Encephalopathy
Dyscirculatory encephalopathy is a functional disorder of the brain, as a result of which circulatory failure in the brain slowly progresses. Due to this insufficiency, the density of the brain tissue suffers: it is destroyed by multiple microinfarctions that occur due to a lack of blood supply to the brain. CSF expands, and cerebral atrophy begins. First of all, this is manifested by a disorder of higher mental processes and the appearance of micro-focal neurological symptoms.
The course of discirculatory encephalopathy
During discirculatory encephalopathy, three stages are distinguished. In the first, initial stage, neurological and psychopathological symptoms are absent. In the second stage of the disease, the symptoms are poorly expressed, they pass hidden, the neuropsychic defect manifests itself first. The third stage is characterized by the onset of symptoms of vascular dementia and parkinsonism. The more the disease progresses, the more noticeable the neuropsychological defect becomes.
At first, it is expressed by disorders of memory and behavior, as the pathological process develops, memory, intelligence, and emotional reactions decrease. In patients, the ability to process information is lost, gait is disturbed, the ability to navigate in time, space or their own personality. Disorders of consciousness are pronounced, the ability to count, write, think in general is lost.
Dyscirculatory encephalopathy can progress slowly or proceed at a "galloping" rate. Periods of remission are also possible. Infectious diseases, stress, trauma, alcoholic or drug intoxication lead to breakdowns.
Symptoms of discirculatory encephalopathy
The initial symptoms of discirculatory encephalopathy are disorders of memory, emotional sphere, motivation and impulses. A sick person quickly gets tired, becomes irritable, absent-minded, he is worried about headaches that appear after mental or physical strain. Symptoms usually worsen in the evening. Rest, treatment, calm atmosphere at home and at work usually lead to regression of asthenic syndrome.
At the second stage of the disease, the neuropsychic defect is aggravated. A person is not critical of his abilities and general condition. The feeling of self-doubt is growing, the scope of perception and the ability to think abstractly are narrowing. Emotional forces are quickly depleted, a person cannot cope with everyday tasks, trying to replace them with simpler actions. Hypochondria appears (neurosis, manifested by the constant fear of a person to get sick with any disease).
Discirculatory encephalopathy treatment
For the treatment of discirculatory encephalopathy, it is necessary to improve cerebral circulation. To do this, it is necessary to increase cerebral blood flow, stimulate the metabolism of brain tissue, stop neurasthenic manifestations, and normalize sleep. Also, the patient needs to limit mental and physical activity, protect him from stress and create favorable conditions for rest and work.
Drug treatment of discirculatory encephalopathy involves the use of drugs based on nicotinic acid, antihypoxants, nootropics, B vitamins, calcium channel blockers. Also, patients are shown metabolic and vasoactive therapy two to three times a year. In addition to rational nutrition, selection of moderate physical activity, walks in the fresh air, a person needs psychotherapeutic conversations and autogenous training. If psychopathological symptoms increase, treatment by a neuropsychiatrist is necessary.
Author of the article: Sokov Andrey Vladimirovich | Neurologist
Education: In 2005 completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in Neurology. In 2009, completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous diseases".
