Since school, we know that most of the functions of our body are regulated by the brain. And various violations in his work can lead to serious problems - memory impairment , impaired attention and coordination, fatigue, sleep disturbance and other, more serious consequences. In order to understand why and how to improve blood circulation in the brain, you need to know how it works, causes, consequences, and also symptoms of blood flow disturbance. These issues will be devoted to this article.
What is the brain
The brain is the most important part of the central nervous system. It contains 25 billion nerve cells - the neurons that make up the gray matter of the brain.
Neurons are cells that transmit information and sensory impulses, such as a feeling of pain, heat, visual, auditory impulses, etc. The brain is covered with hard and soft membranes, between which there is an arachnoid membrane through which cerebrospinal fluid circulates (cerebrospinal fluid) .
The brain consists of five main departments - the final, intermediate, middle, hind and medulla oblongata, each of which performs its function. At its base, the brain is connected to the spinal cord, which transfers information to it from nerve cells located throughout the body. For the full functioning of the brain, he needs constant nutrition, which he receives with blood. In case of circulatory disturbance, the brain receives insufficient nutrients and oxygen, which can lead to the death of some cells or to their malfunction.
Causes of deterioration of the blood circulation of the brain
The main causes of blood flow disorders are as follows:
- Atherosclerosis of blood vessels. This disease occurs because of the high cholesterol in the blood, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques, which causes blockage of blood vessels and impaired general circulation.
- Jumps in blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to damage to the small cerebral arteries, and in severe cases, to a stroke.
- Cervical osteochondrosis and scoliosis. The vertebral artery passes in the channel of the transverse processes of the spine. When the vertebrae are displaced relative to each other, the diameter of this channel decreases and, as a result, the artery is compressed and the blood circulation of the brain deteriorates.
- Injuries to the cervical spine. Such injuries often occur when exercise is improperly performed. There is a displacement of the vertebrae and compression of the artery.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Frequent stresses and chronic fatigue lead to disturbances in the functioning of the basic systems of the body.
Symptoms
There are initial cerebral circulatory disorders, acute and chronic.
In the initial stage of the disease, there is increased fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, pain in the eyes, sleep disturbances, headaches, especially after intense mental or physical work.
If you do not pay attention to these symptoms in time, then circulatory disorders will take on a chronic nature, which is characterized by progressive memory impairment, lethargy, irritability, headaches, altered consciousness, fainting, and decreased intelligence.
Acute venous circulation disorders include strokes, brain hemorrhages, and arterial thrombosis.
How to improve blood circulation in the brain
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to establish the cause of the poor blood circulation in the brain. It has been established that the most common cause is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Medication in this case will not help. Neurological doctors recommend such patients treatment with methods of manual therapy, reflexology, therapeutic exercises, massage.
Also important for improving blood circulation in the brain is our diet. For the proper functioning of the brain, you need:
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids. They protect the walls of blood vessels from the development of atherosclerosis. Contained in vegetable oils (olive, linseed), in marine and oceanic species of fish, chicken eggs.
- Antioxidants that slow down oxidation processes. They are found in large quantities in berries - cranberries, lingonberries, currants and others, as well as in green tea.
- Vitamin E, which positively affects memory, can be obtained by eating nuts, flax seeds, and sunflower.
- Trace elements (zinc, magnesium, phosphorus) improve memory and attention, so it is very useful to eat seafood - shrimp, mussels, crabs, etc.
- Dark chocolate contains tryptophan, which in the body is converted to the hormone serotonin, which prevents the development of depression.
It should be remembered that only a doctor can prescribe competent treatment after an appropriate examination. In no case should you take drugs on your own that improve blood circulation in the brain, for example, according to reviews of friends. Of the drugs, vasodilator drugs, drugs that prevent blood coagulation and blood clots, as well as nootropics and psychostimulants, are usually prescribed. All of these drugs have different effects on cerebral blood flow.
Vasodilator drugs
Vasodilating drugs cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of blood vessels, which leads to an increase in their lumen. At the same time, they reduce total blood pressure, which can lead to the opposite effect and worsen the blood supply to the brain. Therefore, at present, drugs are used that have an effect directly on the vessels of the brain without affecting the general circulatory system, for example, Cinnarizine and Nimodipine.
Antithrombotic drugs
Antithrombotic agents also cause an improvement in blood circulation in the brain. The drugs are divided into three groups: anticoagulants, fibrinolytics and antiplatelet agents.
Anticoagulants prevent the formation of fibrin filaments, that is, prevent the formation of blood clots and promote the resorption of existing blood clots ("Heparin", "Fenilin", "Warfarex"). Fibrinolytic agents cause rupture of fibrin filaments and, as a result, the resorption of new blood clots (Fibrinolysin, Urokinase, Streptokinase).
Antiplatelet agents prevent platelet and erythrocyte aggregation , thereby reducing their ability to adhere to the walls of blood vessels. The most popular representative of this group of drugs is aspirin, which is currently available under the name "Aspirin Cardio." Also, doctors often prescribe drugs such as Dipyridamole, Ticlopidine, Iptegrilin, etc.
Nootropics
Nootropic drugs are used to treat brain disorders caused by circulatory disorders. They improve memory and mental abilities, increase the brain's resistance to hypoxia, and reduce the manifestations of mental disorders. Such effects are achieved due to the fact that these agents can both improve blood circulation in the brain and directly affect neurons, stimulate the transmission of excitation in them, and facilitate the transmission of information between the hemispheres. Today, there is already a large list of nootropic drugs and periodically new ones appear. Widespread use of drugs "Glycine", "Phenotropil", "Phenibut" and others.
Prevention
In conclusion, it is worth touching on the topic of prevention of such violations. In order not to have to take pills that improve blood circulation in the brain, you need to avoid a passive lifestyle - moderate physical activity can activate blood circulation in the whole body, including the brain. Also, during thermal procedures in the bath, sauna, there is an improvement in blood flow. It should be remembered that overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol - all these are risk factors for developing atherosclerosis.
Now you know how to improve blood circulation in the brain. We hope our tips will help you maintain good health for years to come.