich in antioxidants.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR DYSAUTONOMIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company which adheres to the objectives of all the Ayurvedic products which are mentioned as per Ayurvedic texts. Formulations which are manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are without any preservatives and various chemicals which do not cause any side effects on the human body. Products which are manufactured by planet ayurveda are pure and devoid of any adulterations. These products are pure and gluten-free and for Dysautonomia Planet ayurveda formulated various supplements which are beneficial in this.

PRODUCTS LIST

1. NEUROGENIE CAPSULES
2. NEUROPLAN SYRUP
3. GOTU KOLA
4. DAILY ESSENTIAL
5. INDIAN VALERIANA

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie capsules is a polyherbal capsule which is made by planet Ayurveda using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is helpful in the treatment of insomnia and relieves stress and anxiety. Has antidiarrheal properties which act as a mild laxative. Improves absorption and is useful in gastrointestinal disorders.

Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water

2. NeuroPlan Syrup

NeuroPlan Syrup is a herbal syrup formulation which is made by planet ayurveda using Mandukaparni (Centella Asiatica), Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Pippali (Piper longum), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) and many more. It is helpful in promoting energy and the health of the brain and is useful in preventing nerve damage. Is a natural nerve tonic which maintains proper health and boosts cognition.

Dosage- 2 teaspoons twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Gotu Kola Capsules

Gotu Kola is a single herbal capsule which is formulated by planet ayurveda consisting of Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica). It is helpful in the treatment of Varicose veins and treats various infections. Fights against Anxiety and depression. Heals wounds and burns thus maintaining healthy circulation of blood. Enhances the functioning of the brain.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Daily Essential

Daily Essential is a polyherbal capsule which is made by planet ayurveda using Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri) and many more. It is helpful in supporting a healthy immune system and useful in the treatment of nervous weakness. Clear the free radicals from the body and fight against various infections.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Indian Valeriana

Indian Valeriana is a single herbal capsule from the planet ayurveda using a standardized extract of Tagar (Valeriana wallichii). It is helpful in calming the mind and body and provides relief from stress and anxiety. Is useful in inducing proper sleep and maintaining the proper health and mind. Manages blood pressure and treats various skin diseases.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

Dysautonomia is a group of conditions which affect the autonomic nervous system. The nervous system is a highly complex system which transmits the signals to all the different parts of the body. The neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system and transmits the electrochemical impulses between the brain and the rest of the nervous system. It is also known as Autonomic Dysfunction or Autonomic Neuropathy which affects women and men equally. Dysautonomia Usually involves the failure of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic parts of the Autonomic Nervous system. In Dysautonomia Vata doshas are mainly predominant for the various movements in the body and various nervous system activities. Further, we discussed herbal supplements from Planet ayurveda which are beneficial for this disease without causing any side effects.