Polyneuropathy of the lower extremities. Drugs that block neuromuscular conduction Drugs that improve nerve impulse conduction

A serious disease of the nervous system is neuropathy of the lower extremities. Her treatment is carried out with the use of various drugs, as well as physiotherapy, special procedures, physical education.

What is lower extremity neuropathy?

Neuropathy - damage to the peripheral nerves and the vessels that feed them. Initially, this disease is not inflammatory in nature, but later neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve fibers, can be superimposed on it. Neuropathy of the lower extremities is included in the group of polyneuropathies, which are based on metabolic disorders, tissue ischemia, mechanical damage, and allergic reactions.

According to the type of flow, neuropathy is distinguished:

acute;
chronic;
subacute.

By the type of pathological process in the nerve fibers, neuropathy is axonal (covers the processes of neurons - axons) and demyelinating (applies to the sheaths of nerve fibers). According to the symptoms, pathology is:

touch. The symptoms of sensitivity disorders and pain syndrome predominate.
Motor. It is manifested mainly by movement disorders.
Vegetative. There are signs of vegetative and trophic disorders.

The causes of pathology are varied. Thus, the diabetic form is characteristic of metabolic disorders in neurons in diabetes mellitus. Toxic, alcoholic is caused by poisoning, intoxication. Other possible causes are tumors, vitamin B deficiency, hypothyroidism, HIV, trauma, aggravated heredity.

Sensory disorders - the main group of symptoms

Manifestations of pathology in the legs can be varied, often they depend on the cause of neuropathy. If the disease is caused by an injury, the symptoms cover one limb. In diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, signs extend to both legs.

Sensory disturbances can be so unpleasant that they cause depressive states in the patient.

Sensory disturbances occur in all cases of neuropathy of the lower extremities. Symptoms are usually observed constantly, do not depend on the position of the body, daily routine, rest, and often cause insomnia.

In addition to the signs described, there are often sensory disturbances - slow recognition of cold, hot, changes in the pain threshold, regular loss of balance due to a decrease in the sensitivity of the feet. Pain also often appears - aching or cutting, weak or literally unbearable, they are localized in the area of the affected area of the nerve.

Other signs of the disease

As the pathology of the limbs develops, motor nerve fibers are damaged, so other disorders join. These include muscle spasms, frequent cramps in the legs, especially in the calves. If the patient visits a neurologist at this stage, the doctor notes a decrease in reflexes - knee, Achilles. The lower the strength of the reflex, the further the disease has gone. In the last stages, tendon reflexes may be completely absent.

Muscle weakness is an important sign of neuropathy of the legs, but it is characteristic of the later stages of the disease. Initially, the feeling of weakening of the muscles is transient, then it becomes permanent. In advanced stages, this leads to:

decrease in limb activity;
difficulty moving without support;
thinning of muscles, their atrophy.

Vegetative-trophic disorders are another group of symptoms in neuropathy. When the vegetative part of the peripheral nerves is affected, the following symptoms occur:

In patients with neuropathy, cuts and abrasions on the legs do not heal well, they almost always fester. So, with diabetic neuropathy, trophic changes are so severe that ulcers appear, sometimes the process is complicated by gangrene.

The procedure for diagnosing pathology

An experienced neurologist can easily make a presumptive diagnosis according to the described symptoms from the patient's words and according to the available objective signs - skin changes, impaired reflexes, etc.

Diagnostic methods are very diverse, here are some of them:

The main method for diagnosing problems with nerve fibers remains a simple technique of electroneuromyography - it is she who helps to clarify the diagnosis.

Fundamentals of Neuropathy Treatment

It is necessary to treat this disease comprehensively, necessarily with the correction of the underlying pathology. For autoimmune diseases, hormones, cytostatics are prescribed, for diabetes - hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, for a toxic type of disease - cleansing techniques (hemosorption, plasmapheresis).

The goals of therapy for neuropathy of the lower extremities are:

restoration of nervous tissue;
resumption of conduction;
correction of disorders in the circulatory system;
improving well-being;
reduction of pain and other disorders;
optimization of the motor function of the legs;
increase in metabolic rate.

There are many methods of treatment, the main one is medication.

Surgical treatment is practiced only in the presence of tumors, hernias, after injuries. To prevent muscle atrophy, all patients are shown physical exercises from a special complex of exercise therapy, for the first time they are performed under the supervision of a rehabilitation doctor.

With neuropathy, you should follow a diet with an increase in the content of vitamins gr.B, and you should also exclude alcohol, foods with chemical additives, marinades, fried, smoked.

The disease is successfully treated with the help of physiotherapy. Massage, magnetotherapy, therapeutic mud, reflexology, electrical muscle stimulation have proven themselves excellently. To prevent the formation of ulcers, special shoes should be worn, orthoses should be used.

The main drugs for the treatment of pathology

In the treatment of neuropathy drugs play a leading role. Since the basis is the degeneration of the nervous tissue, the structure of the nerve roots should be replenished by medication. This is achieved through the use of such drugs:

Without fail, B vitamins are used in the course of therapy, especially B12, B6, B1 are indicated. Most often, combined agents are prescribed - Neuromultivit, Milgamma in tablets, injections. After taking them, sensitivity disorders are eliminated, all symptoms decrease in severity.

What else is used to treat neuropathy?

Very useful for the body in any form of neuropathy of the lower extremities are vitamins that are powerful antioxidants - ascorbic acid, vitamins E, A. They are necessarily used in the complex therapy of the disease to reduce the destructive effect of free radicals.

With severe muscle spasms, the patient will be helped by muscle relaxants - Sirdalud, Baclofen, which are used only with a doctor's prescription - if abused, they can increase muscle weakness.

There are other medicines for this pathology. They are selected individually. These are:

Locally it is recommended to use ointments with novocaine, lidocaine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as warming ointments with red pepper, animal poisons. In case of bacterial lesions of the skin of the feet, legs, bandages with antibiotics are applied (tetracycline ointments, Oxacillin).

Alternative treatment of neuropathy

Treatment with folk remedies is used with caution, especially in diabetes. Recipes can be:

With timely treatment, the disease has a good prognosis. Even if the cause of neuropathy is very severe, it can be slowed down or stopped from progressing, and the quality of life of a person can be improved.

The most important functions of a nerve cell are the generation of an action potential, the conduction of excitation along the nerve fibers and its transfer to another cell (nerve, muscle, glandular). The function of a neuron is provided by the metabolic processes occurring in it. One of the purposes of metabolism in a neuron is to create an asymmetric distribution of ions on the surface and inside the cell, which determines the resting potential and the action potential. Metabolic processes supply energy to the sodium pump, which actively overcomes the Na+ electrochemical gradient across the membrane.

It follows from this that all substances and processes that disrupt metabolism and lead to a decrease in energy production in the nerve cell (hypoxemia, poisoning with cyanides, dinitrophenol, azides, etc.) sharply inhibit the excitability of neurons.

The function of the neuron is also disturbed when the content of mono- and divalent ions in the environment changes. In particular, a nerve cell completely loses its ability to excite if it is placed in an environment devoid of Na+. K+ and Ca2+ also have a great influence on the magnitude of the membrane potential of the neuron. The membrane potential, determined by the degree of permeability to Na+, K+ and Cl- and their concentration, can only be maintained if the membrane is stabilized with calcium. As a rule, an increase in Ca2+ in the environment where nerve cells are located leads to their hyperpolarization, and its partial or complete removal leads to depolarization.

Violation of the function of nerve fibers, i.e. the ability to conduct excitation, can be observed with the development of dystrophic changes in the myelin sheath (for example, with a deficiency of thiamine or cyanocobalamin), with compression of the nerve, its cooling, with the development of inflammation, hypoxia, the action of certain poisons and toxins of microorganisms.

As you know, the excitability of the nervous tissue is characterized by a force-duration curve, which reflects the dependence of the threshold strength of the irritating current on its duration. In case of damage to the nerve cell or degeneration of the nerve, the force-duration curve changes significantly, in particular, chronaxia increases (Fig. 25.1).

Under the influence of various pathogenic factors, a special condition can develop in the nerve, which N. E. Vvedensky called parabiosis. Depending on the degree of damage to nerve fibers, several phases of parabiosis are distinguished. When studying the phenomena of parabiosis in the motor nerve on a neuromuscular preparation, it is clear that with a small degree of nerve damage, a moment comes when the muscle responds to strong or weak irritation with tetanic contractions of the same strength. This is the balancing phase. As the alteration of the nerve deepens, a paradoxical phase occurs, i.e. in response to a strong irritation of the nerve, the muscle responds with weak contractions, while moderate irritations cause a more energetic response from the muscle. Finally, in the last phase of parabiosis - the phase of inhibition, no nerve stimulation can cause muscle contraction.

If a nerve is so damaged that its connection with the body of the neuron is lost, it undergoes degeneration. The main mechanism leading to the degeneration of the nerve fiber is the cessation of the axoplasmic current and the transport of substances by the axoplasm. The process of degeneration, described in detail by Waller, consists in the fact that already a day after a nerve injury, myelin begins to move away from the nodes of the nerve fiber (Ranvier's intercepts). Then it is collected in large drops, which gradually dissolve. Neurofibrils undergo fragmentation. Narrow tubules formed by neurolemmocytes remain from the nerve. A few days after the onset of degeneration, the nerve loses its excitability. In different groups of fibers, the loss of excitability occurs at different times, which, apparently, depends on the supply of substances in the axon. In the nerve endings of a degenerating nerve, changes occur the faster, the closer the nerve is cut to the end. Soon after transection, neurolemmocytes begin to show phagocytic activity in relation to nerve endings: their processes penetrate the synaptic cleft, gradually separating the terminals from the postsynaptic membrane and phagocytizing them.

After a nerve injury, changes also occur in the proximal part of the neuron (primary irritation), the degree and severity of which depend on the type and intensity of damage, its remoteness from the body of the neurocyte, and the type and age of the neuron. When a peripheral nerve is injured, changes in the proximal part of the neuron are usually minimal, and the nerve regenerates in the future. On the contrary, in the central nervous system, the nerve fiber degenerates retrograde over a considerable extent and often the neuron dies.

The role of disorders of mediator metabolism in the occurrence of diseases of the central nervous system.

synapses- these are specialized contacts through which the transfer of excitatory or inhibitory influences from a neuron to a neuron or another cell (for example, a muscle cell) is carried out. In mammals, there are mainly synapses with a chemical type of transmission, in which activity from one cell to another is transmitted using mediators. All synapses are divided into excitatory and inhibitory. The main structural components of the synapse and the processes occurring in it are shown in Fig. 25.2, where the cholinergic synapse is schematically represented.

Violation of mediator synthesis. The synthesis of the mediator can be impaired as a result of a decrease in the activity of the enzymes involved in its formation. For example, the synthesis of one of the mediators of inhibition - γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - can be inhibited by the action of semicarbazide, which blocks the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamic acid to GABA. The synthesis of GABA is also impaired with a lack of pyridoxine in food, which is a cofactor of this enzyme. In these cases, inhibition processes in the central nervous system suffer.

The process of formation of mediators is associated with the expenditure of energy, which is supplied by mitochondria, which are present in large quantities in the neuron and nerve endings. Therefore, a violation of this process can be caused by blockade of metabolic processes in mitochondria and a decrease in the content of macroergs in a neuron due to hypoxia, the action of poisons, etc.

Disruption of mediator transport. The mediator can be synthesized both in the body of the nerve cell and directly in the nerve ending. The mediator formed in the nerve cell is transported along the axon to the presynaptic part. In the mechanism of transport, cytoplasmic microtubules built from a special protein tubulin, similar in its properties to the contractile protein actin, play an important role. Mediators, enzymes involved in the exchange of mediators, etc. pass through microtubules to the nerve ending. Microtubules easily disintegrate under the influence of anesthetics, elevated temperature, proteolytic enzymes, substances such as colchicine, etc., which can lead to a decrease in the amount of the mediator in presynaptic elements. For example, hemocholine blocks the transport of acetylcholine to nerve endings and thereby disrupts the transmission of nerve influences in cholinergic synapses.

Violation of the deposition of the mediator in the nerve endings. The mediators are stored in presynaptic vesicles, which contain a mixture of mediator molecules, ATP, and specific proteins. It is assumed that vesicles are formed in the cytoplasm of the neurocyte and then transported along the axon to the synapse. Some substances can interfere with mediator deposition. For example, reserpine prevents the accumulation of norepinephrine and serotonin in presynaptic vesicles.

Violation of the secretion of the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. The release of the mediator into the synaptic cleft can be disrupted by certain pharmacological agents and toxins, in particular tetanus toxin, which prevents the release of the inhibitory mediator glycine. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine. Apparently, the contractile protein tubulin, which is part of the presynaptic membrane, is important in the mechanism of mediator secretion. Blockade of this protein by colchicine inhibits the release of acetylcholine. In addition, the secretion of the neurotransmitter by the nerve ending is influenced by calcium and magnesium ions, prostaglandins.

Violation of the interaction of the mediator with the receptor. There are a large number of substances that affect the communication of mediators with specific receptor proteins located on the postsynaptic membrane. These are mainly substances that have a competitive type of action, i.e. readily binding to the receptor. Among them are tubocurarine, which blocks H-cholinergic receptors, strychnine, which blocks glycine-sensitive receptors, and others. These substances block the action of the mediator on the effector cell.

Violation of the removal of the mediator from the synaptic cleft. In order for the synapse to function normally, the neurotransmitter must be removed from the synaptic cleft after its interaction with the receptor. There are two removal mechanisms:

destruction of mediators by enzymes localized on the postsynaptic membrane;

reuptake of neurotransmitters by nerve endings. Acetylcholine, for example, is destroyed in the synaptic cleft by cholinesterase. The cleavage product (choline) is again taken up by the presynaptic vesicle and used to synthesize acetylcholine. Violation of this process can be caused by inactivation of cholinesterase, for example, with the help of organophosphorus compounds. At the same time, acetylcholine binds for a long time to a large number of cholinergic receptors, first having an exciting and then a depressing effect.

In adrenergic synapses, the termination of the mediator action occurs mainly due to its reuptake by the sympathetic nerve ending. When exposed to toxic substances, the transport of the mediator from the synaptic cleft to the presynaptic vesicles can be disrupted.

Etiology of movement disorders. Central and peripheral paralysis, their characteristics.

Contractions of skeletal muscles, as well as their tone, are associated with the excitation of a-motoneurons located in the spinal cord. The force of muscle contraction and its tone depend on the number of excited motor neurons and the frequency of their discharges.

Motoneurons are excited primarily due to the impulse coming to them directly from the afferent fibers of sensory neurons. This mechanism underlies all spinal reflexes. In addition, the function of motor neurons is regulated by numerous impulses that come to them along the conduction pathways of the spinal cord from various parts of the brain stem, cerebellum, basal nuclei and cerebral cortex, which exercise the highest motor control in the body. Apparently, these regulatory influences act either directly on α-motor neurons, increasing or decreasing their excitability, or indirectly through the Renshaw system and the fusimotor system.

The Renshaw system is represented by cells that have an inhibitory effect on motor neurons. Activated by impulses coming directly from α-motor neurons, Renshaw cells control the rhythm of their work.

The fusimotor system is represented by γ-motor neurons, the axons of which go to the muscle spindles. Excitation of γ-motor neurons leads to a contraction of the spindles, which is accompanied by an increase in the frequency of impulses in them, which reaches α-motor neurons along afferent fibers. The consequence of this is the excitation of α-motor neurons and an increase in the tone of the corresponding muscles.

Movement disorders occur both when the indicated parts of the central nervous system are damaged, and when impulses are carried along the motor nerves and the transmission of impulses from the nerve to the muscle is disturbed.

The most common form of movement disorders are paralysis and paresis - loss or weakening of movements due to impaired motor function of the nervous system. Paralysis of the muscles of one half of the body is called hemiplegia, both upper or lower limbs - paraplegia, all limbs - tetraplegia. Depending on the pathogenesis of paralysis, the tone of the affected muscles can either be lost (flaccid paralysis) or increased (spastic paralysis). In addition, peripheral paralysis (if it is associated with damage to the peripheral motor neuron) and central (as a result of damage to the central motor neurons) are distinguished.

Motor disorders associated with pathology of the end plate and motor nerves. The neuromuscular junction is a cholinergic synapse. All those pathological processes that were discussed in the section "Disorders of the functions of synapses" can occur in it.

One of the most well-known examples of neuromuscular transmission disorders in pathological conditions is myasthenia gravis. If a patient with myasthenia is asked several times in a row to forcefully clench his hand into a fist, he will succeed only the first time. Then, with each subsequent movement, the strength in the muscles of his arms rapidly decreases. Such muscle weakness is observed in many skeletal muscles of the patient, including mimic, oculomotor, swallowing, etc. An electromyographic study showed that neuromuscular transmission is disturbed during repeated movements in such patients.

The introduction of anticholinesterase drugs to a certain extent eliminates this violation. The etiology of the disease is unknown.

Various hypotheses have been put forward to explain the causes of myasthenia gravis. Some researchers suggest that curare-like substances accumulate in the blood of such patients, others see the cause in the excessive accumulation of cholinesterase in the region of the end plates, in violation of the synthesis or release of acetylcholine. Recent studies have shown that in patients with myasthenia gravis, antibodies to acetylcholine receptors are often found in the blood serum. Blockade of neuromuscular conduction may occur due to the binding of antibodies to receptors. Removal of the thymus gland in these cases leads to an improvement in the condition of patients.

When the motor nerves are damaged, paralysis (peripheral type) develops in the innervated muscles, all reflexes disappear, they are atonic (flaccid paralysis) and atrophy over time. Experimentally, this type of movement disorder is usually obtained by transection of the anterior spinal roots or a peripheral nerve.

A special case is reflex paralysis, due to the fact that if a sensory nerve is damaged, the impulses emanating from it can have an inhibitory effect on the motor neurons of the corresponding muscle.

Movement disorders associated with dysfunction of the spinal cord. An experimental dysfunction of the spinal cord can be reproduced by cutting it, which in vertebrates causes a sharp decrease in the motor reflex activity associated with the nerve centers located below the place of the cut - spinal shock. The duration and severity of this state in different animals are different, but the more, the higher the animal stands in its development. In a frog, restoration of motor reflexes is observed already after 5 minutes, in a dog and a cat, partially after several hours, and weeks are required for complete recovery. The most pronounced phenomena of spinal shock in humans and monkeys. Thus, in a monkey after transection of the spinal cord, the knee reflex is absent for a day or more, while in a rabbit it is only 15 minutes.

The picture of shock depends on the level of transection. If the brainstem is cut above the medulla oblongata, breathing is maintained and blood pressure almost does not decrease. Transection of the trunk below the medulla oblongata leads to a complete cessation of breathing and a sharp decrease in blood pressure, because in this case the vital centers are completely separated from the executive organs. Transection of the spinal cord at the level of the fifth cervical segment does not interfere with breathing. This is explained by the fact that both the respiratory center and the nuclei that innervate the respiratory muscles remain above the transection and at the same time do not lose contact with them, supporting it through the phrenic nerves.

Spinal shock is not a simple consequence of injury, since after the restoration of reflex functions, a second transection below the previous one does not cause shock. There are various assumptions regarding the pathogenesis of spinal shock. Some researchers believe that shock occurs as a result of the loss of excitatory influence from higher nerve centers on the activity of spinal cord neurons. According to another assumption, the transection eliminates the inhibitory effect of higher motor centers on spinal inhibition.

Some time after the disappearance of the phenomena of spinal shock, reflex activity is sharply enhanced. In a person with a spinal cord interruption, all spinal reflexes, due to irradiation of excitation in the spinal cord, lose their normal limitation and localization.

Motor disorders in violation of the brain stem. To study motor disorders associated with impaired functions of various brain structures that exercise higher motor control, the brain is most often cut at its different levels.

After transection of the brain between the lower and upper mounds of the midbrain tegmentum, there is a sharp increase in the tone of the extensor muscles - decerebrate rigidity. To bend the limb at the joint, you need to make a significant effort. At a certain stage of bending, the resistance suddenly weakens - this is the elongation reaction. If, after the elongation reaction, the limb is slightly extended, the resistance to flexion is restored - the shortening reaction. The mechanism of development of decerebrate rigidity consists in a sharp increase in impulsation by motor neurons. An increase in muscle tone is of a reflex origin: when the posterior cords of the spinal cord are transected, the muscle tone of the corresponding limb disappears. In a decerebrated animal, along with an increase in tone, there is a decrease in phasic stretch reflexes, which can be judged by an increase in tendon reflexes.

The pathogenesis of decerebrate rigidity is complex. It is now known that both tonic and phasic reflexes are regulated by the reticulum. In a mesh formation, there are two zones that differ in their function. One of them, more extensive, extends from the hypothalamus to the medulla oblongata. Irritation of the neurons of this zone has a facilitating effect on the reflexes of the spinal cord, enhances contractions of the skeletal muscles caused by irritation of the cerebral cortex. The probable mechanism of relief is the suppression of the inhibitory impulses of Renshaw cells. The second zone is located only in the anterior-medial part of the medulla oblongata. Excitation of neurons in this zone leads to inhibition of spinal reflexes and a decrease in muscle tone. Impulses from this zone have an activating effect on Renshaw cells and, in addition, directly reduce the activity of motor neurons. The function of neurons in this zone is supported by impulses from the cerebellum, as well as from the cerebral cortex through the extrapyramidal pathways. Naturally, in a decerebrated animal, these pathways are cut and the activity of the inhibitory neurons of the mesh formation decreases, which leads to the predominance of the facilitating zone and a sharp increase in muscle tone. The activity of the facilitating zone is maintained by afferent impulses from sensory neurons of the spinal and vestibular nuclei of the medulla oblongata. These nuclei play an important role in maintaining muscle tone, and when they are destroyed in the experimental animal, the decerebrate rigidity of the muscles on the corresponding side is sharply weakened.

Motor disorders associated with dysfunction of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is a highly organized center that has a regulatory effect on muscle function. A stream of impulses flows to it from the receptors of muscles, joints, tendons and skin, as well as from the organs of vision, hearing and balance. From the nuclei of the cerebellum, nerve fibers go to the hypothalamus, the red nucleus of the midbrain, the vestibular nuclei and the reticulate formation of the brain stem. Through these pathways, the cerebellum influences the motor centers, starting from the cerebral cortex and ending with the spinal motor neurons. The cerebellum corrects the motor reactions of the body, ensuring their accuracy, which is especially pronounced during voluntary movements. Its main function is to harmonize the phasic and tonic components of the motor act.

When the cerebellum is damaged in humans or removed in experimental animals, a number of characteristic motor disorders occur. In the first days after the removal of the cerebellum, the tone of the muscles, especially the extensor ones, sharply increases. However, then, as a rule, muscle tone sharply weakens and atony develops. Atony after a long time can be replaced again by hypertension. Thus, we are talking about a violation of muscle tone in animals deprived of the cerebellum, which, apparently, is associated with the absence of its regulatory influence, in particular the anterior lobe, on the y-motor neurons of the spinal cord.

In animals lacking a cerebellum, the muscles are not capable of continuous tetanic contraction. This is manifested in the constant trembling and swaying of the body and limbs of the animal (astasia). The mechanism of this disorder is that in the absence of the cerebellum, proprioceptive reflexes are not inhibited and each muscle contraction, stimulating proprioceptors, causes a new reflex.

In such animals, coordination of movements (ataxia) is also disturbed. Movements lose their smoothness (asynergia), become shaky, awkward, too strong, sweeping, which indicates a breakdown in the relationship between strength, speed and direction of movement (dysmetria). The development of ataxia and dysmetria is associated with a violation of the regulatory influence of the cerebellum on the activity of neurons in the cerebral cortex. At the same time, the nature of the impulses that the cortex sends along the corticospinal pathways changes, as a result of which the cortical mechanism of voluntary movements cannot bring their volume in line with the required one. One of the characteristic symptoms of dysfunction of the cerebellum is the slowness of voluntary movements at the beginning and their sharp increase towards the end.

When removing the flocculent-nodular lobe of the cerebellum in monkeys, balance is disturbed. Spinal reflexes, body position reflexes and voluntary movements are not disturbed. In the prone position, the animal shows no abnormalities. However, it can only sit leaning against the wall, and it is not at all capable of standing (abasia).

Finally, the cerebellar animal is characterized by the development of asthenia (extremely easy fatigability).

Motor disorders associated with dysfunction of the pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems. As you know, along the pyramidal path, impulses come from large pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex to the motor neurons of the spinal cord. In the experiment, in order to free motor neurons from the influence of pyramidal cells, one- or two-sided transection of the pyramidal pathways is performed. The easiest way to perform such an isolated transection is in the brainstem at the level of the trapezoid bodies. In this case, firstly, the animal's staging and jumping reflexes are lost or significantly impaired; secondly, some phasic movements are disturbed (scratching, pawing, etc.). The unilateral transection of the pyramidal pathway in monkeys shows that the animal very rarely and, as it were, reluctantly uses a limb that has lost its connection with the pyramidal system. The affected limb is launched only with strong excitement and performs simple, stereotyped movements (walking, climbing, etc.). Fine movements in the fingers are disturbed, the animal cannot take the object. Decreased muscle tone in the affected limbs. Violation of phasic movements, along with muscle hypotonia, indicates a decrease in the excitability of spinal motor neurons. After bilateral transection of the pyramidal pathways, only the extrapyramidal system can serve to perform voluntary movements. At the same time, hypotension is observed in the muscles of both the limbs and the trunk: the head sways, the posture changes, the stomach protrudes. After a few weeks, the monkey's motor reactions are partially restored, but it performs all movements very reluctantly.

The extrapyramidal pathways terminate at the basal nuclei of the cerebral cortex (which consist of two main parts - the striatum and the globus pallidus), the red nucleus, the substantia nigra, cells of the reticular formation, and probably other subcortical structures. From them, impulses are transmitted along numerous nerve pathways to motor neurons of the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. The absence of relief symptoms after transection of the pyramidal tracts suggests that all inhibitory effects of the cerebral cortex on spinal motor neurons are carried out through the extrapyramidal system. These influences apply to both phasic and tonic reflexes.

One of the functions of the globus pallidus is an inhibitory effect on the underlying nuclei of the extrapyramidal system, in particular the red nucleus of the midbrain. When the globus pallidus is damaged, the tone of the skeletal muscles increases significantly, which is explained by the release of the red nucleus from the inhibitory influences of the globus pallidus. Since reflex arcs pass through the pale ball, causing various auxiliary movements that accompany the motor act, when it is damaged, hypokinesia develops: movements become constrained, awkward, monotonous, and the activity of facial muscles disappears.

The striatum sends efferent impulses mainly to the pale ball, regulating and partially inhibiting its functions. This, apparently, explains the fact that when it is damaged, phenomena occur that are opposite to those observed when the pale ball is affected. Hyperkinesia appears - an increase in auxiliary movements during a complex motor act. In addition, athetosis and chorea may occur. Athetosis is characterized by slow "worm-like" movements, localized mainly in the upper limbs, especially in the fingers. At the same time, agonist and antagonist muscles simultaneously participate in the contraction. Chorea is characterized by rapid, sweeping non-rhythmic movements of the limbs, head, and torso.

The substantia nigra is involved in the regulation of plastic tone and is important when performing small finger movements that require great accuracy and fine regulation of tone. When the substantia nigra is damaged, muscle tone increases, but it is difficult to say what the role of the substance itself is in this, since its connection with the mesh formation and the red nucleus is disrupted.

Violation of the function of the substantia nigra underlies Parkinson's disease, in which there is an increase in muscle tone and constant tremor of the limbs and trunk. It is believed that in parkinsonism, the balance between the substantia nigra and the globus pallidus is disturbed. The destruction of the pathways that conduct impulses from the pale ball relieves the state of increased muscle tone and tremor in this disease.

Motor disorders associated with dysfunction of the cerebral cortex. An isolated disturbance of the sensory-motor area of the cortex, as well as a complete decortication of animals, lead to two main consequences - a violation of fine differentiated movements and an increase in muscle tone.

The problem of restoring motor functions in animals with remote parts of the motor cortex is very important. After removal of the entire cerebral cortex, a dog or cat very quickly restores the ability to stand upright, walk, run, although some defects (lack of jumping and staging reflexes) remain forever. Bilateral removal of the motor zone in monkeys makes them unable to rise, stand, and even eat, they lie helplessly on their side.

Another type of movement disorders is associated with dysfunction of the cerebral cortex - convulsions, which are observed in epilepsy. In the tonic phase of an epileptic seizure, the patient's legs are sharply extended, and his arms are bent. Rigidity at the same time partly resembles decerebration. Then comes the clonic phase, which is expressed in involuntary, intermittent contractions of the muscles of the limbs, alternating with relaxation. As it turned out, the epileptic seizure is based on excessive synchronization of discharges in cortical neurons. The electroencephalogram taken during a convulsive seizure consists of rhythmically successive peak discharges with large amplitude, widely distributed throughout the cortex (Fig. 25.4). Such pathological synchronization involves many neurons in this increased activity, as a result of which they cease to perform their usual differentiated functions.

The cause of the development of a seizure may be a tumor or cicatricial changes localized in the motor or sensitive area of the cortex. In some cases, the thalamus may be involved in the pathological synchronization of discharges. It is well known that the nonspecific nuclei of the thalamus normally synchronize the discharges of the cells of the cerebral cortex, which determines the characteristic rhythm of the electroencephalogram. Apparently, the increased activity of these nuclei, associated with the appearance in them of generators of pathologically enhanced excitation, may be accompanied by convulsive discharges in the cortex.

In the experiment, convulsive discharges can be induced by various pharmacological agents acting directly on the surface of the cortex. For example, when the cortex is exposed to strychnine, series of high-amplitude discharges appear, indicating that many cells are synchronously involved in their generation. Convulsive activity can also be induced by irritating the cortex with a strong electric current.

The mechanism of triggering volleys of convulsive discharges in the cortex is still unknown. There is an opinion that the critical moment leading to the onset of an epileptic discharge is persistent depolarization of the apical dendrites. This causes the passage of current through the rest of the cell and the appearance of rhythmic discharges.

Hyperkinesis. Types, causes. The role of cerebellar dysfunction in the occurrence of motor disorders.

Violation of sensitivity. Kinds. Characteristics and mechanisms of anesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia. Dissociated type of sensitivity disorder. Brown-Sequard syndrome.

All types of sensitivity from the skin, muscles, joints and tendons (somesthesia) are transmitted to the central nervous system through three neurons. The first neuron is located in the spinal nodes, the second - in the posterior horns of the spinal cord (pain and temperature sensitivity) or in the thin and sphenoid nuclei of the medulla oblongata (deep and tactile sensitivity). The third neuron is in the thalamus. From it, axons rise to sensitive areas of the cerebral cortex.

Pathological processes and associated sensory disturbances can be localized in any part of the sensory pathway. If the peripheral nerves are damaged (transection, inflammation, beriberi), all types of sensitivity are disturbed in the corresponding zone. Loss of sensation is called anesthesia, decrease - hypesthesia, increase - hyperesthesia. Depending on the nature of the lost sensitivity, anesthesia is tactile (actual anesthesia), pain (analgesia), thermal (thermoanesthesia), as well as loss of deep, or proprioceptive, sensitivity.

If the pathological process is localized in the spinal cord or brain, the violation of sensitivity depends on which ascending pathways are affected.

There are two centripetal systems of sensitivity. One of them is called the lemniscus and contains large-diameter nerve fibers that conduct impulses from the proprioceptors of muscles, tendons, joints, and partly from skin touch and pressure receptors (tactile receptors). The fibers of this system enter the spinal cord and go as part of the posterior columns to the medulla oblongata. From the nuclei of the medulla oblongata, the medial loop (lemniscus pathway) begins, which passes to the opposite side and ends in the posterolateral ventral nuclei of the thalamus, whose neurons transmit the information received to the somatosensory zone of the cerebral cortex.

The second ascending system is the spinothalamic (anterior and lateral) pathway, carrying pain, temperature, and partially tactile sensitivity. Its fibers go up as part of the anterior and lateral cords of the spinal cord and end in the cells of the nuclei of the thalamus (anterolateral system).

Very characteristic changes in sensitivity are observed when the right or left half of the spinal cord is transected (Brown-Séquard syndrome): deep sensitivity disappears on the side of the transection below it, while temperature and pain disappear on the opposite side, since the pathways related to the anterolateral system, cross over in the spinal cord. Tactile sensitivity is partially impaired on both sides.

Violation of the lemniscal system is possible with damage to peripheral nerves (thick myelin fibers), as well as various pathological processes in the spinal cord (circulatory disorders, trauma, inflammation). Isolated lesions of the posterior cords of the spinal cord are rare, but along with other pathways, they can be damaged by a tumor or during trauma.

Violation of conduction in the fibers of the medial loop causes various sensory disturbances, the severity of which depends on the degree of damage to the system. In this case, the ability to determine the speed and direction of movement of the limbs may be lost. The feeling of separate perception of touches simultaneously in two places is significantly impaired, as well as the ability to feel vibration and evaluate the severity of the load being lifted. The subject cannot determine the shape of objects by touch and identify letters and numbers if they are written on the skin: he feels only a mechanical touch and cannot accurately judge the place and strength of the tactile sensation. The sensation of pain and temperature sensitivity are preserved.

Damage to the postcentral gyrus of the cerebral cortex. In monkeys, removal of the postcentral gyrus causes sensory disturbance on the opposite side of the body. To a certain extent, the nature of these disorders can be judged on the basis of what we know about the functions of the lemniscal system and that such an operation causes lemniscal denervation on the opposite side, on which, however, elements of the anterolateral system are preserved. The disorder in this case obviously lies in the fact that the musculo-articular sensitivity is lost. The animal often stops moving, remaining in an uncomfortable position for a long time. At the same time, tactile, pain and temperature sensitivity on this side is preserved, although their threshold may increase.

In humans, an isolated lesion of the postcentral gyrus is very rare. For example, surgeons sometimes remove part of this gyrus to treat epilepsy of cortical origin. In this case, the already described disorders arise: the sensation of the position of the limbs in space is lost, the ability to feel the shape of objects, their size, mass, surface nature (smooth, rough, etc.) is lost, discriminatory sensitivity is lost.

Pain, meaning for the body. Somatic and visceral pains. Origin mechanisms. Zakharyin-Ged zones. The role of nociceptive and antinociceptive systems in the formation of pain.

The concept of pain includes, firstly, a peculiar sensation and, secondly, a reaction to a painful sensation, which is characterized by a certain emotional coloring, reflex changes in the functions of internal organs, motor unconditioned reflexes and volitional efforts aimed at getting rid of the pain factor. This reaction, by its nature, is close to the feeling of suffering that a person experiences when there is a threat to his life, and is extremely individual, as it depends on the influence of factors, among which the following are of primary importance: the place, the degree of tissue damage, the constitutional features of the nervous system, education, emotional state at the time of application of pain stimulation.

Observations show that under the action of a damaging factor, a person can feel two types of pain. If, for example, a hot coal of a match touches the skin, then at first there is a sensation similar to an injection - the "first" pain. This pain is clearly localized and subsides quickly.

Then, after a short period of time, there is a diffuse burning "second" pain, which can last quite a long time. Such a dual nature of pain is observed when the skin and mucous membrane of some organs are damaged.

A significant place in the symptoms of various diseases is occupied by visceral pain, i. localized in the internal organs. This pain is difficult to clearly localize, is diffuse in nature, accompanied by painful experiences, oppression, depression, changes in the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Visceral pain is very similar to the "second" pain.

Studies conducted mainly on people during surgical interventions have shown that not all anatomical formations can be a source of pain. The organs of the abdominal cavity are insensitive to the usual surgical influences (incision, stitching), only the mesentery and parietal peritoneum are painful. But all internal organs with unstriated muscle tissue react painfully to stretching, spasm or convulsive contraction.

Arteries are very sensitive to pain. The narrowing of the arteries or their sudden expansion causes acute pain.

The lung tissue and visceral pleura are insensitive to pain irritation, but the parietal pleura is very sensitive in this respect.

The results of operations on humans and animals have shown that the heart muscle, apparently, is insensitive to mechanical trauma (prick, incision). If one of the coronary arteries is pulled in an animal, a pain reaction occurs. The heart bag is very sensitive to pain.

Difficult and still unresolved is the question of which nerve formations are involved in the reception, conduction and perception of pain. There are two fundamentally different points of view on this issue. According to one of them, pain is not a specific, special feeling, and there are no special nerve devices that perceive only painful irritation. Any sensation based on irritation of certain receptors (temperature, tactile, etc.) can turn into pain if the strength of the irritation is large enough and has exceeded a certain limit. From this point of view, the pain sensation differs from others only quantitatively - sensations of pressure, heat can become painful if the stimulus that caused them has excessive strength (intensity theory).

According to another point of view, which is currently widely accepted (the theory of specificity), there are special pain receptors, special afferent pathways that transmit pain stimulation, and special structures in the brain that process pain information.

Studies show that the receptors of the skin and visible mucous membranes that respond to pain stimuli belong to two types of sensitive fibers of the anterolateral system - thin myelin AD fibers with a speed of excitation conduction of 5–50 m/s and nonmyelin C-fibers with a conduction speed of 0.6 - 2 m/s. Activity in the thin myelinated AA fibers causes a person to experience a sharp stabbing sensation, while excitation of the slowly conducting C fibers causes a burning sensation.

The question of the mechanisms of activation of pain receptors has not yet been fully elucidated. There is an assumption that in itself a strong deformation of free nerve endings (caused, for example, by compression or stretching of tissue) serves as an adequate stimulus for pain receptors, affects the permeability of the cell membrane in them and leads to the emergence of an action potential.

According to another hypothesis, free nerve endings related to AD or C fibers contain one or more specific substances that are released under the action of mechanical, thermal and other factors, interact with receptors on the outer surface of the membrane of nerve endings and cause their excitation. In the future, these substances are destroyed by the corresponding enzymes surrounding the nerve endings, and the sensation of pain disappears. Histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, somatostatin, substance P, prostaglandins, K+ ions have been proposed as activators of nociceptive receptors. However, it should be said that not all of these substances are found in nerve endings. At the same time, it is known that many of them are formed in tissues during cell damage and the development of inflammation, and the onset of pain is associated with their accumulation.

It is also believed that the formation of endogenous biologically active substances in small (subthreshold) amounts reduces the response threshold of pain receptors to adequate stimuli (mechanical, thermal, etc.), which is the physiological basis for the state of increased pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia, hyperpathy), which accompanies some pathological processes. In the mechanisms of activation of pain receptors, an increase in the concentration of H+ ions may also be important.

The question of which central mechanisms are involved in the formation of pain sensation and complex reactions of the body in response to pain stimulation has not been finally clarified and continues to be studied. Of the modern theories of pain, the most developed and recognized is the "entrance gate" theory proposed by R. Melzak and P. Wall.

One of the main provisions of this theory is that the transmission of nerve impulses from afferent fibers to spinal cord neurons that transmit signals to the brain is regulated by a "spinal gate mechanism" - a system of neurons of the gelatinous substance (Fig. 25.3). It is assumed that pain occurs at a high frequency of discharges in T neurons. The terminals of both thick myelinated fibers (M) belonging to the lemniscal system and thin fibers (A) of the anterolateral system terminate on the bodies of these neurons. In addition, collaterals of both thick and thin fibers form synaptic connections with neurons of the gelatinous substance (SG). The processes of SG neurons, in turn, form axoaxon synapses at the terminals of both thick and thin M and A fibers and are able to inhibit the transmission of impulses from both types of fibers to T neurons. activation of thin fibers (in the figure, the excitatory effect is shown by the "+" sign, and the inhibitory one - by the "-" sign). Thus, SG neurons can play the role of gates that open or close the path to impulses that excite T neurons. The gate mechanism limits the transmission of nerve impulses to T neurons at a high intensity of impulses along the afferent fibers of the lemniscal system (closes the gate) and, conversely, facilitates the passage of nerve impulses to T neurons in cases where the afferent flow along thin fibers increases (opens the gate).

When the excitation of T neurons exceeds a critical level, their firing leads to the excitation of the action system. This system includes those nervous structures that provide appropriate forms of behavior under the action of a painful stimulus, motor, autonomic and endocrine reactions, and where sensations characteristic of pain are formed.

The function of the spinal gate mechanism is under the control of various parts of the brain, whose influences are transmitted to the neurons of the spinal cord along the fibers of the descending pathways (for more details, see below about the antinociceptive systems of the brain). The central pain control system is activated by impulses coming from the thick fibers of the lemniscal system.

Gateway theory helps explain the nature of phantom pain and causalgia. Phantom pain occurs in people after limb amputation. For a long time, the patient may feel an amputated limb and severe, sometimes unbearable pain in it. During amputation, large nerve trunks with an abundance of thick nerve fibers are usually cut, channels are interrupted for the input of impulses from the periphery. The neurons of the spinal cord become less controllable and can fire in response to the most unexpected stimuli. Causalgia is a severe, excruciating pain that occurs when a major somatic nerve is damaged. Any, even the most insignificant impact on the diseased limb causes a sharp increase in pain. Causalgia occurs more often in the case of incomplete nerve transection, when most of the thick myelin fibers are damaged. At the same time, the flow of impulses to the neurons of the posterior horns of the spinal cord increases - "the gates open." Thus, both in phantom pains and in causalgia, a generator of pathologically enhanced excitation appears in the spinal cord or higher, the formation of which is due to the disinhibition of a group of neurons due to a violation of the external control apparatus, which is localized in the damaged structure.

It should also be noted that the proposed theory makes it possible to explain the fact that has long been known in medical practice that pain noticeably subsides if distracting procedures are applied - warming, rubbing, cold, mustard plasters, etc. All these techniques increase the impulsation in thick myelin fibers, which reduces the excitation of neurons of the anterolateral system.

With the development of pathological processes in some internal organs, reflected pain may occur. For example, in diseases of the heart, pain appears in the left shoulder blade and in the zone of innervation of the ulnar nerve of the left hand; when the gallbladder is stretched, the pain is localized between the shoulder blades; when a stone passes through the ureter, pain from the lumbar region radiates to the inguinal region. Reflected pain is explained by the fact that damage to the internal organs causes excitation, which, along the afferent fibers of the autonomic nerves, reaches the same neurons of the posterior horns of the spinal cord, on which the afferent fibers from the skin end. Enhanced afferent impulses from the internal organs lower the excitability threshold of neurons in such a way that irritation of the corresponding area of the skin is perceived as pain.

Experimental and clinical observations indicate that many parts of the central nervous system are involved in the formation of pain sensation and the body's response to pain.

Through the spinal cord, motor and sympathetic reflexes are realized, and the primary processing of pain signals occurs there.

The reticular formation performs various functions of processing pain information. These functions include the preparation and transmission of pain information to the higher somatic and autonomic parts of the brain (thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cortex), facilitation of protective segmental reflexes of the spinal cord and brain stem, involvement in the reflex response to pain stimuli of the autonomic nervous system, respiratory and hemodynamic centers.

The visual hillock provides an analysis of the quality of pain (its intensity, localization, etc.).

Pain information activates the neurogenic and neurohormonal structures of the hypothalamus. This is accompanied by the development of a complex of vegetative, endocrine and emotional reactions aimed at the restructuring of all body systems under the action of painful stimuli. Painful irritation coming from the surface integument, as well as from some other organs during their injury, is accompanied by general excitation and sympathetic effects - increased breathing, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, hyperglycemia, etc. The pituitary-adrenal system is activated, all components of stress are observed. Excessive pain exposure can lead to the development of shock. Pain emanating from the internal organs and similar in nature to the "second pain" is most often accompanied by general depression and vagal effects - lowering blood pressure, hypoglycemia, etc.

The limbic system plays an important role in creating the emotional coloring of the body's behavior in response to pain stimulation.

The cerebellum, pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems program the motor components of behavioral responses in the event of pain.

With the participation of the cortex, the conscious components of pain behavior are realized.

Antinociceptive (analgesic) systems of the brain. Experimental studies of recent years have made it possible to find out that in the nervous system there are not only pain centers, the excitation of which leads to the formation of pain, but also structures, the activation of which can change the pain reaction in animals up to its complete disappearance. It has been shown, for example, that electrical stimulation or chemical stimulation of certain areas of the central gray matter, the pontine tegmentum, the amygdala, the hippocampus, the cerebellar nuclei, and the reticular formation of the midbrain causes distinct analgesia. It is also well known that a person's emotional state is of great importance for the development of a response to pain; fear enhances the reaction to pain, lowers the threshold of pain sensitivity, aggressiveness and rage, on the contrary, sharply reduce the reaction to the action of pain factors. These and other observations have led to the idea that there are antinociceptive systems in the body that can suppress the perception of pain. There is evidence that there are four such systems in the brain:

neural opiate;

hormonal opiate;

neuronal non-opiate;

hormonal non-opioid.

The neuronal opiate system is localized in the middle, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord. It was found that the central gray matter, the raphe nuclei and the reticular formation contain bodies and endings of enkephalinergic neurons. Some of these neurons send their axons to spinal cord neurons. In the posterior horns of the spinal cord, enkephalinergic neurons were also found, which distribute their endings on the nerve conductors of pain sensitivity. The released enkephalin inhibits the transmission of pain through the synapses to the neurons of the spinal cord. It was shown in the experiment that this system is activated during pain stimulation of the animal.

The function of the hormonal opiate analgesic system is that afferent impulses from the spinal cord also reach the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, causing the release of corticoliberin, corticotropin and β-lipotropin, from which the powerful analgesic polypeptide β-endorphin is formed. The latter, once in the bloodstream, inhibits the activity of neurons of pain sensitivity in the spinal cord and thalamus and excites pain-inhibiting neurons of the central gray matter.

The neuronal non-opiate analgesic system is represented by serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic neurons that form nuclei in the brainstem. It was found that stimulation of the most important monoaminergic structures of the brainstem (raphe nuclei, blue spot of substantia nigra, central gray matter) leads to pronounced analgesia. All these formations have direct access to pain sensitivity neurons of the spinal cord, and the released serotonin and norepinephrine cause a significant inhibition of pain reflex reactions.

The hormonal non-opiate analgesic system is associated mainly with the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and their hormone vasopressin. It is known that rats with genetically impaired vasopressin synthesis have increased sensitivity to pain stimuli. The introduction of vasopressin into the blood or into the cavity of the ventricles of the brain causes a deep and prolonged state of analgesia in animals. In addition, vasopressinergic neurons of the hypothalamus send their axons to various structures of the brain and spinal cord, including neurons of the gelatinous substance, and can affect the function of the spinal gate mechanism and other analgesic systems. It is also possible that other hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary system are also involved in the hormonal non-opiate analgesic system. There is evidence of a pronounced antinociceptive effect of somatostatin and some other peptides.

All analgesic systems interact with each other and allow the body to control pain reactions and suppress the negative effects caused by pain stimuli. In violation of the function of these systems, various pain syndromes can occur. On the other hand, one of the most effective ways to combat pain is to develop methods for activating antinociceptive systems (acupuncture, suggestion, the use of pharmacological drugs, etc.).

The value of pain for the body. Pain is so common in people's daily lives that it has entered their consciousness as an inevitable companion of human existence. However, it should be remembered that this effect is not physiological, but pathological. Pain is caused by various factors, the only common property of which is the ability to damage body tissues. It belongs to the category of pathological processes and, like any pathological process, is contradictory in its content. Pain has both protective and adaptive and pathological significance. Depending on the nature of the pain, the cause, time and place of its occurrence, either protective or actually pathological elements may prevail. The value of the protective properties of pain is truly enormous for human and animal life: they are a signal of danger, inform about the development of the pathological process. However, having played the role of an informer, the pain itself becomes a component of the pathological process, sometimes very formidable.

Disorders of the functions of the autonomic nervous system, their types and mechanisms, the concept of autonomic dystonia.

As you know, the autonomic nervous system consists of two parts - sympathetic and parasympathetic. Sympathetic nerves originate in nodes located along the spinal column. Node cells receive fibers from neurons located in the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The centers of the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system lie in the brain stem and in the sacral part of the spinal cord. The nerves departing from them go to the internal organs and form synapses in the nodes located near or inside these organs.

Most organs are innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which have opposite effects on them.

The centers of the autonomic nervous system are constantly in a state of tone, as a result of which the internal organs continuously receive inhibitory or excitatory impulses from them. Therefore, if for any reason an organ is deprived of innervation, for example, sympathetic, all functional changes in it are determined by the predominant influence of parasympathetic nerves. With parasympathetic denervation, the reverse picture is observed.

In the experiment, to disrupt the autonomic innervation of a particular organ, the corresponding sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are cut or the nodes are removed. In addition, you can reduce the activity of any part of the autonomic nervous system or completely turn it off for some time with the help of pharmacological drugs - anticholinergics, sympatholytics.

There is also a method of immunological "extirpation" of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. In mice, a proteinaceous substance is produced in the salivary glands, which stimulates the growth of sympathetic nerve cells. When another animal is immunized with this substance, serum containing antibodies against this substance can be obtained. If such a serum is administered to newborn animals, the nodes of the sympathetic trunk cease to develop in them and undergo degeneration. In these animals, all peripheral manifestations of the activity of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system disappear, they are lethargic and apathetic. Under various conditions that require stress on the body, in particular during overheating, cooling, blood loss, less endurance of sympathetic animals is found. Their thermoregulation system is disturbed, and in order to maintain body temperature at a normal level, it is necessary to increase the ambient temperature. The circulatory system at the same time loses the ability to adapt to changes in the body's need for oxygen due to increased physical activity. In such animals, resistance to hypoxia and other conditions decreases, which, under stress, can lead to death.

The arcs of autonomic reflexes are closed in the spinal, medulla oblongata and midbrain. The defeat of these parts of the central nervous system can lead to dysfunction of the internal organs. For example, in spinal shock, in addition to motor disorders, blood pressure drops sharply, thermoregulation, perspiration, and reflex acts of defecation and urination are disturbed.

With damage to the spinal cord at the level of the last cervical and two upper thoracic segments, pupil constriction (miosis), palpebral fissure, and retraction of the eyeball (enophthalmos) are noted.

In pathological processes in the medulla oblongata, nerve centers are affected that stimulate lacrimation, secretion of the salivary and pancreas and gastric glands, causing contraction of the gallbladder, stomach and small intestine. The centers of respiration and centers that regulate the activity of the heart and vascular tone are also affected.

All activity of the autonomic nervous system is subordinated to higher centers located in the reticular formation, hypothalamus, thalamus and cerebral cortex. They integrate the relationship between the various parts of the autonomic nervous system itself, as well as the relationship between the autonomic, somatic, and endocrine systems. Most of the 48 nuclei and centers located in the reticular formation of the brain stem are involved in the regulation of blood circulation, respiration, digestion, excretion and other functions. Their presence, along with somatic elements in the reticular formation, provides the necessary vegetative component for all types of somatic activity of the body. Manifestations of dysfunctions of the reticular formation are diverse and may relate to disorders of the heart, vascular tone, respiration, functions of the alimentary canal, etc.

When the hypothalamus is stimulated, various vegetative effects occur, close to those obtained by stimulating the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves. Based on this, two zones are distinguished in it. Irritation of one of them, the dynamogenic zone, including the posterior, lateral and part of the intermediate hypothalamic regions, causes tachycardia, increased blood pressure, mydriasis, exophthalmos, piloerection, cessation of intestinal motility, hyperglycemia and other effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Irritation of another, trophogenic, zone, which includes the preoptic nuclei and the anterior hypothalamic region, causes opposite reactions characteristic of excitation of the parasympathetic nerves.

The functions of the hypothalamus are greatly influenced by the upstream parts of the central nervous system. After their removal, vegetative reactions are preserved, but their effectiveness and subtlety of control are lost.

The structures of the limbic system cause vegetative effects, which manifest themselves in the organs of respiration, digestion, vision, the circulatory system, and thermoregulation. Vegetative effects occur more often when structures are irritated than when they are turned off.

The cerebellum is also involved in controlling the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Irritation of the cerebellum causes mainly sympathetic effects - an increase in blood pressure, dilation of the pupils, restoration of the working capacity of tired muscles. After the removal of the cerebellum, the regulation of the activity of the circulatory system and the alimentary canal is disturbed.

The cerebral cortex has a significant impact on the regulation of autonomic functions. The topography of the vegetative centers of the cortex is closely intertwined with the topography of the somatic centers at the level of both sensitive and motor zones. This indicates the simultaneous integration of vegetative and somatic functions in it. With electrical stimulation of the motor and promoter regions and the sigmoid gyrus, changes in the regulation of respiration, blood circulation, sweating, the activity of the sebaceous glands, the motor function of the alimentary canal, and the bladder are noted.

Pathology of higher nervous activity. neuroses. Types of neuroses. Causes of occurrence. Methods for obtaining neuroses in the experiment. Psychotherapy.

Pathogenic effect of alcohol on the body. characteristics of manifestations. stages of alcoholism. withdrawal syndrome.

Addiction. Substance abuse.

Everyone knows the popular expression - "all diseases are from the nerves." This expression, as well as possible, speaks about the true cause of many diseases.

As you know, nature has laid on nervous system the functions of managing the entire vital activity of the human body - the regulation of all physiological processes of the body, the management of its activity and unity, relations with the outside world. Partial or complete nervous system disorder manifests itself in the form of a functional disorder or disease, mental disorders and emotional changes.

From the point of view of the functional activity of the nervous system, any disease is a violation in the management and regulation of the central nervous system of the physiological and mental processes of the body, the activity of organs or tissues. At the same time, regulation consists, first of all, in a clear transmission of a nerve impulse from a certain center in the brain to an organ, tissue or system, that is, it is important, first of all, conduction of nerve structures.

"The electrical network of our body"

Under conduction of nerve structures implies the electrical conductivity of nerve fibers, i.e., the conductivity of nerve impulses (electrical impulses) from the center (brain) along the nerve fibers to the periphery (organs, tissues) and back.

The causes of disturbances in the electrical conductivity of nerve fibers can be: overheating and hypothermia, bruising and pinching of the nerve, chemical and bacteriological effects, overeating, smoking and alcohol, excessive grief and emotional overstrain, fear, anxiety, fear, etc. All of these conditions lead the body to overstrain.

As a result of overstrain - physical or mental, as a rule, stress (physiological or mental) occurs, and it is precisely stress becomes the first stage in the development of one or another functional impairment. Stress is the first to cause electrical conductivity of nerve fibers, i.e. conduction of nerve structures, and hence functional disorder of the nervous system.

It follows that the restoration of a functional disorder of the nervous system and health in general should begin with the restoration of the conductivity of nerve fibers, i.e., their electrical conductivity.

And the first thing to start with is the elimination of the stressful state of the body, the removal of physiological and mental stress.

“Turn on” self-regulation.

To date, there are a huge number of methods for relieving physiological and mental stress. Starting from the usual massage to deep psychoanalysis. One of the methods for releasing physiological and mental stress, and therefore restoring the conductivity of nerve fibers, i.e. "electrical network" of our body is my author's technique -

Since the nervous system regulates all physiological processes in the unity of the whole organism, when the conductivity of nerve fibers is restored, elimination of stress in the body– removal of physiological and mental stress. As a result of the restoration of the conductivity of the nervous structures of our body, there is an improvement in blood circulation and respiration, the supply of oxygen and nutrition of the cells of our body is activated, metabolic processes improve, waste slags are removed faster, congestion is eliminated. This improves the physiological activity of not only muscle tissues and organs, but also the nervous system itself, its metabolic processes. There is a self-healing process of nervous activity, i.e. - self-regulation.

Strychnine nitrate is the main alkaloid of chibulikha seeds. In medical practice, a 0.1% solution of strychnine nitrate is used in 1 ml injection ampoules. In therapeutic doses, strychnine has a stimulating effect on the senses (it sharpens vision, taste, hearing, tactile sensitivity), excites the respiratory and vasomotor centers, tones the skeletal muscles and the heart muscle, and enhances metabolic processes.
The action of strychnine is associated with facilitating the conduction of excitation in the interneuronal synapses of the spinal cord.
Strychnine is used as a tonic for severe asthenia, hypotension, paresis and paralysis, atony of the stomach, etc. An increase in reflex activity can have a beneficial effect in erectile dysfunction caused by neurological pathology, or in the structure of protracted asthenic conditions of various origins. The drug is prescribed in the form of subcutaneous injections of 1 ml 1-2 times a day. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 2 ml (0.002) 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 10-15 days. In women, it is used to stimulate the reflex activity of the spinal centers, as well as to exacerbate tactile sensitivity (twice a day, 1 ml subcutaneously, the course is 10-14 days).

In cases of overdose, tension of the facial, occipital and other muscles, difficulty in breathing, tetanic convulsions are possible.

Strychnine is contraindicated in patients with hypertension, bronchial asthma, angina pectoris, with severe atherosclerosis, thyrotoxicosis, liver and kidney diseases, and a tendency to convulsive reactions.

Prozerin is a synthetic anticholinesterase substance. Available in tablets of 15 mg and in ampoules of 1 ml of a 0.05% solution (0.5 mg) for injection. The drug facilitates the conduction of impulses in the cholinergic synapses of the central nervous system, improves neuromuscular conduction, enhancing excitation processes, increasing the tone of smooth and striated muscles.

Prozerin is used for myasthenia gravis, motor and sensory disorders associated with spinal cord injuries, radiculitis, neuritis, or due to the consequences of acute cerebrovascular accidents.

With erectile dysfunction and sluggish expiration of the seed at the time of ejaculation due to violations of the innervation pathways of the male genitalia, prozerin is prescribed as daily subcutaneous injections of 1 ml (for a course of 15-25 injections) or 1 tablet (15 mg) 2 times a day (20-30 days). To enhance the effect, prozerin is often combined with subcutaneous injection of 1-2 ml of 0.1% strychnine nitrate (a course of 10-20 injections) and thiamine chloride. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after a 3-4 week break.

In case of an overdose, a "cholinergic crisis" is possible: hypersalivation, nausea, miosis, increased peristalsis, diarrhea, frequent urination, muscle twitching, development of general weakness. The antidote is atropine. Contraindicated in epilepsy, hyperkinesis, bronchial asthma, angina pectoris, severe atherosclerosis.
Distigmine bromide (ubretide) is an anticholinesterase drug with prolonged action. Available in tablets containing 5 mg of the active substance distigmine bromide, and as a solution for injection of 1 ml (0.5 and 1 mg) in an ampoule.

The drug causes the accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, prolonging and enhancing the processes associated with it in skeletal muscles and parasympathetic nerves. Ubretide increases the tone of the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, sphincters and ureters, causes moderate vasodilation and increased tone of the striated muscles. In sexological practice, the drug can be used for erectile dysfunction, difficult or accelerated ejaculation, caused by partial conduction disorders of the spinal cord, as well as lesions of peripheral nerve formations involved in the innervation of the genital organs, for example, diabetic or alcoholic neuropathies. Ubretide is initially prescribed 1/2-1 tablet (2.5-5 mg) 1 time per day. Depending on the effect, the dose may be increased to 2 tablets per day or reduced to 1 tablet once every 2-3 days. Tablets are taken on an empty stomach in the morning 30 minutes before breakfast. In severe cases, the drug is used in the form of intramuscular injections of 0.5 mg 1 time per day. The duration of treatment with ubretide is 3-4 weeks. In case of an overdose of the drug, muscarinic (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased peristalsis, salivation, bronchospasm, bradycardia, miosis, sweating) and nicotinic (muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing) effects are noted. Side effects are removed by atropine.

Contraindications: hypotension, chronic heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, myotonia, intestinal hypertonicity, biliary and urinary tract, gastric ulcer.

Based on materials: V. Domoratsky "Medical sexology and psychotherapy of sexual disorders", - M. 2009

Polyneuropathy of the lower extremities is a common problem of mankind. Many are familiar with the feeling of chilliness, coldness of the feet, numbness and crawling on the legs, cramps in the calf muscles. And all this is nothing but a manifestation of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities. And, unfortunately, not always, having similar symptoms, a person seeks medical help. Meanwhile, polyneuropathy does not doze off and slowly progresses. Muscles gradually weaken, gait is disturbed, trophic changes in the skin occur. At this stage, it becomes more difficult to overcome the disease, but still possible. Modern medicine focuses on drug therapy in combination with physiotherapy methods in the treatment of this condition. In this article, we will talk about drugs that can eliminate or minimize the symptoms of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities.

In many ways, the treatment of polyneuropathy depends on the immediate cause of the disease. So, for example, if the cause is alcohol abuse, then it is necessary first of all to completely abandon the use of alcoholic beverages. If the basis of the disease is diabetes mellitus, then you need to achieve a decrease in blood sugar levels to normal. If the polyneuropathy is lead, contact with lead must be stopped, and so on. But due to the fact that in different types of polyneuropathy, similar pathological processes are observed in the nerve fibers themselves, there is also a general approach to the treatment of this condition. This approach is based on the fact that with polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, the longest nerves of the body suffer from damaging factors, and either the outer sheath of the nerve fiber or its inner core, the axon, is destroyed. To eliminate the symptoms of polyneuropathy, it is necessary to restore the structure of the nerve fiber, improve its blood supply. For this, various drugs are used. Depending on their belonging to a particular chemical group or on the direction of their action, it is customary to divide drugs into several groups:

metabolic drugs;
drugs that affect blood flow;
vitamins;
painkillers;
drugs that improve the conduction of a nerve impulse.

Let's get acquainted with each group of drugs in more detail.

These groups of drugs are among the most basic in the treatment of polyneuropathy. And in most cases, the mechanism of action of one drug is not limited only, for example, to the metabolic effect. Almost always, the medicine works in several directions at the same time: it “fights” free radicals, and improves the nutrition of the nerve fiber, and helps to increase blood flow in the area of the damaged nerve, and promotes healing. Due to such a multifaceted effect, as they say, not even two, but several birds with one stone are killed with one shot! But there are also pitfalls. Not all metabolic drugs are effective in the treatment of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities. The means, the restorative effect of which is most studied, include preparations of Thioctic acid, Actovegin, Instenon. Recently, Cerebrolysin, Cytochrome C, Mexidol and Cytoflavin, Calcium Pantothenate have been increasingly used for the same purpose. Usually, preference is given to one drug (the choice is based on the true cause of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities). So, for example, in diabetic polyneuropathy, Thioctic acid is the main fighter, in case of obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities, Actovegin is preferred. When prescribing any metabolic drug, it is necessary to observe the terms of use, since the restoration of nerve fibers is a long process. That is why in most cases the drug has to be taken for quite a long time, at least 1 month, and more often longer. Now let's talk in more detail about each of the drugs.

Thioctic acid is a powerful antioxidant, its effect in the treatment of polyneuropathy is recognized worldwide. It is necessary to apply the medicine from one month to six. First, intravenous infusion of the drug (at a dose of 600 mg per day) is necessary for 14-20 days, and then you can switch to tablet forms. The same 600 mg, but already in the form of tablets, are taken half an hour before meals in the morning. When treating, it is important to understand that the effect of the drug will not be noticeable in the first days of admission. This does not indicate a lack of results. It just takes time for the drug to be able to eliminate all metabolic problems at the level of nerve fibers. Thioctic acid is very widely represented on the pharmaceutical market: Octolipen, Alpha-lipoic acid, Berlition, Espa-lipon, Thioctacid, Neurolipon, Thiogamma.

Actovegin is a product obtained from the blood of calves. Do not be afraid of the word "blood" in this case. From it in Actovegin, only the most necessary components of the cell mass and serum remain. In this case, for the treatment of Actovegin, it is necessary to use 10-50 ml intravenously for the first time (the dose depends on the severity of the symptoms of polyneuropathy). Typically, intravenous infusions last 10-15 days, and then the patient continues therapy in the form of tablets (2-3 tablets 3 times a day) for another 2-3-4 months. The complex effect of the drug allows you to simultaneously treat not only peripheral nerves, but also the "problems" of the brain, blood vessels of the extremities. Abroad, Actovegin is not as actively used as in the CIS countries and Russia, and is even banned in the USA and Canada. This is primarily due to the fact that numerous studies of its effectiveness have not been conducted.

Instenon is a complex drug containing 3 active ingredients. It dilates blood vessels, has an activating effect on neurons, improves the transmission of impulses between them. It provides increased blood flow in tissues suffering from a lack of oxygen. Due to this, the nutrition of nerve fibers improves, and they “recover” faster. The effect gives a course application: the contents of the 1st ampoule (2 ml) are administered intramuscularly every day for 14 days. In the future, Instenon is taken orally 1 tablet 3 times a day for another 1 month.

Cerebrolysin is a protein drug derived from the brain of a pig. It is considered a powerful neurometabolic drug. It stops the process of destruction in nerve cells, increases protein synthesis inside them, and is able to protect them from the harmful effects of various substances. Cerebrolysin has a pronounced neurotrophic effect, which favorably affects the functioning of the entire nervous system. Cerebrolysin increases the chances of nerve cells to stay alive in conditions of nutrient deficiency. Both intramuscular and intravenous administration of the drug is allowed (5 ml and 10-20 ml, respectively) for 10-20 days. Then they take a break for 14-30 days and, if necessary, repeat the course.

Calcium pantothenate is a drug that stimulates regeneration processes, that is, restoration (healing) of peripheral nerves and not only them. Apply it 1-2 tablets 3 times a day in courses of 1 month. Slowly but surely, the drug will “patch” the defects in the nerve sheaths, helping to restore their function.

Mexidol (Mexicor, Mexiprim, Neurox) is a powerful antioxidant. This is a drug that works at the membrane level. It helps to restore the normal structure of the membranes of nerve cells, thereby ensuring their normal operation, because all nerve impulses are conducted through the membranes. Mexidol increases the resistance of nerve cells to negative environmental stress. The dose of the drug, route of administration and duration of use are highly variable depending on the initial level of neurological disorders. If necessary, start with intravenous or intramuscular injection of 5 ml, and then switch to tablets (125-250 mg 3 times a day). The total duration of treatment is 1.5-2 months. The drug is well tolerated. When administered intravenously, it can cause a sore throat, a desire to cough. These sensations pass rather quickly and occur less often if the drug is administered by drip (in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution), and not by jet.

Cytoflavin is another complex antioxidant drug. Complementing each other, the components of the drug improve energy metabolism in neurons, resist the action of free radicals, and help cells "survive" in conditions of nutrient deficiency. For treatment, 2 tablets are used 2 times a day for half an hour before meals for 25 days.

Many of the antioxidant drugs described above are not popular, so to speak, in the treatment of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities. More often used Thioctic acid, Actovegin. The remaining neurometabolic drugs are more often used for "problems" with the central nervous system, but we should not forget that they also have a positive effect on the periphery. Some drugs have an insignificant "experience" of use (for example, Mexidol), and all areas of their influence have not yet been sufficiently studied.

The most common drug for improving blood flow in case of damage to the nerves of the lower extremities is Pentoxifylline (Vazonite, Trental). The drug improves blood circulation in the smallest vessels of the whole organism as a whole due to their expansion. With increased blood flow, more nutrients reach the neurons, which means an increased chance of recovery. The standard scheme for the use of Pentoxifylline looks like this: intravenous drip, 5 ml of the drug, previously dissolved in 200 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, for 10 days. Then tablets of 400 mg 2-3 times a day for up to 1 month. For most drugs used to treat polyneuropathy, the following rule works: low severity of symptoms - tablet forms of drugs. Therefore, if the symptoms of the disease are not sharp, it is quite possible to get by with a tableted monthly course of Pentoxifylline, skipping injections.

Treatment of polyneuropathy of the lower extremities is never complete without the use of vitamins. The most effective are the B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12). One lack of food alone can cause symptoms of peripheral nerve damage. Reinforcing the effects of each other, with the simultaneous use of these drugs contribute to the restoration of the membranes of peripheral nerves, have an analgesic effect, and to some extent are antioxidants. Combined forms (when all three vitamins are included in one drug at once) are preferable to single-component ones. There are both injectable and tablet forms. Some injectable forms (Milgamma, Kombilipen, CompligamV, Vitakson, Vitagamma) additionally contain lidocaine, which enhances the analgesic effect. Preparations such as Neuromultivit and Neurobion contain a "pure" complex of B vitamins without lidocaine. When treating, they often resort to a combination of injectable forms of vitamins at the beginning of treatment and tablets - later. On average, B vitamins are used for at least 1 month.

Relatively recently, the complex drug Keltikan began to be used in the treatment of diseases of peripheral nerves. This is a dietary supplement. It contains uridine monophosphate, vitamin B12, folic acid. The drug provides building components for the restoration of peripheral nerve sheaths. Apply Keltikan 1 capsule 1 time per day for 20 days.