Folk remedies for toxic encephalopathy. Encephalopathy as a result of poisoning with toxic substances

Astheno-vegetative syndrome is a disorder often observed in children and adults, accompanied by a number of autonomic disorders. Most often, astheno-vegetative syndrome is caused by rather mild ailments that entail failures in the conduction of nerve impulses, and, accordingly, all kinds of body disorders.

But sometimes, especially with untimely treatment, the pathology leads to rather severe neurological consequences. Understanding the origins of this disorder and typical symptoms will help to avoid subsequent complications in a timely manner.

The reasons

The autonomic nervous system autonomously, that is, without human intervention, supports many life processes:

• timely provision of air supply to the lungs;
• promotes the secretion of bile and gastric juice, facilitating the processes of digestion;
• affects the tone of blood vessels;
• prevents the occurrence of arrhythmias by regulating the heart rate.

So what is astheno-vegetative syndrome? First of all, it is a moderate violation of the coordinated functioning of these systems. The work of the organs slows down or partial failures appear in the form of such common symptoms as heart pain, arrhythmias, asthma attacks, “lack of air” and much more. At the heart of violations are various kinds of neuropathology.

Neuropathologies are both hereditary, genetic in nature, and can be acquired. In the first case, a cascade of vegetative reactions quite often occurs when exposed to stress or being in abnormally unbearable conditions (lack of air in public transport). In the second, they may be the result of an illness.

One way or another, very often neuropathology is accompanied by a significant deficiency of microelements, therefore, often the first thing that doctors recommend is to take tests for the composition of microelements, and the amount of microelements in the hair often gives a more accurate result in relation to the functioning of the nervous system.

Of course, it also happens that the doctor simply prescribes vitamins and lets the patient deal with the problem himself. But sometimes placebo works. Remember, the main elements that should be checked for suspected neuropathology are potassium, magnesium, calcium, and, in part, zinc and copper, which also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

Astheno-vegetative syndrome occurs at all ages, but is especially common in adolescents. The active growth of the body and the powerful restructuring of the entire hormonal system sometimes occur so quickly that the body literally does not have time to adapt to new conditions.
And if neuropathologies were manifested before, then in this period they only get worse.

First of all, of course, these are the consequences of two main factors - psychogenic and infectious, and, accordingly, everything that can lead to them:

• bullying at school, unfavorable situation in the family;
• dysfunction of the endocrine system;
• organ failure after prolonged use of medications;
• all kinds of infections against the background of weakened teenage immunity.

A balanced diet plays a very important role and can both exacerbate and mask the current disorder:

• it is necessary to consume fatty foods as little as possible, especially fast food;
• there may be genetic or exogenous disorders in the processing and digestibility of certain products;
• frequent use of carbonated drinks and psychostimulants (it is known that Pepsi contains caffeine, has a powerful effect on the functioning of the autonomic system).

Well, of course, astheno-vegetative syndrome manifests itself through such primary symptoms as a violation of the "sleep-wakefulness" mode, increased fatigue. Physical inactivity can accelerate the onset of these unpleasant symptoms, so regular physical activity, calculated individually, is the best guarantee of protection against neuropathologies.

Symptoms

Despite the fact that astheno-vegetative syndrome is common among all ages, the main symptoms are the same for everyone:

• the slightest physical activity causes a strong heartbeat;
• problems with the stomach and digestive system;
• a state of constant fatigue that does not go away even after rest;
• severe sweating, especially of the hands;
• migraine;
• fainting.

These people tend to have cold extremities and increased weather sensitivity. Weakness of the autonomic system in adolescents during puberty can lead to depression, contributes to the development of pathological emotional lability:

• shortness of breath accompanying severe irritation;
• isolation, and at the same time, the teenager, as it were, “does not find a place for himself”;
• lack of interest;
• distraction;
• concentration disorders.

Both real physical and somatic complaints are common:

• pain in the abdomen, migraine, "aching heart";
• insomnia;
• slow reaction.

Not always astheno-vegetative syndrome clearly appears immediately. But sometimes it is already too late and children are brought to doctors with severe disorders in the work of many systems and secondary depression. Nutrition, daily routine, loads - this should be monitored and not overloaded the child beyond measure, but also not allowed to completely go with the flow.

Treatment

At the first suspicion, it is necessary to contact a therapist, after which the doctor makes a conclusion and, if necessary, refers the patient to specialists of the relevant profiles. If there are no pronounced disorders, non-drug therapy is often prescribed:

• carefully selected diet (minimum coffee);
• herbal medicine (ginseng, eleutherococcus, etc.);
• aromatherapy (has a good calming effect);
• vitamin complexes;
• massage.

Sometimes it is extremely important to be able to recognize a mental state in time. In the arsenal of modern psychiatrists there are many substances that normalize mood, concentration and vitality. Various kinds of antidepressants are used, drugs for the treatment of ADHD (strattera), metabolic disorders are corrected along the way, if any.

With timely detection, asthenovegetative syndrome has a good prognosis, especially for young people. But even a disorder of moderate severity with the interdisciplinary cooperation of doctors shows the results of complete healing.

Be vigilant, because your child's ailments, like yours, are an important key to understanding the quality of functioning of complex body systems.

The term "encephalopathy" means a diffuse small-focal lesion of the brain, which is dystrophic in nature. Toxic encephalopathy is caused by various diseases and pathological conditions.

Symptoms of the development of toxic encephalopathy

This term refers to long-term and severe neuropsychiatric disorders that are characteristic of poisoning with neurotoxic poisons.

The disease is the result of damage to the vessels of the brain and brain tissue in conditions of acute or chronic intoxication of endogenous and (or) exogenous origin. Toxic encephalopathy is quite common.

This disease is caused by exposure to neurotoxic poisons. These poisons include: metallic mercury, manganese, arsenic compounds, lead, carbon disulfide, as well as many narcotic substances.

The disease is characterized by:

initially excited,

lack of coordination

anxiety

aggressiveness

negativity

euphoria

hallucinations,

convulsions

and then lethargy

adynamia,

drowsiness

inhibition and disappearance of reflexes,

impaired consciousness, up to coma.

The symptoms of the disease are characterized by the development of hypothalamic syndrome, parkinsonism, epileptic syndrome, mental disorders (delusions, hallucinations, psychomotor agitation, etc.). When the spinal cord is also involved in the pathological process, segmental sensitivity disorders, dysfunction of the pelvic organs and other disorders join the listed symptoms. And also for each specific case of poisoning, its clinical manifestations are characteristic.

Diagnosis of toxic encephalopathy

The symptoms of the disease include:

diffuse atrophy of brain tissue,

indistinct boundaries between gray and white matter,

cerebral edema,

individual petechial hemorrhages in the substance of the brain,

deepening of the cerebral sulci,

an increase in the volume of the ventricles, subarachnoid space and its cisterns,

swelling and plethora of the meninges.

Microscopic examination of the meninges against the background of their plethora observed phenomena of stasis in small veins. The vessels of the gray and white matter of the brain are dilated, they are overflowing with blood. Perivascular spaces are expanded. Toxic encephalopathy is characterized by a decrease in the number of neurons. Swelling and fragmentation of the myelin sheaths of nerve fibers are often observed. Foci of demyelination are found in various parts of the brain. There are small foci of necrosis in the white matter.

Types of toxic encephalopathy and their manifestations

Symptoms of mercury toxic encephalopathy

The disease is characterized by a large sweeping trembling of the limbs (hyperkinesis, previously incorrectly called mercury tremor), increased mental disorders. When the poison is ingested, a state of shock occurs due to a pronounced cauterizing effect on the tissues - sharp pains in the abdomen, along the esophagus, vomiting, after a few hours loose stools with blood.

The initial stage of chronic intoxication with mercury vapor proceeds according to the type of vegetovascular dystonia, neurasthenia (irritable weakness, headache, intermittent sleep, daytime drowsiness). Also characteristic are tachycardia, excessive sweating, eye shine. Increases the function of the thyroid gland, adrenal cortex; ovarian dysfunction. Acute intoxication proceeds according to the type of asthenovegetative syndrome. Headache, asthenia is growing, persistent insomnia, painful dreams are disturbing. The mercury form of the disease is characterized by a symptom of "mercury erethism" - timidity, self-doubt, with excitement - flushing of the face, palpitations, sweating. The most typical symptoms are severe vascular instability and cardialgia. Perhaps the development of a syndrome of hypothalamic dysfunction with vegetative-vascular paroxysms. As the disease develops, encephalopathy syndrome is formed, psychopathological disorders increase. Changes in internal organs are dysregulatory in nature (cardioneurosis, dyskinesia).

Signs of lead toxic encephalopathy

Lead poisoning. Lead is used in the production of glass, glaze, whitewash, typographic fonts, batteries, communication cables, tinning, etc. Lead and its compounds enter the body in the form of dust (aerosol) through the respiratory tract and less often through the mouth. Acute poisoning manifests itself:

the appearance of a sweetish metallic taste,

salivation,

nausea,

characteristic cramping pains in the abdomen due to spasm of the smooth muscles of the intestine,

constipation

bloating.

Headaches, mental disorders, shortness of breath, a drop in cardiac activity are possible. These symptoms lead to complications in the form of anemia, lesions of the peripheral nervous system (lead polyneuritis, paresis, paralysis), toxic hepatitis.

Symptoms of carbon disulfide toxic encephalopathy

Carbon disulfide poisoning. Carbon disulfide intoxication is common in the production of viscose fibers (silk, cord, staple), cellophane, in the chemical industry (solvent), and in agriculture (insecticides). Carbon disulfide causes an enzyme mediator action; binding with amino acids, forms dithiocarbamic acids, blocks copper-containing enzymes, disrupts the metabolism of vitamins B 6, PP, serotonin, tryptophanan. When intoxicated with carbon disulfide, there is a violation of the vegetovascular and neuroendocrine regulation. Symptoms of acute poisoning: a state of intoxication, and a severe form is accompanied by coma.

Chronic intoxication is characterized by a combination of vegetovascular, neuroendocrine and psychopathological disorders with vegetosensory polyneuropathy. In the initial stage of the development of intoxication, vegetovascular dystonia, cerebral asthenia, mild vegetosensory polyneuropathy are detected. As the disease progresses, the stage of organic disorders is formed. This stage of the disease is characterized by tactile, elementary and hypnagogic hallucinations, senestopathies, intellectual disturbances, and depression. In the stage of organic disorders, persistent arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia are often observed. In case of severe intoxication, encephalomyelopolyneuritis or parkinsonism may develop.

Symptoms of manganese toxic encephalopathy

Manganese poisoning. It occurs, as a rule, during the extraction and processing of manganese ores, in the steel industry and in the production of ferroalloys, in the manufacture and use of manganese-containing electrodes. The disease is based on damage to nerve cells and the vascular system of the brain and spinal cord. Localization of the degenerative-dystrophic process is located in the subcortical nodes (striated body).

In the clinical course of manganese intoxication, 3 stages are distinguished.

For the 1st stage characterized by asthenia, increased drowsiness, paresthesia and dull pain in the extremities, decreased activity, muscle hypotension, revitalization of tendon reflexes, and distal hypertension.

In the 2nd stage of manganese toxic encephalopathy observed: apathy, drowsiness, weakening of memory, an intellectual defect is revealed. Signs of extrapyramidal insufficiency are revealed: hypomimia, bradykinesia, pro- and retropulsion, muscular dystonia. Growing manifestations of polyneuropathy.

For the 3rd stage(manganese parkinsonism) are characterized by gross extrapyramidal disorders: masking of the face, dysarthria, bradykinesia, spastic-paretic, or cock-like, gait. Criticism of the disease is reduced, violent crying, laughter, a significant intellectual defect are noted. The chronic course of the disease manifests itself as progressive, the resulting organic changes are irreversible. If even the initial symptoms of intoxication are detected, further contact with manganese is prohibited.

Symptoms of gasoline toxic encephalopathy

Gasoline vapor poisoning. With intoxication with gasoline, the psychoorganic syndrome is especially pronounced. The same syndrome is observed with chronic intoxication with toluene and to a much lesser extent with the abuse of stain removers. Characteristic signs of toxic encephalopathy in case of poisoning with gasoline, toluene and other stain removers are the presence of myoclonic convulsions and epileptic activity. The latter undoubtedly confirms the organic brain damage.

Organic lesions of the brain, preceding chronic intoxication with gasoline, facilitate the formation of a psycho-organic syndrome. There is a delay in psychomotor development, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. Anemia with leukopenia may develop.

In addition to all of the above, there are:

vegetovascular dystonia (cerebral angiodystonia),

neurotic disorders (increased excitability,

restless sleep, frightening dreams).

As intoxication intensifies, vegetative-sensory polyneuropathy and microfocal cerebral symptoms are revealed. There may be bouts of narcolepsy or muscle weakness.

Signs of toxic encephalopathy bet arsenic poisoning

Arsenic poisoning. Arsenic intoxication is possible in chemical, leather, fur production, when pickling grain, and using pesticides. Diffuse dystrophic changes in the central and peripheral nervous system are more pronounced in the anterior and lateral horns of the spinal cord, in the peripheral nerves. Initial hyperpathy is replaced by hyperesthesia of the polyneuritic type. Characteristic for toxic encephalopathy of this type:

burning pain,

less weakness in the limbs,

hypotrophy of small muscles is also possible,

hyperkeratosis,

hair loss,

white transverse stripes on the nails (Mees stripes).

Perhaps the development of toxic hepatitis.

Symptoms of drug toxic encephalopathy

Drug poisoning. Toxic encephalopathy is associated with various drugs and the circumstances associated with their use. An overdose of salicylates is characterized by the following symptoms: general weakness, fatigue, headache, visual and respiratory disorders. Bromine intoxication is accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and speech disorders.

The medicinal effect on the medulla oblongata and the vomiting center located in it causes repeated vomiting of central origin. This is due to irritation of H1-histamine receptors, as well as dopamine receptors when taking, in particular, opiates. When taking various medications, headaches very often appear, which occur as a result of vascular disorders and changes in intracranial pressure. With drug intoxication, various changes in the psyche are possible, manifested in the form of irritability, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, drowsiness, fatigue, apathy. So, emotional disorders can be associated with treatment with antipsychotics, hypnotics, bromides, salicylates, indomethacin, glucocorticoids, isoniazid. Drug dependence can occur both under the influence of opiates, cocaine, and some sedatives and hypnotics. Sharp fluctuations in cerebral blood flow with the use of certain drugs (for example, antihypertensive drugs) can lead to stroke or cerebral hemorrhage.

Features of the treatment of toxic encephalopathy

The treatment uses a systematic approach. Therapy of the disease is mainly carried out by a neurologist. Treatment is carried out in several directions:

1. Elimination of toxins is the main task of therapy because in order to restore brain function, it is necessary to stop exposure to toxic substances on brain cells (neurons).

2. Restoration of metabolism, so the brain suffers not only from the effects of harmful substances, but also from the products of damaged metabolism.

Vascular drugs that affect the regeneration of brain tissue.

Psychotherapy is often a necessary measure when depression occurs.

Folk remedies and recipes for toxic encephalopathy

The treatment is carried out with herbal balm. To obtain a balm, you need to make three types of tincture in advance:

• clover tincture,
• tincture of Dioscorea Caucasian and
• propolis tincture.

When all previously prepared tinctures are ready, they must be mixed in equal proportions, and then shaken. Take this solution 2 teaspoons 3 times daily immediately after meals, diluted in 100 ml of water for three months.

To reduce the level of vascular and capillary permeability in the body with toxic encephalopathy, as well as to improve cerebral circulation, it is strongly recommended to use hawthorn fruits. They can be safely eaten fresh. You can also prepare an infusion of dried hawthorn berries: 3 tablespoons are poured in the evening with 3 cups of boiling water. You can take a folk remedy the next day in 2-3 doses half an hour before meals.

From the noises in the head, which are constant companions of encephalopathy, an infusion of clover flowers helps a lot: 3 tablespoons are poured with 2 cups of boiling water in a thermos. It is necessary to drink this infusion 3-4 times a day, half an hour before meals.

An excellent, most effective medicine is rose hips. Rose hips can be safely added 1 tablespoon to any healing fees. I would like to note that rosehip infusion can be consumed in the form of a simple tea. Rosehip infusion is prepared as follows: 3 tablespoons of dry rose hips are poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water. It is necessary to drink a folk remedy in a glass (200 ml), if desired, adding a teaspoon of honey to it.

Also try to include more vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. We want to draw your attention to the fact that it is especially not recommended to lean on green onions and young garlic.

There is also a recipe for making onion tincture in folk medicine: you need to squeeze the juice from the heads of young onions and mix with honey in a ratio of 1: 2. It is necessary to use this infusion from the first days of autumn, 2 tablespoons 3 times daily.

Toxic encephalopathy is a diffuse organic brain lesion that develops as a result of chronic poisoning. As a rule, toxic encephalopathy is a later phase of the toxic process, when signs of organic changes in the nervous system begin to dominate the clinical picture of the disease.

Severe forms of toxic encephalopathy are now quite rare. Erased forms predominate. In addition, cases of encephalopathy as a consequence of acute intoxication as a result of emergency situations are possible. Erased forms of toxic encephalopathy are often referred to as asthenoorganic syndrome, when neurological microorganic symptoms are detected against the background of the so-called toxic asthenia or asthenovegetative syndrome. In this case, persistent tremor of the fingers, asymmetry of tendon reflexes, anisocoria, uneven palpebral fissures, smoothness of the nasolabial fold can be noted. Violations of cortical-subcortical relationships become more pronounced and persistent: memory loss, mood background, up to the development of depressive manifestations, a significant decrease in working capacity, and persistent sleep disturbances. Quite often at such patients frightening dreams, elementary hallucinations are noted. Asthenoorganic syndrome is distinguished by the persistence of pathological disorders, and sometimes by a tendency to progression.

Thus, the initial forms of encephalopathy are detected in chronic intoxications against the background of pronounced functional changes in the central nervous system, in the form of microorganic symptoms associated with degenerative changes in certain areas of the brain tissue.

It is believed that during a routine neurological examination of patients with a neurotoxic process, a sharp line between pronounced forms of functional disorders of the nervous system and initial forms of encephalopathy cannot be drawn, since the clinical picture does not always reflect the organic process in the brain, especially in compensated cases of the disease.

Toxic encephalopathies differ in various forms of manifestations. Symptoms and syndromes are largely associated with vascular disorders in the brain, accompanied by the development of diffuse and nest-focal changes. The frequent combination of encephalopathy with polyneuritis is also characteristic, which indicates the prevalence of the process.

With encephalopathy, the brainstem parts of the brain most often suffer: stem-vestibular, cerebellar-vestibular and hypothalamic-stem structures, extrapyramidal formations, and therefore, with toxic encephalopathy, a number of major syndromes of predominant damage to the nervous system or their combination, including cerebellar-vestibular , hypothalamic and extrapyramidal.

The leading place in the clinic of toxic encephalopathy is occupied by vasomotor cerebral disorders. Changes in cerebral hemodynamics (according to the data of rheoencephalography, studies of the volumetric velocity of cerebral blood flow with 133Xe and rheopletismography) in patients with toxic encephalopathies are due to an increase in arterial and venous tone, as well as an increase in peripheral vascular resistance. At the same time, there is a decrease in the intensity of pulsed blood filling in the basin of the external and internal carotid arteries, and especially in the basin of the vertebrobasilar system in patients with involvement of the hypothalamic-stem parts of the brain in the process and, to a lesser extent, in patients with extrapyramidal disorders. A nitroglycerin test reveals significant changes in the tone of the vascular wall of the arteries and veins of the brain. The Trendelenburg test indicates hyporeactivity and insufficiency of vasomotor compensatory mechanisms, especially in patients with hypothalamic-stem localization of the toxic process. Dynamic observations show the stability of cerebral hemodynamic disorders in patients with severe forms of encephalopathy of the hypothalamic trunk localization of the process.

Disturbances in the cerebrospinal fluid system are described in toxic encephalopathies by L. N. Gratsianskaya and G. E. Rozentsvit. Judging by modern ideas about the mechanisms of development of intracranial hypertension, two types of factors, tissue and circulatory, play a decisive role in the accumulation of extra- and intracellular fluid in brain tissues. The development of cerebral edema can be facilitated by an increase in cerebral blood flow, an increase in intravascular pressure and blood filling of the cerebral vessels. The venous system has a much stronger influence on the development of cerebral edema. Among the natural compensatory mechanisms for reducing or eliminating CSF hypertension are active constriction of the main and smaller arteries of the brain, which weakens cerebral blood flow, a decrease in intravascular pressure and blood supply to the brain vessels, and an active decrease in blood pressure. It can also be assumed that a number of changes in the state of cerebral blood flow are manifestations of compensatory reactions. This is confirmed, for example, by the results of pharmacological tests: taking nitroglycerin leads to a temporary "normalization" of cerebral circulation, although subjectively, during this period, patients usually note an increase in headache.

It should be assumed that cerebral vascular disorders are not the primary and only factor that could explain the polymorphism of changes observed in the clinic of toxic encephalopathy. In this regard, the studies of I. I. Solovyov are of considerable interest, in which it was shown that with some chronic intoxications, in the experiment (methylstyrene, nitrile acrylic acid), there are violations of protein metabolism in the brain tissue, the accumulation of ammonia, depression of tissue respiration, violation of oxidative processes , phosphorylation, etc., associated with the direct effect of these substances on the brain tissue. Brain damage in this case has a diffuse character with predominant localization in the deep structures of the brain.

Toxic encephalopathy is a diffuse organic lesion of the brain that can develop both after severe acute poisoning with neurotropic poisons and in chronic occupational neurointoxications.

Causes

The cause of encephalopathy are toxic nitrogenous compounds that enter the blood and brain due to impaired liver function. Morphological measurements in the brain are similar to those found in hepatocerebral dystrophy.

Symptoms

Toxic encephalopathy is initially characterized by agitation, impaired coordination, anxiety, aggressiveness, negativity, euphoria, hallucinations, convulsions, and then lethargy, adynamia, drowsiness, inhibition and disappearance of reflexes, impaired consciousness, up to coma. Toxic encephalopathy is characterized by the development of hypothalamic syndrome, parkinsonism, epileptic syndrome, mental disorders (delusions, hallucinations, psychomotor agitation, etc.). When the spinal cord is also involved in the pathological process, segmental sensitivity disorders, dysfunction of the pelvic organs and other disorders join the listed symptoms. And also for each specific case of poisoning, its clinical manifestations are characteristic.

Mercury toxic encephalopathy. It is characterized by a large sweeping trembling of the limbs (hyperkinesis, previously incorrectly called mercury tremor), increased mental disorders. When the poison is ingested, a state of shock occurs due to a pronounced cauterizing effect on the tissues - sharp pains in the abdomen, along the esophagus, vomiting, after a few hours loose stools with blood.

The initial stage of chronic intoxication with mercury vapor proceeds according to the type of vegetovascular dystonia, neurasthenia (irritable weakness, headache, intermittent sleep, daytime drowsiness). Also characteristic are tachycardia, excessive sweating, eye shine. Increases the function of the thyroid gland, adrenal cortex; ovarian dysfunction. Acute intoxication proceeds according to the type of asthenovegetative syndrome. Headache, asthenia is growing, persistent insomnia, painful dreams are disturbing. Mercury toxic encephalopathy is characterized by a symptom of "mercury erethism" - timidity, self-doubt, with excitement - facial flushing, palpitations, sweating. The most typical symptoms are severe vascular instability and cardialgia. Perhaps the development of a syndrome of hypothalamic dysfunction with vegetative-vascular paroxysms. As the disease develops, encephalopathy syndrome is formed, psychopathological disorders increase. Changes in internal organs are dysregulatory in nature (cardioneurosis, dyskinesia).

Diagnostics

The invention relates to neurology and occupational pathology and can be used to diagnose toxic encephalopathy. The essence of the method: the patient undergoes either electroencephalography and a biochemical blood test, which determine the 2-index by EEG, the level of catalase, the level of lipid hydroperoxide, the level of α-lipoproteins, or a standardized multivariate personality study (SMIL) and the Spielberger-Khanin test for reactive anxiety, with which determine the indicators of the scale 1 (Hs), K, 3 according to SMIL and the level of reactive anxiety according to the Spielberger-Khanin test. Based on the data obtained, a diagnostic coefficient is calculated, which is compared with a constant. If the value of the coefficient is greater than the constant, toxic encephalopathy is diagnosed. The application of the method allows early and accurate diagnosis of toxic encephalopathy. The method is easy to use and can be used by doctors in clinics and hospitals.

Types of disease

There are two main types of intoxication: acute and chronic:

Acute toxic encephalopathy occurs as a result of a single, strong effect of a poisonous substance on the body. An acute condition requires urgent medical care and subsequent rehabilitation measures.

Under conditions of systematic influence of poisoning, a chronic form of brain tissue damage occurs. It occurs in the late stages of the development of the disease, when the body is no longer able to withstand the long-term effects of poisoning. The patient needs a long course of treatment.

Patient's actions

At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor.

Treatment

A strict diet, with a porto-caval anastomosis, meat and fish are excluded; L-DOPA, levulose, leucine, cortexin and multivitamins (cytoflavin) are recommended.

Complications

The disease progresses slowly. Patients die from hepatic coma.

Prevention

Regular rehabilitation measures must be carried out throughout later life.

Publication date: 01/24/18

Encephalopathy is a medical term used to refer to lesions of the brain that change its function and structure. These lesions may be caused by an infectious agent (bacteria, viruses, or prions), metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction, a brain tumor, increased intracranial pressure, chronic progressive trauma, or poor nutrition or blood supply to the brain.

Toxic encephalopathy occurs as a result of long-term exposure to poisonous substances, such as drugs, radiation, paints, industrial chemicals, and certain metals.

The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the type and severity of the lesion, it is accompanied by various neurological symptoms - inability to concentrate, progressive loss of memory and cognitive abilities, subtle personality changes, lethargy. Other neurological symptoms may include involuntary twitching of one or a group of muscles (myoclonus), rapid involuntary movements of the eyeballs (nystagmus). Sometimes patients have tremors, muscle atrophy and weakness, convulsions, and loss of the ability to swallow or speak. One of the most severe consequences of brain damage is acquired dementia (dementia). Blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests, brain imaging, electroencephalograms, and similar diagnostic tests may be used to determine the various causes of encephalopathy. Treatment is symptomatic and varies depending on the type and severity of brain damage.

Syndrome classification

There are two main syndromes of toxic brain damage - diffuse acute and chronic encephalopathy.

1. Acute toxic syndrome occurs as a result of severe brain damage within a short time (usually a few days or weeks). Clinical manifestations depend on the neurotoxin and intensity of exposure, and can range from mild euphoria to stupor, convulsions, coma, and even death. In general, the greater the exposure, the more severe the impairment of brain function and consciousness. Diagnosis for acute syndromes is usually not a problem because the effects of the toxin and the symptoms are most often closely related in time. Acute syndromes can be caused, for example, by virtually any organic solvent.
2. Chronic encephalopathy is usually chronic brain damage resulting from gradual accumulation or repeated exposure (often over months or years) to toxic substances. Clinical manifestations are usually associated with varying degrees of memory and mental impairment. The initial forms include subjective symptoms related to memory, concentration, and mood. It is difficult to make a diagnosis at this stage, as these symptoms are often considered to be a psychiatric problem. In more severe cases, there are clear symptoms of attention and memory deficits, decreased psychomotor function, and/or learning disabilities.

Less common are cerebellar and vascular syndromes, parkinsonism.

Classification of toxic encephalopathy by groups

There are many types of toxic damage to brain cells. Depending on the source of toxins, they are all divided into two groups:

• pathological conditions of internal origin arising from diseases of internal organs - dysmetabolic encephalopathy;
• encephalopathy due to the influence of external toxic substances - exogenous.

Toxic dysmetabolic encephalopathy

This is a generic name for a group of disorders of the brain functions with damage to its tissues, developing against the background of metabolic disorders (metabolism) in certain diseases of the internal organs. At the same time, toxic substances formed as a result of abnormal biochemical processes in the body penetrate into the bloodstream, provoke damage and death of nerve cells. This pathological condition is based on two processes:

• the development of ischemia - insufficient blood circulation for the normal functioning of the brain;
• the beginning of hypoxia - a decrease in oxygen concentration;
• death (necrosis) of brain cells.

In clinical medicine, the classification of dysmetabolic encephalopathy is accepted depending on the underlying disease:

• uremic (renal),
• hepatic,
• diabetic (hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic),
• pancreatic,
• hyperosmolar,
• post-dialysis dementia.

Exogenously toxic encephalopathy

It occurs as a result of the influence of factors external to the human body. These factors can be:

• Exposure to harmful substances at work. Most often this is the inhalation of harmful fumes for a long time.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions. For example, living near enterprises that emit harmful emissions into the air or water.
• Regular use of alcoholic beverages for a long time.
• Intentionally inhaling toxic fumes or ingesting surrogate drugs to achieve a narcotic effect.
• Failure to follow instructions for the safe use and storage of toxic substances in the home.
• The influence of toxic substances on the body during man-made accidents.

Manganese encephalopathy - causes and symptoms

One of the most common types of brain lesions of external (exogenous) origin is manganese encephalopathy. It occurs when using drugs prepared on the basis of potassium permanganate and psychostimulant drugs.

Normally, manganese takes part in the functioning of the nervous system and the whole organism. This trace element is part of the enzymes involved in redox processes, but in excess amounts it has a neurotoxic effect. It affects the subcortical centers of the brain. Damage to the brain with this element is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• decreased muscle tone;
• lethargy, drowsiness;
• dull pain in arms and legs;
• decrease in emotional background;
• decreased intelligence (loss of ability to write, impaired memory and speech);
• walking disorders.

Severe poisonings are also accompanied by widening of the palpebral fissures, a forced grimace of a smile, unnatural laughter or crying, and trembling of the tongue.

In most cases, manganese encephalopathy leads to almost complete disability of a person.

Features of the symptoms of toxic brain damage

The most common symptoms of pathological conditions of endo- and exogenous origin are:

• headaches (cephalgia);
• sleep disorders (drowsiness, insomnia, interrupted sleep);
• vestibular pathologies - dizziness, impaired coordination of movements, walking;
• speech disorders - difficulties in choosing words, fuzzy pronunciation;
• confusion, sometimes - the inability to determine one's own location;
• visual disturbances - a cloudy look, pulsating phantom spots in the peripheral zones;
• decreased memory function;
• depression, neurasthenia.

In addition, intoxication encephalopathy caused by various substances often has specific symptoms that make it possible to diagnose the cause of poisoning:

1. accompanied by a decrease in human activity, longing and indifference, lack of initiative.
2. Mercury poisoning is manifested by periods of emotional excitement and irritability, which are replaced by bouts of shyness, confusion and extreme self-doubt.
3. Alcohol intoxication is accompanied by trembling of the limbs, impaired coordination of movements, severe sweating, hallucinations, bouts of irritation and aggression.
4. Prolonged change in blood pressure in different parts of the bloodstream, tinnitus. Poisoning is characterized by flashing before the eyes of dark spots or sparks, numbness, cyanosis or whiteness of the fingers, pain in the heart. Sometimes it seems to the patient that the ground under their feet is unsteady or "something is creeping in the head."
5. Lead intoxication is accompanied by lilac-blue edging of the gums, cramping pains in the abdomen.

Treatment of encephalopathy of intoxication origin

In the treatment of toxic brain damage, a systematic approach is needed - this is the removal of the patient from the cause of intoxication, the cessation of the decay of brain cells and restorative therapy. These patients are mainly treated by neurologists. At different stages of the disease, you may need to consult a therapist, endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist and other specialists.

Treatment is carried out in a hospital in several directions:

1. To begin the restoration of brain functions, first of all, it is necessary to stop exposure to toxic compounds on neurons.
2. Restoration of metabolism is mandatory. This is necessary, since brain poisoning occurs not only as a result of exposure to harmful substances, but also under the influence of products of improper metabolism.
3. Restoration of blood supply and brain tissue. To do this, prescribe drugs that accelerate cell regeneration and vascular drugs.
4. A necessary measure of withdrawal from depression, which often accompanies poisoning, is psychotherapy. It is especially relevant for alcohol and drug addiction.
5. Anticonvulsants may be given to reduce or stop seizures.
6. Some patients are additionally prescribed dietary changes and the inclusion of nutritional supplements in the diet.
7. In severe cases, dialysis may be required.

Specific appointments for the correct treatment and care of the patient during the recovery period are given by the doctor, depending on the cause and intensity of the disease.

Consequences of cerebral encephalopathy

The consequences are usually associated with organic brain lesions. The presence of specific pathological conditions determines the intensity, duration of influence and the type of poisonous substance. In general, encephalopathy caused by toxic compounds is characterized by:

• decrease in the level of memorization, storage and reproduction of information;
• disturbances in the functioning of certain parts of the nervous system. Partial paresis of the facial nerves, externally manifested by asymmetry of the face;
• emotional disorders, depression;
• sleep problems: insomnia or increased sleepiness.

Severe encephalopathy is fraught with consequences such as:

• convulsions;
• paralysis;
• stroke;
• coma;
• fatal outcome.

A course of treatment, carried out competently and in accordance with the doctor's prescriptions, will allow you to lead a normal life, even if disability could not be avoided. In severe cases, in addition to the main treatment, regular rehabilitation courses throughout life will be needed.

Patients who have undergone encephalopathy have medical contraindications for certain types of work.

Prevention of cerebral encephalopathy

Many cases of brain dysfunction caused by poisoning of the body can be prevented. Prevention of damage is to exclude the possibility of influence on the body of any of the possible causes.

Of great importance in prevention is:

• treatment of disorders and diseases, the consequence of which is the production of toxic substances by the body itself;
• taking medications according to the instructions and prescription of a doctor;
• compliance with safety regulations when working with substances that have harmful fumes and their proper storage;
• prevention of head injuries;
• abstaining from drugs and alcohol.

If the diagnosis has already been made, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the toxic lesion as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of the disease and minimize the negative consequences for the body.

The term "toxic encephalopathy" in modern medicine refers to a syndrome of general brain dysfunction caused by the influence of various toxic substances. It accompanies a wide range of brain diseases with different causes, symptoms, prognosis, and consequences.

Encephalopathies caused by the influence of toxins are reversible with timely identification and elimination of the underlying cause, as well as proper treatment of the consequences of intoxication. However, in advanced cases, permanent changes in the structure and irreversible damage to the brain can occur.