The brain for humans is an essential organ. Not only the basic functions that ensure the vital activity of our body, but also the behavior of people depend on its normal operation. The brain serves as a kind of control room for the body. He accepts incoming external and internal information, and then analyzes it, further determining the most correct option. Such work is carried out constantly, which makes it possible for the human body to function in a normal rhythm, choosing the necessary areas of activity under constantly changing conditions.
That is why it is so important for a person to pay attention to his health in case of problems with the vessels of the brain. In addition, it should be borne in mind that such ailments are not included in the list of rare diseases. In the structure of organic pathologies of the central nervous system, they occupy one of the first positions, manifesting in 17% of cases. It is necessary to pay special attention to problems with the vessels of the brain because, according to the World Health Organization, their fatalities account for 14% of the total. In their frequency, deaths from problems with the vessels of the brain are second only to diseases of the circulatory system and oncology.
First symptoms
How are problems with the vessels of the brain? According to experts, the first symptoms of pathology are extremely diverse. The specific manifestation of the disease depends on the reasons that provoked it. And it can be genetic defects and injuries, infections and immune disorders, vascular ailments, as well as benign or malignant neoplasms. Manifestations of such violations that interfere with the coordinated work of the “central control room” of a person are often expressed in similar signs. For example, problems with cerebral vessels, the symptoms of which are nausea and vomiting, are also caused by concussions or cancerous tumors. Be that as it may, any signs indicating interruptions in the functioning of our “control room” should certainly become an occasion for consultation with a specialist and further monitoring of the state of health. Only with an integrated approach will it be possible to avoid the occurrence of complex pathologies in the brain and numerous complications that can occur with advanced diseases.
Stages
How do cerebrovascular problems develop? Symptoms of such pathologies will depend on the course of the disease. If the vessels in the brain are narrowed gradually, then the first signs of such a process can not be detected immediately. But sometimes a similar phenomenon manifests itself sharply and completely suddenly. In this case, the development of a heart attack or hemorrhagic stroke of the brain is likely. In the most severe cases, death occurs.
When studying this direction, the researchers identified three degrees of signs of problems with the vessels of the brain, each of which indicates a certain stage of damage to the "central control room" of our body:
- First one. At this stage, no signs of pathology are observed or they are very insignificant. The patient receives complaints of fatigue. He suffers from insomnia and becomes excessively irritable. However, the person believes that this is due to family troubles and hard work. Symptoms of problems with the vessels of the brain in the first stage are headaches (they occur in the afternoon), dizziness, a slight loss of concentration on the problem or task.
- The second one. At this stage, signs of problems with the vessels of the brain are expressed in impaired functioning of other internal organs. For example, the functioning of the motor and genitourinary system is disrupted. A person becomes even more irritable. Seeing him in a good mood is a rarity. Sometimes at this stage there are heartaches. Symptoms of the pathology of the vessels of the brain become apparent. However, their manifestation is short-lived. Because of this, patients are also absolutely sure that these problems are associated with diseases of the kidneys and heart. They take appropriate medications and forget about the symptoms for a while. As a rule, from such patients, the doctor receives complaints about flies and stars in the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the muscles of the face, arms and legs, impaired vision and speech, weakness, frequent urination, and persistent headaches. A person’s consciousness starts to get confused, his face turns red and his memory worsens. Similar symptoms last for several hours. After that they pass.
- The third. At this stage, vasoconstriction reaches its maximum limit. The patient is unable to coordinate bowel movements, urination and movement of his body. In connection with oxygen starvation, the development of dementia begins, a complete loss of working capacity is likely. Patients at this stage are concerned about trembling hands, chin and head. Their eyes make movements regardless of a person’s desire, and the shape of the face becomes asymmetric.
Consider the symptoms of problems with the vessels of the brain, the treatment of which should be started immediately after their appearance as prescribed by the doctor.
Headache
A similar symptom accompanies many different pathologies. And, as a rule, people are used to getting rid of such a problem by taking painkillers. However, the clarification of the reasons why this painful uncomfortable state arises should be carried out comprehensively and comprehensively.
After all, headaches of various intensities are manifested in tumors and pre-stroke conditions, migraines and cervical osteochondrosis, vascular pathologies, injuries, etc.
Mood swings
Such a symptom is often expressed in attacks of aggression or anger, which occur literally out of the blue. It manifests itself in frequent changes in mood throughout the day, in the inadequacy of behavior and its unpredictability. Such emotional differences sometimes occur in connection with existing mental disorders, coronary disease, intoxication, tumors, encephalopathy, meningitis, multiple sclerosis and other ailments of the brain.
Poor appetite
This symptom often accompanies a wide variety of human diseases. Sometimes it indicates a malfunction in the functioning of the brain. Among them are encephalitis and neurosis, benign or malignant neoplasms, alcoholic epilepsy, mental disorders, etc.
Cognitive impairment
They indicate that treatment of problems with the vessels of the brain is required, symptoms in the form of impaired attention, decreased intelligence, and memory impairment. Similar abnormalities are observed with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, mental abnormalities, malignant as well as benign neoplasms of the brain and vascular defects of this organ.
Depression
A similar phenomenon is often a sign of vascular ailments of the brain, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. In order to identify the true causes of the onset of depression, the patient must undergo a comprehensive diagnosis by visiting a psychotherapist and a neurologist.
Other symptoms
How are problems with the vessels of the brain? They can be expressed as:
- Changes in personality and behavior. Similar symptoms, as a rule, occur with mental disorders. However, they can also be observed in the case of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, with intoxications and pathologies of the vascular system of the brain.
- Sensory dysfunctions. Sometimes a person has a disturbance in balance and hearing, vision, as well as taste and smell. Such signs are observed in case of damage to areas of brain tissue responsible for these functions. The source of such a pathological process can be trauma, tumors, intoxication and infectious processes.
- Inability to concentrate. A similar symptom is a sign of a wide variety of vascular pathologies of the structure of the brain. Their list includes neuroses, post-traumatic changes, cancer and mental disorders.
- Weaknesses. One of the reasons for this fairly common symptom is brain pathology. Their list includes intoxication, infectious lesions, tumor processes, vascular disorders, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Cramps. This symptom occurs for reasons of both an epileptic and non-epileptic nature. Convulsions are the result of a variety of pathologies that cause disturbances in the functioning of the vessels supplying the brain. These are a variety of mental abnormalities, a lack of vitamins D, E, B2 and B6, exposure to certain brain structures of toxins, a deficiency of trace elements such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium, dehydration, infections, organic damage and heat stroke.
- Numbness of certain parts of the body or their paralysis. Such symptoms occur due to migraine, epilepsy, vegetative-vascular disorders, injuries, organic brain damage, strokes and tumor diseases.
- Loss of consciousness and its confusion. These signs accompany encephalopathy, vegetovascular dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, meningitis, tumors, and intoxication.
- Nausea In the presence of a similar symptom, we can talk about the likelihood of such pathologies as encephalitis, neurosis, etc. Indicates nausea and ischemia, oncology, disorders of the vegetative-vascular system, encephalopathy, mental illness.
- Sleep disturbance. A similar symptom occurs with neurasthenia and neurosis, depression and mental abnormalities, intoxications and vascular dysfunctions of the brain.
What other problems may be with the vessels of the brain? The most dangerous condition is coma. The cause of its development can be an infectious lesion of the brain, oxygen starvation of its tissues, trauma, epilepsy, stroke, poisoning with drugs, toxins and poisons.
Call to a specialist
If there are symptoms of problems with the vessels of the brain, which doctor should I go to for advice? With signs of pathology, you should make an appointment with a neurologist. However, many of the symptoms described above are observed when a wide variety of diseases occur. That is why the factors that triggered the pathology are identified during the examination of the patient by a doctor, as well as during laboratory and instrumental examination. When drawing up a diagnostic plan, the doctor will certainly take into account the information received from the patient about his health, determining on the basis of these data the need for MRI, CT, angiography, etc.
When the slightest signs of cerebrovascular disease appear, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. Even the most harmless symptoms can indicate the development of serious and very dangerous diseases. Consider the most common of them.
Atherosclerosis
This disease affects the vessels of the brain, as well as those located in the neck. The cause of its occurrence is damage to the walls of arteries and veins with formations consisting of connective tissue and fat. When atherosclerotic plaques appear on the vessel wall, its lumen begins to gradually narrow. This process has a negative effect on the blood supply to the organ. In this regard, the nutrition of neurons deteriorates and hypoxia of the brain occurs.
Currently, scientists have not yet been able to accurately determine the causes of atherosclerosis. According to some of them, such vascular lesions are a consequence of the natural aging process of the body. There is another opinion. Based on it, atherosclerosis is considered as an independent pathology that provokes problems with the vessels of the brain.
What are the factors causing atherosclerosis?
Among them:
- physical inactivity;
- lipid metabolism disorders;
- hypertension;
- heredity;
- endocrine system diseases;
- alcohol abuse and smoking;
- vasculitis;
- the content in the diet of a large number of foods rich in cholesterol.
In the early stages, the symptoms of atherosclerosis are minor. This may be, for example, rapid fatigue and headaches. However, as the pathology develops, a person has problems with sleep, gait disorders, tinnitus, short-term memory malfunctions.
The main danger of atherosclerosis is that neoplasms in the affected artery can completely block its lumen. This will cause a cessation of blood supply to the brain. Such a condition will certainly lead to tissue necrosis (ischemia). The results of such violations lead not only to malfunctions of our brain, but also threaten a person with disability and even death.
If there are problems with the vessels of the brain due to atherosclerosis, which doctor should I go to? If you suspect the development of this pathology, you must make an appointment with a neurologist or vascular surgeon. It is these specialists who diagnose and treat cerebrovascular diseases caused by narrowing of the arteries and veins. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to consult a cardiologist and endocrinologist.
Diagnosis of problems with the vessels of the brain is carried out using:
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Ultrasound examination of internal organs and heart, including dopplerography.
- Angiography of the neck and brain.
- Blood chemistry data.
To eliminate problems with the vessels of the brain, the treatment of atherosclerosis should be continuous and comprehensive. It consists primarily in observing a patient’s diet that helps normalize body weight and reduce elevated cholesterol. In addition, the doctor prescribes certain medications that can eliminate problems with the vessels of the brain. Treatment of atherosclerosis is carried out with the appointment of such drugs:
- normalizing cholesterol levels (diosponin, thiamine, linetol, "Pyridoxine");
- groups of anti-protectors (anginin, prodectin);
- anticoagulants (heparin, pelentan, syncumar).
The course of treatment of arteries and veins of the brain is carried out with the use of antioxidants, vitamin and mineral complexes. If there is a threat of thrombosis and blocking the plaque of the vessel, the patient undergoes surgery. In this case, the affected vessel is dilated with a balloon catheter or walls are implanted at the site of its narrowing.
Cerebral vasculitis
Consider the causes, symptoms and treatment of problems with the vessels of the brain caused by this dangerous disease. Cerebral vasculitis develops as a result of inflammatory processes that occur in the walls of blood vessels that supply the brain with blood.
This pathology happens:
- Primary. The reason for its development is a systemic lesion of the circulatory system.
- Secondary. In this case, cerebral vasculitis is a complication of allergic or infectious pathologies.
A specific list of causes of this ailment has not yet been identified. One of the most frequently provoking pathology factors is lupus erythematosus, a brain tumor, rheumatic heart and vascular lesions, infectious diseases, as well as nonspecific aortoarteritis.
Signs of cerebral vasculitis develop quite rapidly. They resemble stroke symptoms. A person has a severe headache, impaired vision, hearing and sensitivity. The primary type of disease is accompanied by bouts of epilepsy and cognitive impairment. The secondary form of the disease is manifested by transient ischemic attacks and convulsions.
Examination of patients with such symptoms of problems with the vessels of the brain and the treatment of pathology are carried out by specialists in various fields. This is a therapist and rheumatologist, otolaryngologist and nephrologist, surgeon and neurologist. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out using a detailed hemogram and angiography (magnetic resonance or computer). Such vascular diseases are treated only in a hospital setting. Patients are prescribed antibiotics, glucocorticoids, including in the form of injections (from problems with the vessels of the brain are used in this case, for example, Prednisolone), as well as immunosuppressants. If vasculitis is caused by an allergic reaction, then the course of its treatment is carried out using antihistamines.
Encephalopathy
With this disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency occurs, caused by a violation of the functioning of blood vessels. This may be a narrowing of their lumens, stenosis or infection. Diagnosis of discirculatory encephalopathy means the presence in a person of progressive disorders of the functions and structure of the brain.
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In the second stage, the symptoms described above begin to progress. In addition, pathological reflexes are manifested, the expansion of blood vessels located in the fundus occurs.
In the third stage, a person's intelligence decreases and dementia develops. Epilepsy attacks are frequent.
The appearance of alarming signs is a significant reason for an appointment with a neurologist. The specialist will prescribe the necessary studies to diagnose the disease. In their list:
- computed tomography of the brain;
- rheoencephalography;
- ultrasound dopplerography;
- biochemical and general blood tests.
If the pathology that manifests itself as the symptoms of problems with the vessels of the brain described above is confirmed, the appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
The scheme for getting rid of the pathology is selected by a neurologist and a vascular surgeon and includes:
- BP control. To normalize it, the patient is prescribed ACE inhibitors (Quadropril, Captopril), beta-blockers (Bisoprolol, Betacard), as well as diuretics (Veroshpiron, Furosemide).
- Acceptance of lipid-correcting spectrum of statins ("Simvastatin", "Atorvastatin").
- The purpose of drugs, including nicotinic acid, which improve blood circulation.
- Taking antihypoxants (glutamic acid).
In cases where stenosis has spread to more than 70% of the vessels, the patient needs surgery.
Aneurysms
The walls of the vessels consist of three layers. If they weaken, then the movement of blood leads to a protrusion of one of the sites. Blood immediately appears in the sagging cavity, which puts pressure on other layers. A similar phenomenon threatens rupture of the vessel, resulting in hemorrhagic stroke. Aneurysm is dangerous because until the rupture of the vessel a person does not feel any symptoms.
This disease is diagnosed thanks to an ultrasound scan of the neck and blood vessels supplying the brain. For this purpose, angiography can also be used.
The main causes of the disease are:
- oncology;
- vasculitis;
- drug use and smoking;
- head injuries;
- hypertension;
- atherosclerosis.
Rupture of a vein or artery is accompanied by partial paralysis, a drop in blood pressure, nausea and loss of consciousness. When such symptoms appear, urgent hospitalization is required and in most cases an operation, during which surgeons fasten the torn section of the vessel walls.
When diagnosing aneurysm, the doctor prescribes to the patient:
- calcium channel blockers;
- anticonvulsant medicines (Topamax, Gabitril);
- drugs that normalize blood pressure.
Alternative Medicine Tips
Treatment of cerebral vessels with folk remedies involves dieting. Adhering to it, the patient should limit the inclusion of such products in his menu:
- meat;
- sweets;
- canned food;
- hot spices;
- strong tea;
- animal fats;
- alcohol
- eggs.
The vascular system must be cleaned. The best period for its effective implementation is the summer-autumn period, when vegetables and fruits become the most affordable. The diet must include foods rich in selenium, zinc, iodine, calcium and B vitamins, as well as A, C and E. These substances are found in large quantities in:
- fish dishes;
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- peas;
- buckwheat;
- seafood;
- lean meat;
- greens;
- walnuts;
- eggplant;
- sea and cauliflower.
Of the berries and fruits, apples, quinces, strawberries and watermelons are considered the most useful. Lemon is very effective for eliminating vascular pathologies. This fruit has antioxidant abilities. Its use allows you to strengthen the vascular walls, cleanse them of cholesterol, and also have a positive effect on the lymphatic system. On the basis of lemon, a medicinal mixture can be prepared, which includes a tablespoon of honey and olive oil. Citrus is twisted in a meat grinder. The peel does not need to be removed from it. The rest of the ingredients are added to the resulting mass and infused for 24 hours. Take this remedy in the morning before breakfast. The duration of the course is 3 months.
A large number of different problems can be solved with drugs made on the basis of garlic and onions. These vegetables perfectly eliminate high cholesterol and strengthen blood vessels.
To prepare one of the most effective, you will need to take one head of garlic and 10 g of olive oil. The vegetable is ground and mixed with oil. It is necessary to use the mixture 30 minutes before meals for 1-2 months.
When using onions, one of its heads is ground in a meat grinder. From the resulting slurry, squeeze the juice and add 5 g of honey to it. The mixture is stored in the refrigerator, taking 1 tsp. Before meals for 3 months three times a day.