The Effect of Exercise on Cold-Induced Neurovegetative Dysautonomia Blindness

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure and maintaining homeostasis during physiological stresses. Nervous dysautonomias are often observed in patients presenting cardiovascular symptoms. Despite that, other important but less known conditions can be encountered. We report the case of a 19-year-old young man who presented for blindness occurring in the cold and improving with exercise. Investigations revealed neurovegetative dysautonomia with significant vagal hyperactivity associated with central B-sympathetic hyperactivity. Our patient received treatment based on hygienic and dietary measures with a combination of an anti-hypotensive drug such as Etilefrine. 2 months later, a re-evaluation showed a clear improvement, confirmed during the control neurovegetative exploration but also during the ophthalmological examination.