Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is a condition in which affected individuals, usually elderly people, demonstrate an exaggerated response to carotid sinus stimulation, causing dizziness or fainting. This is caused by a reduced blood supply to the brain due to a slowing of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure, resulting from even mild stimulation of the neck in the form of pressure or sudden rotation. This condition can be both spontaneous and induced and is associated with an increased risk of falls, drop attacks, bodily injuries, and fractures in elderly patients. Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is usually associated with a high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Affected individuals need to avoid precipitating events such as wearing tight neck collars or sudden rotating neck movements as well as activities such as driving.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for this condition is aimed at treat the root cause of the condition and reducing the hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus. It also involves treatment of associated conditions such as a high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Medicines which have a specific action on the vascular structures of the body such as the arteries and veins form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition. These medicines have a soothing effect on the walls of the arteries and veins and also reduce inflammation in the vessels as well as in the circulating blood. Simultaneous treatment is also required for treating excessive cholesterol and fats within the blood. Treating high blood pressure effectively also contributes in controlling the overall symptoms.
Treatment of carotid sinus hypersensitivity also involves treatment of the nerves supplying the carotid sinus. Herbal medicines which have a specific soothing, anti-inflammatory, and strengthening action on the nervous system, the brain, as well as nerve cells are successful in the management of this condition. Depending upon the severity of the condition, most affected individuals require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about four to six months, in order to achieve significant benefit from treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of carotid sinus hypersensitivity.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
