What happens in the brain during hypnosis. Rehabilitation after acute cerebrovascular accident

For a long time it was believed that the aura during migraine is caused by vasospasm in the visual department brain, and headache- This is a consequence of the overflow of blood vessels in the brain. Of course, this is the simplest description of the processes that occur in the brain during a migraine attack. Everything is much more complicated - during a migraine, a number of chemical processes change in the body.

Strong effect on the condition blood vessels provides serotonin. It is he who, according to modern scientists, is largely responsible for the headache. At the end of a migraine attack, serotonin levels return to normal, and the headache subsides.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin can cause blood vessels to dilate or constrict depending on their location in the body and size. Serotonin also promotes blood clotting. Approximately 90% of serotonin is concentrated in the intestines, about 10% in platelets and 1-2% in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps transmit nerve impulses throughout the body. Serotonin and other neurotransmitters can lead to numerous changes in the functioning of the brain and the whole body. Changes can range from simple changes in mood and a sudden desire to eat to more complex changes in sleep and wake rhythms or menstrual cycle among women.

Research confirms the large role of serotonin in the development of migraine. Migraine attacks can be triggered by an injection of reserpine. Under its influence, the body releases serotonin, which causes migraine headaches in more susceptible people.

Further evidence that serotonin plays an important role in the development of headache is the fact that intravenous serotonin given directly during a migraine attack can relieve symptoms, although the exact mechanism of this action is not yet clear. Unfortunately, the use of serotonin as a method of treating headaches is accompanied by many side effects: shortness of breath, nausea, general spasm of blood vessels, loss of sensation in the limbs.

Migraine attacks are more than just a headache. Associated symptoms, such as vomiting, mood swings, intolerance to light, sound are the result of changes in the concentration of neurotransmitters and especially serotonin in the brain. Changing these chemical compounds medications can help relieve migraine attacks.

Additional articles with useful information

Additional ways to deal with migraines on your own

Scientists have been studying migraine for a long time and it has been established that there are many factors stimulating these attacks and for this reason it is possible to reduce the likelihood of migraine in various ways.

Factors that trigger a migraine attack

There are a large number of external causes stimulating migraines. In this matter, first of all, we must remember that these factors are different for different people and most often they change with age.

We warn our readers in advance that we intend to tell in detail about those deep processes that occur in the brain of children with the development of serious deviations in behavior. And we do it purposefully, because there is still an opinion that such “defects in education” can be corrected either by shouting, or by example, or by punishment. If you carefully read the perhaps somewhat complicated chapter, you will understand that ADHD develops against a background of specific neurophysiological and biochemical processes. To a certain extent, this information will contribute to the formation of an idea about the disease and the need for qualified treatment.

Quite often, parents hear from others that they raised their children poorly. There is nothing surprising in this, because a mobile child always creates additional fuss in society and “interferes” with people. Many parents, unable to devote enough time to their child, agree with this statement, lamenting the situation that they consider to be a hopeless situation. At the same time, such a "mistake of upbringing" is easily refuted by modern research. We must immediately make a reservation that the finally proven reasons this disease not found. There are many theories and scientific assumptions. But there are some things that definitely occur in almost all children with behavioral problems.

Modern research is increasingly focused on the study of anatomical and physiological characteristics of the brain, since scientists proceed from the fact that with ADHD there is a violation of the functions of certain parts of the brain responsible for solving organizational problems, planning and controlling impulses. It was found that in such patients in these areas of the brain, the redistribution of information occurs unevenly. Responsible for this work are mediators, who are responsible for processing information coming from various stimuli, which then result in inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive behavior.

Neurophysiological aspects. In the last twenty years, many scientists have noted a rapid change in the human brain, which, of course, had an impact on its mental activity. This is especially noticeable in deviations from generally accepted norms in the psyche of children. More and more children with disharmonious development appear, which is a consequence of the influence of our civilization and the impact of unfavorable environment. In addition, one cannot ignore the deteriorating health of the world's population, which directly affects the course of pregnancy. Increasingly common pathological development pregnancy and childbirth, as a result of which the fetus develops oxygen starvation of the brain. According to the data contemporary research, 70% of children with disharmonious development have asymmetry of the frontal lobes of the brain (Fig. 1), more or less pronounced changes in the electroencephalogram (recording of brain biocurrents). As a rule, they have increased intracranial pressure, cysts in various parts of the brain, cortical and subcortical functions, i.e., violations of the structure of the brain tissue, the implementation of its functions, or the structure of certain substances in the brain are revealed.

Rice. one. Brain (side view - division into lobes)

For example, it is known that the cortex of the frontal lobes, which controls impulses and emotions, is the source of the concept of oneself. In most hyperactive children, this area is poorly developed. Neurophysiological and neuropsychological studies also reveal syndromes functional insufficiency stem and subcortical structures of the brain (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. The brain and brain stem in longitudinal section

When examining patients with ADHD, disorders associated with insufficient activating influences of subcortical structures on the cerebral cortex came to the fore. That is why such children have exhaustion, instability of attention, and a decrease in working capacity. Probably, the functional immaturity of the subcortical formations is also responsible for such features as sleep disturbances, reduced immunity, and emotional instability.

Under favorable conditions, the insufficiency of subcortical structures can be almost completely compensated by school age. However, under conditions of emotional stress, increased loads at school, at puberty(puberty) signs of insufficiency of subcortical structures again begin to appear. And in the case of weakness of compensatory mechanisms, the functional immaturity of subcortical structures becomes a determining factor for the development of the brain, as a result of which many secondary defects in the form of insufficiency of the temporal, parietal-occipital and other areas of the brain.

Gradually, the underdevelopment of the frontal structures with the resulting abnormal behavior comes to the fore. However, the analysis of the anamnesis (history of the disease), the data of electroencephalography and clinical picture they say that this facade hides a primary defect - a violation of the activating function of the reticular formation, which contributes to the coordination of learning and memory, dysfunction of the frontal lobes, subcortical nuclei and pathways with a secondary violation of neurotransmitter metabolism, which will be discussed below.

Biochemical aspects. It has already been noted that one of important reasons ADHD is a neurotransmission imbalance. We are well aware of the complexity of the topic and deliberately dwell in great detail on seemingly theoretical points, but after reading this chapter to the end, you will understand what goal the authors pursued. The fact is that the formal prescription of drug therapy certainly achieves a certain effect, but you will achieve a much better result when you learn some of the nuances about participating in metabolic processes in the brain of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. We did not include these data in full in the chapter on treatment in order to practical advice were well connected with the theoretical calculations, which will help you to actively use them. In addition, experience shows that parents cannot always obtain such data from specialists whose task is to stabilize the child's behavior.

So, neurotransmitters are substances that carry various information that regulates metabolic, trophic, immune and other processes in a neuron (nerve cell). Take dopamine (dopamine), which is found in the frontal lobes and some other brain structures. It improves mood, affects the function of the gastrointestinal tract, facilitates the work of the brain, and is associated with a sense of pleasure. With a decrease in the level of dopamine, which is typical for the children described, behavior changes, children become agitated, self-control decreases sharply, uncontrollability is expressed, which is often expressed bad behavior. Note that teenage girls tend to decrease dopamine. They are intractable, quick-tempered, contradictory. In teenage boys, with a decrease in dopamine, unreasonable, illogical behavior occurs. With a decrease in dopamine, B vitamins (especially B6) and the minerals zinc and magnesium are needed. In addition, dopamine is responsible for feelings of compensation, rewards. Do not forget! It is important! Taking into account the peculiarity of the psyche of such children, which is also associated with the described biochemical changes in the brain, they should be praised more often. The child should be told more often that he is good, smart. This increases the level of dopamine, and the child experiences pleasure, he has an impulse to act.

The child's behavior is significantly affected (note that in an adult these processes proceed in the same way) a deficiency of serotonin, which controls behavior, regulates sleep, mood, and determines sensitivity to pain. It has long been called the "hormone of happiness", therefore, when its level decreases, depressed mood, sleep disturbance, increased appetite, aggression. It is noted that for the synthesis of serotonin, vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, oxygen.

For patients with ADHD, it is very important Chemical substance norepinephrine, which is located in the cortex and a number of other important parts of the brain. It takes part in the formation of vegetative structures of the brain that are important for the body, controls primitive reflexes. Thanks to him, a person is able to maintain concentration. Norepinephrine is important for the work of the pleasure center, it controls the part of the brain that is responsible for the manifestations of anxiety, rage, aggression. Its level clearly affects behavior. If it is excessive, then this is expressed by excessive activity, difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, aggression. Such people are usually always dissatisfied with everything. A completely different picture with a deficiency of norepinephrine. The child does not want to do anything, is indifferent to everything, besides, his memory is disturbed. Observation of children with ADHD showed that a change in the level of this substance is associated with a violation of its metabolism, but in any case, this is a long-term stress for a child. It is clear that we can help the child by recommending the use of substances that actively improve the exchange of norepinephrine. These are B vitamins (especially B1 and B6), zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, vitamin C. By the way, it has long been established that almost every person now has a deficiency of vitamin B1, zinc and magnesium. So, we remind you that a decrease in norepinephrine and serotonin can serve as a trigger for aggression.

To bring you closer complete picture complex processes in the brain of a child with ADHD, let's take a look at another important substance- a neurotransmitter. It is acetylcholine, which is also essential for good brain function. Its insufficiency, which is typical for our patients, is manifested by disinhibition, poor memory, impaired learning, and confusion. We deliberately dwell on some specific recommendations right now so that they are well absorbed by our esteemed readers. Some scientists have come to the conclusion that it is possible to help such children by excluding from the menu products containing substances that delay the production of acetylcholine. These include, for example, tomatoes and potatoes. But you can avoid the loss of acetylcholine by recommending foods containing choline, including fish and eggs.

According to the World Health Organization, about 400 million people of all ages suffer from depression. These shocking numbers make illness the leading cause of disability.

In the struggle for the consumer, all means are good

Pharmaceutical companies could not pass by such a tidbit of profit. The huge target market for antidepressants is a goldmine for manufacturers. In addition to meeting the needs of the consumer, pharmacologists use various marketing tricks, further enriching their own treasury. It is not difficult to prove the sins of antidepressant companies. One has only to get acquainted with the results of numerous monitorings. So, a recent study, the results of which were published in the British Medical Journal, found the concealment of true information regarding medical preparations.

When you blindly trust your doctor

When a person is diagnosed with depression, he will not be interested in the results of clinical trials of this or that drug. He blindly trusts the doctor, goes and buys medicine. The scientists looked at the archives of 70 different, blind, placebo-controlled trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and found that no reports reported serious harms from the drugs. And this means that the developers have something to hide, and they do not want to advertise possible serious side effects.

Depression primarily affects the hippocampus

We know that depression cannot be left untreated. If a person constantly feels depressed, this is reflected not only in the emotional state or causes certain physical ailments. In fact, depression left unaddressed can cause real changes in the structure of the patient's brain. First of all, the hippocampus, the department responsible for the formation and regulation of emotions and memory, suffers. This trend is especially catastrophic for teenagers, because their brains are still at the stage of development. Teachers and parents will immediately rush to write off the child's problems with attention, memory and outbursts of aggression as a transitional age. But the real reason lies elsewhere.

At what stage does brain damage occur?

Several scientific studies at once have revealed that with periodic or permanent depressive disorders, an important part of the brain decreases. And this means that we have reliable information. Professor Ian Hickey from the University of Sydney said that the reduction in the size of the hippocampus is directly related to the number of depressive flares. The more such conditions a person experiences in his life, the worse. That is why it is so important not to leave your condition without the attention and care of loved ones. What comes first: a decrease in the hippocampus or a mental disorder? Experts say that brain damage comes from a relapse of the disease.

Resilience

Several other studies have highlighted the uniqueness of this department. You will be surprised, but the hippocampus is able to fully recover in size. Reversibility is associated with the ability to rapidly form new bonds between cells. Scientists have found that when the size of the hippocampus decreases, not the cells themselves are lost, but only the cellular connections are broken. But not only depression can reduce the size of the hippocampus. For example, a person who is used to staying at home without participating in social activities also exposes himself to certain risks. Experts believe that interaction in society is an integral part of building strong connections between brain cells. There are also alternative ways enhancing neuroprotection, such as taking fish oil.

How depression encodes information

Mental disorders affect not only the brain, the heart suffers first of all. However, these two bodies are directly interconnected. If a person is sad and constantly depressed, heart electromagnetic waves encode the received information and send signals to the brain. Thus, the nervous system is in constant chaos.

The idea of ​​a chemical imbalance in the past

Joseph Coyle, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School, sums up all of the above. In fact, the notorious idea of ​​a chemical imbalance in the brain is a relic of the past. The influence of mental disorders on the main organs of a person is much more subtle and complex. According to the expert, the mechanism of depression cannot be reduced to the generally accepted idea of ​​a lack of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Presented to the public in the 50s of the last century, the theory of the lack of neurotransmitters was very popular for half a century. Most of the world's population accepted this theory as the only true one. However, depression is more likely to be associated with other abnormal influences.

For half a century science has been on the wrong track

So people often say that mental disorders leads to a chemical imbalance, but in reality this disease is much more complicated, and not every drug that restores the lack of neurotransmitters will help get rid of the disease. And here is what the famous British psychiatrist and writer Dr. Joanna Moncrieff says: “While a person feels depressed, some processes are taking place in the brain. However, so far, no study has established a correlation between the lack of certain neurotransmitters and depressive disorder. In all cases, the experiments give rather contradictory results. No work has been able to identify the real cause of the disease. The fact that for more than 50 years such intensive scientific research has not yielded any results can only testify to two things: either scientists have not developed right technology or they're on the wrong track."

Antidepressants are not able to completely cope with the problem

In support of the chemical imbalance theory, the version that antidepressants significantly increase the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the synapses is often put forward. But, as we said earlier, drugs are only able to localize processes for a while. Solving major problems (not to mention complete cure) seems almost impossible. The fact that mood can be affected by drugs does not give grounds to believe that this theory is correct. In addition, no doctor can look into a patient's cranium and determine exactly which chemical neurotransmitters are involved in this particular disease. That is why a theory remains a theory, and doctors still write prescriptions blindly.

Millions of chemical reactions take place in the body

Both inside and outside of our nerve cells Millions of different chemical reactions take place. All together, this makes up a single dynamic system that regulates our mood, the perception of certain processes, the feeling of happiness or sadness. That is why the exact cause of mental disorders is still unknown. However, the idea of ​​neurotransmitter imbalance is strongly supported pharmaceutical companies in collaboration with psychotherapists.

There are other factors leading to depression

At the moment, scientists have found that mental disorders can lead to whole line biological factors, among which chronic inflammation, lack of vitamin D, imbalance intestinal flora or excess sugar in the body. There are also alternative ways to deal with depression. Perhaps the idea of ​​neuroplasticity in the brain will provide some clues. Many of us have heard that the power of thought can influence a particular situation. This is confirmed by various Scientific research. A good way to fight depression is to have a balanced diet and exercise. And the most amazing variety of neurological benefits comes from meditation.

Violations arterial circulation brain: forms, signs, treatment

AT last years a significant increase in the mortality rate from pathological lesions vessels of the brain, which were previously associated with the aging of the body and were diagnosed only in humans old age(after 60 years). Today, the symptoms of cerebrovascular accident have rejuvenated. And people under the age of 40 often die from a stroke. Therefore, it is important to know the causes and mechanism of their development, so that diagnostic and therapeutic measures give the most effective result.

What is cerebrovascular accident (MK)

The vessels of the brain have a peculiar, perfect structure that ideally regulates blood flow, ensuring the stability of blood circulation. They are designed in such a way that with an increase in blood flow to coronary vessels about 10 times during physical activity, the amount of circulating blood in the brain, with increasing mental activity, remains at the same level. That is, there is a redistribution of blood flow. Part of the blood from parts of the brain with a lower load is redirected to areas with enhanced brain activity.

However, this perfect process of blood circulation is disturbed if the amount of blood entering the brain does not satisfy its need for it. It should be noted that its redistribution among brain regions is necessary not only for its normal functionality. It also occurs when various pathologies, for example, (narrowing) or obturation (closure). As a result of impaired self-regulation, there is a slowdown in the speed of blood movement in certain parts of the brain and them.

Types of violations of MK

There are the following categories of blood flow disorders in the brain:

1. Acute (strokes) that occur suddenly with a long course, and transient, the main symptoms of which (visual impairment, loss of speech, etc.) last no more than a day.
2. Chronic, caused. They are divided into two types: origin and caused.

Acute disorders of cerebral circulation (ACC)

Acute cerebrovascular accident causes persistent disorders brain activity. It is of two types: and (it is also called a cerebral infarction).

hemorrhagic

Etiology

hemorrhage ( hemorrhagic disorder blood flow) can be caused by various arterial hypertension, congenital, etc.

Pathogenesis

As a result of the increase blood pressure there is an exit of plasma and proteins contained in it, which entails plasma soaking of the walls of blood vessels, causing their destruction. A peculiar hyaline-like specific substance (a protein resembling cartilage in its structure) is deposited on the vascular walls, which leads to the development of hyalinosis. Vessels resemble glass tubes, lose their elasticity and ability to hold blood pressure. In addition, the permeability vascular wall and blood can freely pass through it, soaking the nerve fibers (diapedetic bleeding). The result of such a transformation can be the formation of microaneurysms and rupture of the vessel with hemorrhage and blood entering the white medulla. Thus, hemorrhage occurs as a result of:

• Plasma impregnation of the walls of the vessels of the white medulla or visual tubercles;
• diapedetic bleeding;
• formation of microaneurysms.

Hemorrhage in acute period characterized by the development of hematomas during wedging and deformation of the brain stem into the tentorial foramen. At the same time, the brain swells, extensive edema develops. There are secondary hemorrhages, smaller ones.

Clinical manifestations

Usually occurs during the day, during a period of physical activity. Suddenly, the head starts to hurt badly, there are nauseating urges. Consciousness is confused, a person breathes often and with a whistle, occurs, accompanied by hemiplegia (one-sided paralysis of the limbs) or hemiparesis (weakening motor functions). Lost basic reflexes. The gaze becomes motionless (paresis), anisocoria (pupils of different sizes) or divergent strabismus occurs.

Treatment

Treatment for this type of cerebrovascular accident includes intensive care, the main purpose of which is to reduce blood pressure, restore vital (automatic perception of the outside world) functions, stop bleeding and eliminate cerebral edema. In this case, the following medicines are used:

1. Decreasing - ganglionic blockers ( Arfonad, Benzohexanium, Pentamine).
2. To reduce the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and increase blood clotting - Dicynon, vitamin C, Vikasol, Calcium gluconate.
3. To increase the rheology (fluidity) of blood - Trental, Vinkaton, Cavinton, Eufillin, Cinnarizine.
4. Inhibiting fibrinolytic activity - ACC(aminocaproic acid).
5. Decongestant - Lasix.
6. Sedative drugs.
7. A lumbar puncture is prescribed to reduce intracranial pressure.
8. All drugs are administered by injection.

Ischemic

Etiology

ischemic NMC due to atherosclerotic plaque

Ischemic circulatory disorders are most often caused by atherosclerosis. Its development can provoke strong excitement (stress, etc.) or excessive exercise stress. It can occur during a night's sleep or immediately after waking up. Often accompanies preinfarction state or .

Symptoms

They may appear suddenly or increase gradually. They manifest themselves in the form of headaches, hemiparesis on the side opposite to the lesion. Disturbance of coordination of movement, as well as visual and speech disorders.

Pathogenesis

An ischemic disorder occurs when a specific area of ​​the brain receives an insufficient amount blood. In this case, a focus of hypoxia arises, in which necrotic formations develop. This process is accompanied by a violation of basic brain functions.

Therapy

Injections are used in the treatment medicines to restore normal functioning of cardio-vascular system. These include: Corglicon, Strofantin, Sulfocamphocaine, Reopoliklyukin, Cardiamin. Intracranial pressure declining Mannitol or Lasix.

Transient cerebrovascular accident

Transient cerebrovascular accident (TIMC) occurs against the background of arterial hypertension or atherosclerosis. Sometimes the cause of its development is their combination. The main symptoms of PNMK are manifested in the following:

• If the focus of the pathology is located in the basin of the carotid vessels, the patient becomes numb half of the body (on the opposite side of the focus) and part of the face around the lips, paralysis or short-term paresis of the extremities is possible. Speech is impaired, an epileptic seizure may occur.
• In case of circulatory disorders, the patient's legs and arms weaken, it is difficult for him to swallow and pronounce sounds, photopsia occurs (appearance of luminous points, sparks, etc. in the eyes) or diplopia (doubling of visible objects). He loses his bearings, he has memory lapses.
• Signs of cerebrovascular accident against the background of hypertension are manifested in the following: the head begins to hurt and eyeballs, a person experiences drowsiness, he has stuffy ears (as in an airplane during takeoff or landing) and nauseating urges. The face turns red, sweating increases. Unlike strokes, all these symptoms disappear within a day. For this they received the name.

PNMK is treated with antihypertensive, tonic and cardiotonic drugs. Antispasmodics are used, and. The following medications are prescribed:

Dibazol, Trental, Clonidine, Vincamine, Eufillin, Cinnarizine, Cavinton, Furasemide, beta-blockers. As a tonic alcohol tinctures ginseng and Schisandra chinensis.

Chronic disorders of cerebral circulation

Chronic cerebrovascular accident (CIC), in contrast to acute forms, develops gradually. There are three stages of the disease:

1. In the first stage, the symptoms are vague. They are more like a syndrome chronic fatigue. A person quickly gets tired, his sleep is disturbed, he often hurts and his head is spinning. He becomes short-tempered and distracted. He often changes his mood. He forgets some minor things.
2. In the second stage, chronic cerebrovascular accident is accompanied by a significant memory impairment, small motor dysfunctions develop, causing unsteady gait. There is constant noise in the head. A person does not perceive information well, with difficulty concentrating his attention on it. He is gradually degrading as a person. Becomes irritable and insecure, loses intelligence, reacts inadequately to criticism, often becomes depressed. He is constantly dizzy and has a headache. He always wants to sleep. Efficiency - reduced. He does not adapt well socially.
3. In the third stage, all symptoms intensify. Personality degradation turns into, memory suffers. Leaving the house alone, such a person will never find his way back. Motor functions are impaired. This is manifested in the tremor of the hands, stiffness of movements. Speech impairment, uncoordinated movements are noticeable.

Violation of cerebral circulation is dangerous because if treatment is not carried out in the early stages, neurons die - the main units of the brain structure, which cannot be resurrected. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease is so important. It includes:

• Identification of vascular diseases that contribute to the development of cerebrovascular accidents.
• Making a diagnosis based on the patient's complaints.
• Conducting a neuropsychological examination on the MMSE scale. It allows you to detect cognitive impairment by testing. The absence of violations is evidenced by 30 points scored by the patient.
• Duplex scanning in order to detect lesions of cerebral vessels by atherosclerosis and other diseases.
• Magnetic resonance imaging, which allows to detect small hypodense (with pathological changes) foci.
• Clinical blood tests: complete blood count, lipid spectrum, coagulogram, glucose.

Etiology

The main causes of cerebrovascular accident are as follows:

1. Age. Basically, they occur in people who have stepped into their fifth decade.
2. genetic predisposition.
3. Traumatic brain injury.
4. Overweight. Obese people often suffer from hypercholesterolemia.
5. Physical inactivity and increased emotionality (stress, etc.).
6. Bad habits.
7. Diseases: diabetes(insulin dependent) and atherosclerosis.
8. Hypertension. High blood pressure is the most common cause of strokes.
9. In old age, blood flow disorders in the brain can lead to:
   • shimmering ,
   • various diseases hematopoietic organs and blood
   • chronic,

Treatment

In chronic disorders of blood flow in the brain all therapeutic measures are aimed at protecting the neurons of the brain from death as a result of hypoxia, stimulate metabolism at the level of neurons, normalize blood flow in brain tissues. Medicines for each patient are selected individually. They should be taken in a strictly specified dosage, constantly monitoring blood pressure.

In addition, for disorders of cerebral circulation, accompanied by manifestations of a neurological nature, antioxidants, vasodilators, drugs that increase blood microcirculation, sedatives and multivitamins are used.

It is possible to treat chronic cerebrovascular accident by means traditional medicine using various fees and herbal teas. Especially useful is the infusion of hawthorn flowers and the collection, which includes chamomile, marsh cudweed and motherwort. But they should be used as an additional treatment course that enhances the main drug therapy.

Overweight people who are at risk for developing atherosclerosis due to need to pay attention to nutrition. For them there are special diets, which you can learn about from a dietitian who monitors the organization of nutrition for patients who are being treated in a hospital at any hospital. Dietary products include everything that has vegetable origin, seafood and fish. But milk products, on the contrary, should be with low content fat.

If the cholesterolemia is significant, and the diet does not give the desired results, the drugs included in the group are prescribed: Liprimar, Atorvakar, Vabarin, Torvakard, Simvatin. With a large degree of narrowing of the gap between the walls carotid arteries(more than 70%) requires a carotid ( surgical operation), which is performed only in specialized clinics. With stenosis less than 60%, conservative treatment is sufficient.

Rehabilitation after acute cerebrovascular accident

Drug therapy can stop the course of the disease. But she cannot return the opportunity to move. Only special gymnastic exercises can help with this. We must be prepared for the fact that this process is quite lengthy and be patient. Relatives of the patient should learn how to perform massage and exercises therapeutic gymnastics, since it is they who will have to do them to him for six months or more.

Kinesiotherapy is shown as the basis for early rehabilitation after a dynamic violation of cerebral circulation in order to fully restore motor functions. It is especially necessary in the restoration of motor skills, as it contributes to the creation of a new model of the hierarchy of the nervous system for the implementation of the physiological control of the body's motor functions. The following methods are used in kinesitherapy:

1. Gymnastics "Balance", aimed at restoring coordination of movements;
2. The Feldenkrais Reflex System.
3. Vojta's Recovery System motor activity reflex stimulation method;
4. Microkenisotherapy.

Passive gymnastics "Balance" is assigned to every patient with impaired cerebral circulation, as soon as consciousness returns to him. Usually relatives help the patient to perform it. It includes kneading the fingers and toes, flexion and extension of the limbs. Exercise starts with lower divisions limbs, gradually moving up. The complex also includes kneading the head and cervical regions. Before starting the exercises and finishing the gymnastics should be light massaging movements. Be sure to monitor the patient's condition. Gymnastics should not cause him overwork. The patient can independently perform exercises for the eyes (squinting, rotation, fixing the gaze at one point, and some others). Gradually, with improvement general condition the patient's load is increased. For each patient, an individual recovery method is selected, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease.

Photo: basic exercises of passive gymnastics

The Feldenkrais Method is a therapy that gently affects nervous system person. It contributes to the complete restoration of mental abilities, physical activity and sensuality. It includes exercises that require smooth movement during execution. The patient must focus on their coordination, make each movement meaningful (consciously). This technique diverts attention from existing problem with health and concentrate it on new achievements. As a result, the brain begins to "remember" the old stereotypes and returns to them. The patient is constantly exploring his body and its capabilities. This allows you to find quick ways make him move.

The methodology is based on three principles:

• All exercises should be easy to learn and remember.
• Each exercise should be performed smoothly, without muscle strain.
• Performing the exercise, a sick person should enjoy the movement.

But most importantly, you should never divide your achievements into high and low.

Additional rehabilitation measures

Widely practiced breathing exercises, which not only normalizes blood circulation, but also relieves muscle tension arising under the influence of gymnastic and massage loads. In addition, it regulates the respiratory process after performing therapeutic exercises and gives a relaxing effect.

In case of violations of cerebral circulation, the patient is prescribed bed rest for a long time. This may lead to various complications, for example, a violation of the natural ventilation of the lungs, the appearance of bedsores and contractures (mobility is limited in the joint). Pressure ulcer prevention is frequent shift the position of the patient. It is recommended to turn it over on the stomach. At the same time, the feet hang down, the shins are located on soft pillows, under the knees there are cotton pads lined with gauze.

1. Give the patient's body special provision. In the first days, he is transferred from one position to another by relatives caring for him. This is done every two or three hours. After stabilizing blood pressure and improving the general condition of the patient, they are taught to do it themselves. Early seating of the patient in bed (if health permits) will not allow contractures to develop.
2. Do the massage necessary to maintain normal muscle tone. The first days it includes light strokes (with increased tone) or kneading (if muscle tone is reduced) and lasts only a few minutes. In the future, massage movements are intensified. Rubbing is allowed. The duration also increases massage treatments. By the end of the first half of the year, they can be completed within an hour.
3. Perform exercise therapy exercises, which, among other things, effectively fight synkinesis (involuntary muscle contractions).
4. Vibrostimulation of paralyzed parts of the body with an oscillation frequency of 10 to 100 Hz gives a good effect. Depending on the condition of the patient, the duration of this procedure can vary from 2 to 10 minutes. It is recommended to carry out no more than 15 procedures.

For cerebrovascular accidents, alternative methods of treatment are also used:

• Reflexology including:
  1. Treatment with smells (aromatherapy);
  2. classic version of acupuncture;
  3. acupuncture to reflex points located on the auricles (auricol therapy);
  4. acupuncture of biologically active points on the hands (su-Jack);
• Coniferous baths with the addition of sea salt;
• Oxygen baths.

Video: rehabilitation after a stroke, the program "Live healthy!"

Read more about comprehensive rehabilitation after strokes and ischemic attacks.

Consequences of NMK

Acute cerebrovascular accident is severe consequences. In 30 cases out of a hundred people who have had this disease become completely helpless.

1. He cannot eat on his own hygiene procedures, dress up, etc. Such people have a completely impaired ability to think. They lose track of time and do not orient themselves in space at all.
2. Some people still have the ability to move. But there are many people who, after a violation of cerebral circulation, forever remain bedridden. Many of them keep a clear mind, understand what is happening around them, but are devoid of speech and cannot put into words their desires and express feelings.

Disability is the sad result of an acute and in many cases chronic disorder cerebral circulation. About 20% of acute cerebrovascular accidents are fatal.

But it is possible to protect yourself from this serious disease, regardless of which category of classification it belongs to. Although many people neglect it. This is an attentive attitude to your health and all the changes that occur in the body.

• Agree that healthy person headaches should not occur. And if you suddenly feel dizzy, it means that there is some kind of deviation in the functioning of the systems responsible for this organ.
• Evidence of a malfunction in the body is fever. But many go to work when it is 37 ° C, considering it normal.
• Does it happen for a short time? Most people rub them without asking the question: why is this happening?

Meanwhile, these are the satellites of the first minor changes in the blood flow system. Often, an acute cerebrovascular accident is preceded by a transient one. But since its symptoms disappear within a day, not every person is in a hurry to see a doctor in order to be examined and receive the necessary medical treatment.

Today, doctors have effective drugs in service -. They literally work wonders, dissolving blood clots and restoring cerebral circulation. However, there is one "but". For achievement maximum effect they must be administered to the patient within three hours of the onset of the first symptoms of a stroke. Unfortunately, in most cases, seeking medical help is too late, when the disease has passed into a severe stage and the use of thrombolytics is no longer useful.

Video: brain blood supply and the consequences of a stroke

Alcoholic drinks are always present on holiday tables. Many people use them in small quantities and without special occasions. According to some, they are great for relaxing and relieving stress. There is a version about positive influence some types of alcohol on human health, but we should not forget that with regular use, alcohol is dangerous, including for the brain. Alcohol negatively affects gastrointestinal tract, heart and liver, and also impairs the functioning of the entire nervous system.

How alcohol enters the brain

It is not difficult to understand what happens inside the body when a person drinks alcohol. It is enough to at least schematically represent the structure and functioning of the main systems. Once in oral cavity, the liquid penetrates into the stomach, where it lingers for a maximum of 10-15 minutes.

Already through the mucous membranes of this organ, partial absorption of ethyl alcohol into the blood begins, but this process proceeds most fully in the next section of the gastrointestinal tract - the small intestine. Exactly duodenum from the inside covered with a layer of small villi, each of which is penetrated capillary network. Such a structure normally allows delivering nutrients from digested food.

Through the capillaries of the villi small intestine not only proteins, fats and carbohydrates obtained from food enter the bloodstream. It also spreads through them ethanol contained in different concentrations in all alcoholic beverages. This compound enters the bloodstream and is distributed to all organs and tissues.

This process is quite fast. So, alcohol reaches the brain within a few minutes after absorption into the blood. This phenomenon is partly related to the intoxication of a person, which manifests itself initially as a reaction from the nervous system.

What happens in the brain when you drink alcohol

Experts warn that ethyl alcohol is an extremely toxic substance, but the primary product of its oxidation, acetaldehyde, also poses a danger. Together they have a destructive effect on the brain, which cannot but have consequences for the whole organism, since each structure or system is somehow coordinated by the CNS departments.

According to doctors, all the consequences of alcohol intake for the brain can be divided into two groups, related to the time of their occurrence. So, the first changes will be noticeable almost immediately when intoxicated or in a state of hangover. It is the influence of alcohol on the brain and central nervous system that explains the development of some severe symptoms- irritability, nervousness, aggression.

Another group of consequences is considered remote. It is known that toxic substances destroy the cells that form the tissues of the brain. Neural connections are also at risk. If a person constantly takes alcohol for a long time, then ethyl alcohol accumulates in the tissues, which leads to the development serious pathologies sometimes irreversible.

First signs

The brain is an organ complex structure. He performs many vital important functions. If some of its departments are damaged, diseases develop, sometimes leading to lethal outcome. Nature provided reliable protection brain from physical injury. This vulnerable organ is surrounded on all sides by a strong cranium, which protects it from blows. The cells themselves have membranes that prevent viruses and bacteria from penetrating the tissues, but they cannot cope with toxic ethyl alcohol.

Ethanol enters the brain through the blood vessels, easily overcoming all cellular barriers. A person at this moment experiences a pleasant dizziness, but if the concentration of a dangerous substance rises, then the clinical picture of intoxication becomes different. Most often in this case, there are:

• excessive irritability;
• excitement;
• attacks of fear and panic;
• stress;
• aggression;
• anger.

These symptoms indicate the primary effect of alcohol on the brain. Associate this, as a rule, with changes in the hormonal background. Certain parts of the brain responsible for the regulation of activity endocrine system, namely the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, send a signal to the glands throughout the body to increase the secretion of hormones.

At the moment of intoxication, the adrenal glands are most often activated. This leads to increased production of adrenaline, which provokes attacks of aggression or anger. Do not forget that alcohol increases the permeability of membranes. It means that hormonal substances spread throughout the body as quickly as possible and reach a peak concentration in the blood.

Alcohol affects not only the brain structures that control work endocrine glands. Alcohol is no less dangerous for the blood vessels themselves, through which it is distributed. So, with regular drinking of alcohol, pathologies of the arteries that feed the brain are possible.

There is a deterioration in human health due to the fact that alcohol has an ambiguous effect on blood vessels. When using small doses, expansion of the channel is observed due to relaxation smooth muscle that forms the walls of arteries.

This phenomenon suggests that with a reasonable drinking of alcohol, it is possible to reduce initially elevated blood pressure, but in practice it is extremely rare to normalize it due to alcohol. This is due to the fact that even a small increase in dose leads to a sudden increase in smooth muscle tone throughout the body. This also applies to the walls of the arteries that carry oxygen to the brain.

The lumen of the vessels narrows sharply, due to which the function of gas exchange cannot be fully carried out. As a result, some parts of the body begin to suffer from hypoxia - a lack of oxygen. At the same time, they accumulate carbon dioxide with waste products of metabolism.

The situation is dangerous in that with a long oxygen starvation brain tissue begins to die. If a large group of closely spaced cells undergoes death, their functioning may stop forever. In favorable cases, some tissues regenerate on their own within a few months.

Even more dangerous complication associated with alcohol intake is a stroke. The walls of the arteries may not be able to withstand the sudden pressure drop associated with drinking alcohol. In some cases, they rupture, which leads to hemorrhage in the brain. Doctors in such a situation diagnose hemorrhagic stroke. This is a life-threatening damage to brain cells. If a health care not provided in a timely manner, the person may die.

Destruction of tissues and cells

Ethyl alcohol and acetaldehyde do not just change a person's behavior during intoxication or a hangover. Doctors are convinced that these compounds are capable of gradually destroying the cells of any organs. human body, including the brain.

It is important to take into account that cell death occurs not only directly while drinking alcohol. Toxic Substances tend to accumulate in tissues. This suggests that the brain will be destroyed even during periods of absolute sobriety, if they are less than three weeks. That is how much time, according to narcologists, the human body needs to completely clear itself of ethanol and its oxidation products.

As long as alcohol is present in the body, destructive processes are inevitable. This explains the mass death of neurons - the cells that form the gray matter of the brain. It is it that is most often exposed to the harmful effects of alcohol on the human body.

It has been proven that with regular use of alcoholic beverages, brain cells do not just die. The neural connections between the left and right hemispheres, the cortex and the subcortical layer are disrupted. It is these destructive processes that underlie the long-term consequences of constant drinking of alcohol.

Brain deterioration

Neurologists warn that a damaged brain cannot function without failure. This is especially noticeable if a person abuses alcohol. long time and makes no attempt to remedy the situation. Ethyl alcohol provokes the death of neurons and the destruction of connections between them. As a result, areas of necrotic tissue of different sizes are formed, which do not perform any function.

Doctors confirm that the destruction of fragments of the cortex hemispheres department that suffers the most chronic alcoholism- leads to the development of dementia, i.e. dementia. Outwardly, this will be expressed sharp decline intellectual abilities, but this is far from a complete clinical picture.

Except given symptom, there are several more signs indicating the gradual death of brain tissue:

If alcohol is taken over a long period, then the changes affect large volumes of brain tissue. The deterioration of mental abilities in drunkards is noticeable even to people who do not have a special medical education.

In addition, alcohol provokes a number of other disorders that will not appear immediately, but will become visible only after a few years. A damaged brain cannot fully control the body, so difficulties with movements and position in space are not excluded.

Recovery of brain tissue after alcohol

Ethyl alcohol is detrimental to all cells of the body. This substance disrupts the operation of many systems and often leads to irreversible consequences. However, in some cases normal functioning The central nervous system, together with the brain, can be restored. This primarily applies to those situations when a person realizes in time the full severity of the consequences. alcohol intoxication and stop drinking alcohol in large quantities.

The neurons that form the gray matter of the cerebral cortex have the ability to regenerate, but in order to start recovery processes, requires a lot of effort. First of all, it is important to refuse the use of any alcohol-containing liquids. Even light drinks are dangerous, so wines, beer and their analogues are completely excluded along with strong high-grade alcohol.

Restoration of the brain after a prolonged binge is best done together with a doctor. The neurologist will be able to select the optimal nootropic drugs that will help in the formation of new neural connections and the formation of healthy gray matter cells. It will not be superfluous and reception vitamin complexes that improve brain function. Amino acid preparations are also useful. In particular, glycine is considered the most accessible and effective of them.

The brain is reliably protected by the cranium from external damage, shock, trauma, but this organ, like all others, is vulnerable to drinks containing ethyl alcohol. If alcohol is consumed frequently and uncontrollably, then there is a high probability of brain damage, which leads not only to a change in character and a decrease in mental abilities. In the most severe cases, pathologies leading to injury, disability or death are possible.