Intracranial hypertension is a syndrome resulting from an increase in pressure distributed evenly within the skull and affecting all areas of the brain. It may be due to pathological conditions of the brain. Often it is men who suffer from this problem. The frequency of development in children is approximately the same, regardless of the gender of the child.
Since this disease can provoke complications, it is very important to recognize the symptoms in a timely manner, to diagnose and subsequent treatment.
Features of the disease
According to the ICD-10 code, intracranial hypertension is encrypted by G93.2, is a pathological syndrome, the main sign of which is an increase in pressure inside the cranial cavity. Its difference from other forms of pressure increase is the absence of volume formations in the brain structure or excessive accumulation of fluid in the cranium.
In addition, intracranial hypertension is in no way associated with a violation of cerebral circulation. Often a similar syndrome occurs in middle-aged people who are overweight. In addition, it can be in children who suffer from anemia.
An increase in intracranial pressure can be for various reasons. As a result of pathological changes, cerebrospinal fluid begins to exert great pressure on the soft tissues of the brain, which leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms. Treatment is aimed at eliminating provoking factors.
Causes of occurrence
If the level of intracranial pressure exceeds 20 mm RT. Art., then this leads to a significant difficulty in cerebral circulation and a decrease in the functioning of the brain. As a result of this, cerebral ischemia occurs. Among the main causes of intracranial hypertension can be identified such as:
- hydrocephalus;
- head injuries;
- neuroinfection;
- neoplasms of the brain;
- frequent epilepsy;
- violation of autonomic function.
In addition to brain damage, an increase in pressure can trigger extra-neural causes. These include:
- damage to the immune system;
- endocrine disorders;
- cardiovascular and pulmonary pathologies;
- infections
- metabolic disorders.
Intracranial hypertension can cause the intake of certain medications, in particular, those that provoke fluid retention in the body. A persistent increase in pressure is very dangerous, as it significantly increases the risk of death.
The main symptoms
The syndrome includes a number of different conditions that will help to recognize the course of violations. The main symptoms of intracranial hypertension include:
- headache;
- heaviness in the head;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fast fatiguability;
- increased nervousness;
- sensitivity to weather changes.
With the course of the syndrome, headaches very often occur, which are especially pronounced in the morning and at night. This is due to the fact that when a person is in a horizontal position, the cerebrospinal fluid begins to stand out more actively, and at the same time its absorption is somewhat slowed down, which provokes an even greater increase in pressure.
Among the symptoms of intracranial hypertension, the presence of signs of vegetovascular dystonia can be distinguished, which include sharp surges in pressure, sweating, fainting conditions, and palpitations. Dark circles may appear under the eyes, which are difficult to remove even with cosmetics.
In addition, indirect signs of intracranial hypertension may also occur, indicating abnormal processes in the central nervous system. Among them, it is necessary to highlight:
- sleep disturbance;
- decreased attention span;
- excessive sweating;
- chin trembling;
- inhibited reactions.
In children, indirect signs of intracranial hypertension appear in the form of:
- increase in head circumference;
- rolling eyes;
- fontanel swelling.
Each of these symptoms alone does not indicate the development of the syndrome, but in combination they can talk about the occurrence of serious disorders. Knowing what it is - intracranial hypertension in adults and children, you can promptly make a diagnosis and conduct comprehensive treatment to prevent the development of complications.
Diagnostics
An accurate diagnosis of intracranial hypertension is possible only after measuring the level of fluid pressure in the brain. For this purpose, an invasive procedure is performed, namely, a special needle is inserted into the cerebral sinuses, after the removal of which a pressure gauge is attached. To constantly monitor the pressure level, you can use special sensors and systems that are inserted into the cranial cavity.
All these activities are carried out under the supervision of MRI. Only in this case, it is possible to reliably determine the value of intracranial pressure. In addition, this will allow you to determine the degree of intracranial hypertension and make an accurate diagnosis, which will make it possible to prescribe the most correct and adequate treatment.
If the direct procedure for some reason cannot be used or its implementation is impractical, then the doctor in the diagnosis relies on the existing symptoms, and such research methods are prescribed as:
- ultrasonography;
- tomography;
- echoencephalography.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is advisable to use all of these research methods. Particularly accurate information can be obtained by performing tomography.
Treatment features
It is very important to understand exactly what it is - intracranial hypertension in adults, so that you can choose the most appropriate methodology for conducting therapy. Not in all cases, treatment should be carried out in a hospital setting, it all depends on the severity of the course of the disorder, as well as the existing symptoms. In addition, the choice of treatment tactics largely depends on the causes of hypertension.
Pressure can be successfully normalized if the source of its increase can be eliminated with the help of drug therapy or surgery. The method of treatment should be selected exclusively by the attending doctor.
With a moderate increase in pressure in adults, not accompanied by respiratory failure, paresis, depression of the psyche and consciousness, the use of sedatives and diuretics, as well as drugs to normalize the pressure, are indicated. It is also shown compliance with the diet and the conduct of special gymnastic complexes.
With the occurrence of more severe forms of pathology, therapy is carried out only in a hospital setting and may include the appointment of sodium thiopental, hypersmolar therapy, as well as hyperventilation. In some cases, appointments of moderate hypothermia are required, which implies a decrease in temperature by several degrees over 1-2 days.
With an increase in intracranial pressure provoked by the presence of neoplasms, corticosteroid therapy can be effective, and in the presence of hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid drainage is sometimes used.
In the most mild cases of the course of the disease, treatment can be carried out without the use of medications, which includes:
- normalization of the drinking regimen;
- manual therapy and osteopathy;
- gymnastics complex.
Diagnosis and determination of therapy tactics must be carried out by a qualified neurologist, which is why, when the first signs appear, you should definitely consult a doctor.
The use of conservative techniques
Treatment of intracranial hypertension should, first of all, be aimed at eliminating the underlying cause that triggered the formation of the syndrome. Pressure reduction is based on principles such as:
- normalization of intracranial processes;
- gradual transition to complex and aggressive correction;
- normalization of blood vessels;
- effects on secondary brain damage factors.
Before starting treatment for intracranial hypertension, it is necessary to classify the level of increase in pressure. Basically, a similar syndrome responds well to therapy. This condition is easily corrected by taking antioxidants, vitamins. In addition, light diuretics may be used. For a long time, such a drug as Acetazolamide gives very good performance. In some cases, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone are added to diuretics. Mostly the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and only in the most severe cases is hospitalization of the patient indicated.
Severe intracranial hypertension is treated strictly under the supervision of a doctor in a specialized hospital. Pressure reduction occurs in stages. In this case, therapy is divided into prophylactic and emergency.
Preventive treatment includes the elimination of provoking factors that can accelerate or aggravate the development and course of the disease. To do this, the doctor makes an adjustment:
- violations of the venous outflow;
- hyperthermia;
- respiratory distress;
- systemic hemodynamics.
In the absence of the required result of therapy, doctors resort to the use of emergency techniques. For this, a stepwise pressure reduction algorithm is used. Initially, a tomography is performed to exclude the need for surgical intervention. If indicated, a system of controlled discharge of cerebrospinal fluid is used. Hyperventilation is also indicated.
The patient is injected with hypersmolar solutions, in particular, such preparations as HyperHAES and Mannitol. If all these techniques are ineffective, the patient is injected into a medical coma. Artificial hypothermia is used, which will help reduce temperature, normalize the metabolic processes of nerve tissue, as well as cerebral circulation.
To eliminate the pain, just lower the pressure. If necessary, medication blockade is used. In addition, drugs are required to increase neural impulses.
To prevent relapse, patients should limit their intake of water and salt. In addition, it is important to control weight, to give up smoking and alcohol. As a medication, you can take Mexidol.
Alternative treatment
Therapy of intracranial hypertension with drugs can bring a very good result, however, to achieve a better result, it is recommended to additionally apply alternative methods. For treatment, herbal infusions and decoctions are most often used, which help to quickly and effectively reduce pressure.
It is worth remembering that folk remedies only help reduce the existing symptoms, but not cure the disease completely. Good for this is a decoction of lavender. To do this, take 1 tsp. dried flowers, pour them 1 tbsp. hot water and boil for 1-2 minutes. After that, leave to infuse for 30 minutes.
The resulting broth must be taken 1 tbsp. l for 1 month. After the course of therapy, you need to take a break for 2 weeks and then repeat the treatment.
In addition, it is advisable to take decoctions and infusions aimed at normalizing brain activity, metabolism and the circulatory system. To prepare a medicinal product, you need to take in equal proportions hawthorn, valerian, eucalyptus, motherwort, mint. Then pour the resulting collection with vodka and insist for a week. Take 4-6 weeks before each meal, 20 drops. You can also take an alcoholic solution of clover flowers.
For the preparation of decoctions, you can use ready-made herbal preparations. A good result is given by infusions of mulberry berries, poplar buds. Whatever the reasons triggered the rise in pressure, treatment requires close attention of specialists, since this condition can be a sign of many dangerous diseases.
Surgical intervention
The indication for the operation is the lack of the required effect of conservative therapy, as well as a significant increase in pressure. To reduce these indicators repeated lumbar punctures are performed. Initially, they are performed every other day, and then the fence performs 1 time per week.
Now in the arsenal of neurosurgeons there are many techniques for performing shunt operations, which can achieve normalization of intracranial pressure. It happens that similar conditions occurring in the head await pregnant women. Among the main signs of a similar problem, dizziness can be noted. However, during the bearing of the child, it is not recommended to use any aggressive methods of therapy, as this can provoke many complications.
Dieting
With the occurrence of intracranial hypertension, it is important to ensure the appropriate conditions under which the body cannot accumulate fluid. For this, a salt-free diet is mandatory. It is necessary to exclude smoked and starchy foods from your usual diet. It is forbidden to smoke and consume alcohol. It is best to refrain from consuming purchased juices, fast foods, as well as sweet soda.
Possible consequences
The prolonged course of intracranial hypertension, the consequences can provoke quite dangerous. In particular, among the main complications can be distinguished such as:
- cerebral ischemia;
- crushing of brain structures;
- their displacement;
- death of the patient.
In addition, a similar syndrome can lead to mental disorders, blindness, mental retardation, and paralysis. If there is a disease in the recruits in the military enlistment office, the state of health is assessed based on the use of appropriate research methods. Spinal fluid pressure indicators are evaluated, and an ophthalmologist's opinion is also required. However, if the conscript is recognized as fit for military service, then only with certain restrictions.
Any disturbances in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid or blood circulation adversely affect human activity. Moderate hypertension can cause minor disturbances in the functioning of the brain, however, a prolonged course of disturbances can lead to atrophy of the soft tissues.
With the strict implementation of all the doctor's recommendations and observing the rules of a healthy lifestyle, hypertension can be quickly and effectively eliminated.
Hypertension in childhood
Congenital intracranial hypertension in newborns is a consequence of pathologies of the development or violation of the normal course of pregnancy. A high likelihood of this syndrome is observed in children who underwent hypoxia during birth or intrauterine development. Doctors should alert for signs such as:
- constant irritability and drowsiness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- increase in head size;
- cramps
- atrophy of the optic nerves;
- fontanel tension;
- increased muscle tone.
If signs of intracranial hypertension are observed in children, then you need to see a doctor for a comprehensive study. He prescribes an ultrasound of the brain, as this is the only examination method in childhood.
Therapy of intracranial hypertension in children is aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of the course of the disease, as well as removing excess fluid. If necessary, surgical treatment and installation of drainage is performed to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid in the adjacent cavity.
Children with such a pathology must be observed by a neurologist, so that if necessary it is possible to quickly begin appropriate treatment and prevent the development of serious complications. This syndrome can have minor manifestations, and then exacerbations are observed only during the course of the flu and SARS. In other cases, an increase in pressure leads to crushing of the vital structures of the brain, which leads to paralysis and death.