Foci of a change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature treatment. Focal brain changes: development, types, symptoms, dangerous or not, how to treat

All types of circulatory disorders in the human body also affect the substance of the brain, which ultimately affects its integrity and the possibilities of normal functioning.

And the "starvation" of cells, which is provoked by a violation or complete cessation of blood supply (in medicine, this process is called ischemia), causes a change in the substance of the brain dystrophic character. That is, degeneration, and sometimes, although very rarely, even the disappearance of tissues and a significant deterioration in their function.

We will talk more about this pathological condition in the article.

Types of change

In medicine, dystrophic manifestations in the substance of the brain are divided into two types:

Diffuse.
Focal.

In the first case pathological changes evenly distributed to the entire brain, and not to its individual sections. They are called like general violations in the work of the blood supply system, and or infections (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.).

Diffuse changes are manifested mainly by a decrease in a person’s working capacity, a dull headache, difficulties in switching to another type of activity, a narrowing of the patient’s circle of interests, apathy and sleep disorders.

And what is a focal change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature, can be understood already by the fact that various minor pathologies can cause it:

cysts (small cavities that form in the brain)
medium-sized foci of necrosis (tissue death in some areas, caused by a lack of nutrient intake);
gliomesodermal (intracerebral) scars that occur after injuries and concussions;
minor changes in the structure of the medulla.

That is, these pathologies disturbing blood supply in a small area. True, they can be both single and multiple.

Causes of dystrophy

The full picture of the appearance of dystrophic changes is not yet clear to researchers. But numerous observations led to the conclusion that most cases of this pathology have genetic predisposition. The action of provoking factors only accelerates the development of the process or enhances its manifestation.

Therefore, the causes that cause focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature can be safely divided into genetic anomalies and acquired ones. Although it should be noted that acquired causes are still very conditional definition in this case, since they begin their destructive action only if the patient has a tendency to the indicated pathology.

Focal change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature: symptoms of the development of the disease

Symptoms of a change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature are most often manifested quite clearly, but, unfortunately, this happens when the disease is already strongly progressing. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the appearance of even small deviations in the state of health.

Is there an age limit for the disease?

It should be noted that single focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature occur not only in the elderly, but also in persons under the age of fifty.

Loads, injuries, stressful situations, hypertension and other provoking factors can trigger the development of focal changes. The constant overstrain experienced by many able-bodied citizens also plays its unseemly role.

Enhanced work of the brain against the background of what is available in youth, as well as ischemia in old age, can equally lead to the occurrence of foci of dystrophic changes with all the ensuing consequences. And from this it follows that timely and properly organized rest is a very important part of the prevention of the described pathology.

What diseases are accompanied by dystrophic changes in the brain

A focal change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature, as a rule, is provoked by very common disorders in the functioning of blood vessels. These include:

vasomotor dystonia,
atherosclerosis,
arterial hypertension,
vascular aneurysm in the head and,
cardio-cerebral syndrome.

The diseases are also accompanied by the described irreversible changes in the brain - everyone knows the problems caused by Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or Pick's disease.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of "focal change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature" is rather difficult to establish. This requires the identification of signs of the pathologies listed above and the exclusion of other somatic diseases and possible neuroses. By the way, people with diabetes and rheumatism are also at risk.

The doctor must assess the patient's condition, as well as conduct the necessary examinations. Most accurate readings gives an MRI study, where it is possible to identify lesions, as well as their size and localization. Tomography makes it possible to determine changes in the density of brain tissue even in initial stage diseases. Correct reading of the MRI results is an important step in the beginning of the treatment of the described problem.

Focal change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature: treatment

As mentioned earlier, the exact cause of the named pathology has not yet been established, unfortunately. And the diseases diagnosed together with it are rather factors that only provoke the onset of its development or enhance processes that have already begun, and not the main cause of the onset of the disease.

Therefore, its treatment consists mainly in the normalization of the patient's daily regimen and in the correct diet, including foods that contain organic acids (baked and fresh apples, cherries, sauerkraut), as well as seafood and walnuts. The use of hard cheeses, cottage cheese and milk will have to be limited, since an excess of calcium causes difficulty in oxygen metabolism in the blood, and this supports ischemia and single focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature.

In addition, the patient can not do without symptomatic therapy, which involves the appointment of drugs that affect cerebral circulation and reduce blood viscosity, taking analgesics, sedatives and B vitamins. However, this is a separate and rather extensive topic.

If brain structures are involved in the process, functional disorders are inevitable.

Lack of blood supply to brain cells causes them oxygen starvation or ischemia leading to structural dystrophic, that is, nutritionally related disorders. Subsequently, such structural disorders turn into brain areas of degeneration that are no longer able to cope with their functions.

Dystrophic disorders of the brain are divided into two types:

Diffuse, which cover the entire brain tissue uniformly, without highlighting certain areas. These violations occur due to general disorders in the circulatory system, concussion, infections such as meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms of diffuse changes are most often reduced performance, Blunt pain in the head area, difficulty switching from one activity to another, apathy, chronic fatigue and sleep disorders;
Focal - these are those changes that cover a specific area - the focus. Violation of blood circulation occurred in this area, which led to its structural deformations. Foci of disorganization can be both single and multiple, unevenly scattered over the entire surface of the brain.

Among the focal disorders, the most common are:

Cyst - a medium-sized cavity filled with liquid contents, which may not cause unpleasant consequences in a patient, and can cause compression of the vascular network of the brain or its other parts, starting a chain of irreversible changes;
Small areas of necrosis - dead in certain areas of brain tissue due to lack of inflow essential substances- areas of ischemia - dead zones that are no longer able to perform their functions;
Gliomesodermal or intracerebral scar - occurs after traumatic lesions or concussions and leads to minor changes in the structure of the substance of the brain.

Signs and causes of focal changes in the brain

Focal lesions of the brain leave a certain imprint on the daily life of a person. How the work of organs and their systems will change depends on the localization of the focus of damage. Vascular cause focal disorders often lead to subsequent mental disorders, can turn into hypertension with excessively high blood pressure, stroke and other equally serious consequences.

Most often about availability focal lesion say symptoms such as:

High blood pressure or hypertension caused by a lack of oxygen due to dystrophy of the brain vessels;
Epilepsy attacks, as a result of which the patient can harm himself;
Disorders of the psyche and memory associated with its decrease, loss of certain facts, distortion of the perception of information, deviations in behavior and personality changes;
Stroke and pre-stroke state - can be fixed on MRI in the form of foci of altered brain tissue;
Pain syndrome, which is accompanied by chronic intense headache, which can be localized both in the back of the head, eyebrows, and over the entire surface of the head;
Involuntary muscle contractions that the patient is unable to control;
Noises in the head or ears that lead to stress and irritability
Frequent bouts of dizziness;
Sensation of "head throbbing";
visual disturbances in the form hypersensitivity to light and reduce visual acuity;
Nausea and vomiting that accompanies a headache and does not bring relief;
Constant weakness and lethargy;
speech defects;
Insomnia.

Objectively, during the examination, the doctor can identify such signs as:

Paresis and paralysis of muscles;
Asymmetric arrangement of nasolabial folds;
Breathing like "sailing";
Pathological reflexes on the arms and legs.

However, there are also asymptomatic forms of focal brain disorders. Among the causes leading to the occurrence of focal disorders, the main ones are:

Vascular disorders associated with advanced age or cholesterol deposits in the wall of blood vessels;
cervical osteochondrosis;
Ischemia;
Benign or malignant neoplasms;
Traumatic head injury.

Any disease has its own risk group, and people who fall into this category should be very careful about their health. In the presence of causative factors of focal changes in the brain, a person is referred to the primary risk group, if there are predispositions due to a hereditary or social factor, they are referred to the secondary:

Diseases cordially- vascular system associated with pressure disorders such as hypotension, hypertension, dystonia;
Diabetes;
Obese patients with overweight or unhealthy eating habits;
Chronic depression (stress);
Hypodynamic people who move little and lead a sedentary lifestyle;
Age category, regardless of gender. According to statistics, 50 - 80% of patients with focal dystrophic disorders acquired their pathologies due to aging.

People belonging to the primary risk group, in order to avoid focal brain changes or to prevent the progression of existing problems, must first of all treat their underlying disease, that is, eliminate the root cause.

MRI diagnostics of focal disorders

The most accurate and sensitive diagnostic method with focal changes in the brain, is MRI, which allows you to determine the presence of pathology even at an early stage, and accordingly start timely treatment MRI also helps to identify the causes of pathologies that have arisen. MRI allows you to see even small focal degenerative changes, not at first disturbing, but in the end often leading to a stroke, as well as foci with increased echogenicity of vascular origin, which often indicate the oncological nature of disorders.

Focal changes of the brain of vascular origin on MRI, depending on the location and size, can be indicators of disorders such as:

Hemispheres of the brain - possible blockage of the right vertebral artery due to embryonic abnormalities or acquired atherosclerotic plaques or hernia cervical spine;
White matter of the frontal lobe of the brain - hypertension, congenital, in some cases, not life threatening developmental anomalies, and in others a proportionally increasing risk of life to the changing size of the lesion. Such violations may be accompanied by changes in the motor sphere;
Numerous foci of brain changes - a pre-stroke state, senile dementia, epilepsy;

Although small changes can lead to serious pathological conditions, and even threaten the life of the patient, they are found in almost every patient over the age of 50 years. And it doesn't necessarily lead to problems. Foci of dystrophic and dyscirculatory origin detected on MRI are subject to mandatory dynamic observation for the development of the disorder.

Treatment and prognosis

There is no single reason for the occurrence of foci of changes in the brain, only hypothetical factors that lead to the onset of pathology. Therefore, treatment consists of the basic postulates of maintaining health and specific therapy:

The patient's daily routine and diet No. 10. The patient's day should be built on a stable principle, with rational physical activity, rest time and timely and proper nutrition, which includes products with organic acids(apples in baked or fresh, cherry, sauerkraut), seafood and walnuts. Patients at risk or already diagnosed with focal changes should limit their use hard species cheeses, cottage cheese and dairy products, due to the danger of excess calcium, which these products are rich in. This can cause difficult oxygen exchange in the blood, which leads to ischemia and single focal changes in the brain substance.
Drug therapy with drugs that affect the blood circulation of the brain, stimulate it, dilate blood vessels and reduce the viscosity of the bloodstream, in order to avoid thrombosis with the subsequent development of ischemia;
Analgesic medicinal substances aimed at relieving pain;
Sedatives to calm the patient and B vitamins;
Hypo or hypertensive drugs, depending on the existing pathology of blood pressure;
Reducing stress factors, reducing anxiety.

It is impossible to give an unambiguous forecast regarding the development of the disease. The condition of the patient will depend on many factors, in particular, on the age and condition of the patient, the presence comorbidities organs and their systems, the size and nature of focal disorders, the degree of their development, the dynamics of changes.

The key factor is the constant diagnostic monitoring of the state of the brain, including preventive actions for warning and early detection pathologies and control of the already existing focal disorder, in order to avoid the progression of the pathology.

Dystrophic changes in the substance of the brain treatment

Please explain the conclusion of the MRI of the brain

Hello! Today my mother underwent a study - an MRI of the brain, after passing in the clinic, they gave a conclusion: On a series of MRI tomograms weighted by T1 and T2 in three projections, sub- and supratentorial structures were visualized. The lateral and third ventricles of the brain are slightly dilated. IVth ventricle not changed, basal cisterns of normal caliber. The chiasmatic area is without features, the pituitary tissue has a normal signal. Subarachnoid convexital spaces and sulci were slightly enlarged in the area of the parietal lobes and Sylvian fissures with moderately pronounced atrophic changes in the brain substance. Median structures are not displaced. The tonsils of the cerebellum are usually located. In the white matter of the parietal and temporal lobes, multiple hydrophilic foci, small areas of gliosis, enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces. CONCLUSION: MR picture of moderately severe mixed replacement hydrocephalus. Multiple focal-dystrophic substances of the brain. My mother is 41 years old. IN Lately she began to complain about: - shakes like on the waves; - Nausea; - Dizziness; - Periodic severe headaches (in the occipital region); - Pawns ears; - Deterioration of memory; - Unable to concentrate on anything; - Sleep disturbance; - Weakness; - Nervousness. Please explain the situation, diagnosis, treatment. Thank you in advance! P.S. Before the study, she underwent a course of treatment prescribed by a neuropathologist: 1) Actovegin 2.0 IV in saline; 2) Mexidol 2.0 i/m; 3) Platifillin 1.0 i/m. During the course of treatment, the health situation worsened. At the end of treatment positive results did not have.

Hello! Focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature - this is literally - as a result of a local (local) disturbance of the blood supply (age-related, toxic or other), there are atrophied (dead) areas of the brain tissue. This is how encephalopathy manifests itself. Treatment usually includes vasoactive drugs, the so-called "brain circulation optimizers": cavinton, trental, cinnarizine, stugeron, etc. vascular insufficiency vertebrobasilar system preference is given to stugeron, sibelium. betaserku. If the patient has a combination of atherosclerotic lesions of the vessels of the brain and extremities, the appointment of sermion is indicated. Nootropics (gliatilin, cortexin, ceraxon). Decongestants (diakarb, veroshpiron).

The advice is provided for informational purposes only. Based on the results of the consultation, please consult a doctor.

The health of your head

Focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature

Sooner or later, all people grow old, and the body ages along with them. It primarily affects the heart, brain and spinal cord. If the heart ceases to properly cope with its task - pumping blood - then over time this will affect the state of the brain, the cells of which will not receive enough nutrients to sustain life.

According to various sources, from 50 to 70% of the elderly (over 60 years) suffer from a similar disease.

Symptoms of dystrophy of the substance of the brain

Any disease is better to prevent than to treat later, and for this you need to know its external manifestations (signs) and symptoms.

First stage. In the first couple, a person feels a little tired, lethargic, dizzy and does not sleep well. This is due to poor blood circulation in the brain. The degree of significance grows along with the development of vascular diseases: cholesterol deposition, hypotension, etc.
Second stage. At the second stage, the so-called “center of the disease” appears in the brain, the damage to the substance of the brain deepens due to poor blood circulation. Cells do not receive sufficient nutrition and gradually die off. The beginning of this stage is indicated by memory impairment, loss of coordination, noise or “shooting” in the ears, and severe headaches.
Third stage. Due to the discircular nature of the flow last stage, the focus of the disease moves even deeper, the affected vessels bring too little blood to the brain. The patient shows signs of dementia, lack of coordination of movements (not always), dysfunction of the sense organs is possible: loss of vision, hearing, shaking hands, etc.

It is possible to establish the exact change in the substance of the brain using MRI.

In the absence of treatment, over time, diseases such as:

Alzheimer's disease. The most common form of degeneration of the nervous system.
Pick's disease. A rare progressive disease of the nervous system, manifested by rally.
Huntington's disease. Genetic disease of the nervous system. developing rally.
Arterial hypertension.
Cardiocerebral syndrome (impairment of the basic functions of the brain due to cardiac pathology).

Reasons for change

As already mentioned, the main cause of the manifestation of the disease is vascular damage. inevitable with age. But for some, these lesions are minimal: small cholesterol deposits, for example, - while for someone they develop into pathology. So, diseases lead to a change in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature:

Ischemia. This disease is mainly characterized by a violation of the blood circulation of the brain.
Cervical osteochondrosis.
Tumor (benign or malignant).
Severe head injury. In this case, age does not matter.

Risk group

Any disease has a risk group, people who are in it should be extremely careful. If a person has similar diseases, then he is in the primary risk group, if only predispositions, then in the secondary:

Suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system: hypotension, hypertension, hypertension, dystonia.
Patients with diathesis, diabetes mellitus or stomach ulcers.
Having overweight or eating habits.
Being in a state of chronic depression (stress) or leading a sedentary lifestyle.
People are older regardless of gender.
Those suffering from rheumatism.

For people of the main risk group, first of all, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease, followed by the recovery of the brain. Particular attention should be paid to patients with hypertension and all its manifestations.

How to overcome?

Despite the complexity of the disease and the problems with its diagnosis, each person can avoid such a fate by helping his body fight the signs of old age or the consequences of a serious injury. To do this, follow simple rules.

First, lead a mobile lifestyle. Walk or jog for at least two hours a day. walk on fresh air: in the forest, in the park, ride out of town, etc. Play outdoor games that correspond to physical abilities: basketball, pioneer ball, volleyball, tennis or table tennis, etc. The more movement, the more actively the heart works, and the vessels become stronger.

Secondly, proper nutrition. Eliminate or minimize the consumption of alcohol, excessively sweet and salty foods and fried. This does not mean that you have to keep yourself in the strictest diet! If you want meat, then you don’t need to fry it or drip sausage, it’s better to boil it. Same thing with potatoes. Instead of cakes and pastries, you can treat yourself to homemade apple and strawberry pies from time to time. All harmful dishes and products can be replaced with their equivalents.

Third, avoid stressful situations and overwork. The mental state of a person directly affects his health. Do not overwork yourself, rest, if you are tired, sleep at least 8 hours a day. Do not overwork yourself with physical activity.

Fourth, 1-2 times a year, go through a medical examination to monitor the condition of the body. Especially if you are already undergoing treatment!

It is best not to try to help your body with “home methods”: drink medicines on your own, inject injections, etc. Follow the instructions of the doctor, go through the procedures that he will prescribe. Sometimes, to determine the accuracy of the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo many procedures, taking tests is a normal situation.

A responsible doctor will never prescribe medication unless he is sure of the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory nature

Without exaggeration, the brain can be called the control system of the entire human body, because different parts of the brain are responsible for breathing, functioning internal organs and sense organs, speech, memory, thinking, perception. The human brain is able to store and process great amount information; At the same time, hundreds of thousands of processes that ensure the vital activity of the organism take place in it. However, the functioning of the brain is inextricably linked with its blood supply, because even a slight decrease in the blood supply to a certain part of the brain substance can lead to irreversible consequences #8212; mass death of neurons and, as a result, severe diseases of the nervous system and dementia.

Causes and symptoms of focal changes of a dyscirculatory nature

The most common manifestations of impaired blood supply to the brain are focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory nature, which are characterized by a violation of blood circulation in certain areas of the medulla, and not in the entire organ. As a rule, these changes #8212; This chronic process, which develops over a sufficiently long time, and in the early stages of this disease, most people cannot distinguish it from other diseases of the nervous system. Doctors distinguish three stages in the development of focal changes of a dyscirculatory nature:

At the first stage, in certain areas of the brain, due to vascular diseases, a slight violation of blood circulation occurs, as a result of which a person feels tired, lethargic, apathetic; the patient has sleep disturbances, periodic dizziness and headaches.
The second stage is characterized by a deepening of vascular lesions in the area of the brain, which is the focus of the disease. Evidence of the transition of the disease to this stage are such symptoms as a decrease in memory and intellectual abilities, a violation emotional sphere, severe headaches, tinnitus, coordination disorders.
The third stage of focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory nature, when a significant part of the cells died in the focus of the disease due to impaired blood circulation, is characterized by irreversible changes in the functioning of the brain. As a rule, in patients at this stage of the disease, muscle tone is significantly reduced, there is practically no coordination of movement, signs of dementia (dementia) appear, and sensory organs may also fail.

Categories of people prone to the appearance of focal changes in the substance of the brain

To avoid development this disease, you need to carefully monitor your well-being, and when the first symptoms appear, indicating the possibility of a focal change in the brain substance of a dyscirculatory nature, immediately contact a neurologist or neuropathologist. Since this disease is difficult to diagnose ( accurate diagnosis the doctor can deliver only after an MRI), doctors recommend that people predisposed to this disease undergo preventive examination see a neurologist at least once a year. The following categories of people are at risk:

suffering from hypertension vegetovascular dystonia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system;
patients with diabetes;
suffering from atherosclerosis;
having bad habits and overweight;
leading a sedentary lifestyle;
in a state of chronic stress;
elderly people over the age of 50.

Focal changes of a dystrophic nature

In addition to changes in the dyscirculatory nature, a disease with similar symptoms are single focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature due to a lack of nutrients. This disease affects people who have experienced a head injury, suffering from ischemia, cervical osteochondrosis in the acute stage, and patients who have been diagnosed with benign or malignant tumor brain. Due to the fact that the vessels supplying a certain part of the brain cannot fully perform their functions, the tissues in this area do not receive all the necessary nutrients. The result of this #171; starvation#187; nerve tissues #8212; headaches, dizziness, decreased intellectual abilities and performance, and in the final stages dementia, paresis, paralysis are possible.

Despite the seriousness of these diseases and the difficulty in diagnosing them, each person can significantly reduce the risk of focal changes in the brain substance. To do this, it is enough to refuse bad habits, lead a healthy and active lifestyle, avoid overwork and stress, use healthy and healthy food and 1-2 times a year to undergo a preventive medical examination.

Focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature

Aging, the human body begins to function with interruptions in the work of organs and systems. Most often, the activity of the cardiovascular system worsens, in particular, the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebral circulation disorders are:

diffuse;
Focal.

Focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature are disorders that affect not the entire brain tissue, but only certain areas, foci. The functions of the brain tissues are disrupted due to a lack of nutrients that should be supplied to them. As a result of such changes, the entire part of the brain cannot perform its tasks.

Focal changes combine a number of different small changes in tissues of a different nature and degree of prescription, areas of necrosis, medium-sized cysts, gliomesodermal scars.

A number of reasons can cause focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature:

Ischemia, which is just characterized by a decrease in blood circulation to the brain;
Cervical osteochondrosis in the acute stage, as well as with a change in patency main vessels that supply blood to the hemispheres brain stem, cerebellum;
Head injury;
Tumor as it grows.

Symptoms such changes severe and prolonged headaches, insomnia, constant dizziness without neurological symptoms. Memory deteriorates and intellectual ability of a person, coordination of movements, working capacity decreases. The emotional-volitional sphere suffers, sensitivity decreases. Paresis and paralysis appear.

Diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents is quite difficult. To make a correct diagnosis, it is initially worth trying to identify signs of atherosclerosis, aneurysms of the vessels of the spinal cord and brain, arterial hypertension, and vasomotor dystonia. It is also necessary to exclude other somatic diseases and possible neuroses.

The treatment is the normalization of the regime of work and rest, the right diet and the appointment of a number of drugs that improve cerebral circulation, as well as analgesics and sedatives. If focal changes are recognized in time, their further development can be stopped or significantly slowed down. What can not be done with the development of senile dementia, the cause of which are atrophic changes in the brain.

Scientists cannot name the exact cause of these problems, one or another external influences play only a provoking, reinforcing role. In rare cases, the disease is associated with heredity. The main factor in this case is the age of the person: these problems occur in older people, progressing over time.

Otherwise, atrophic changes in the brain are also called dementia - a synonym for dementia, a disorder of thought processes. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Pick's, Huntington's chorea and some more rare diseases are referred to as atrophic dementia.

Since science finds it difficult to determine the causes of these diseases, their treatment is also difficult. In the sense that the processes in the brain tissues are irreversible, and it is impossible to stop the progressing course. You can only alleviate certain symptoms. For example, with severe excitability, sedatives are prescribed. In general, for such patients it is desirable to organize a fairly active and at the same time calm, measured lifestyle.

When dementia becomes pronounced, the patient needs careful care and constant supervision at home or in hospital.

Currently, such a disease as angiodystonia of cerebral vessels is increasingly being observed not only in adults, but also in children.

The presence of small perineural cysts is observed in approximately 7% of people on our planet. Interestingly, they are more common in women. Briefly def.

Arnold-Chiari anomaly type 1 is detected as a descent of structures located within the posterior cranial fossa into the cavity of the spinal canal.

Numbness of the fingers on the hand is a disorder or loss of skin sensitivity in the form of a sensation of numbness in certain areas, especially on the left.

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Do not self-medicate! Be sure to see a doctor!

Focal changes in the white matter of the brain

The human body is not eternal and with age it develops various pathological processes. The most dangerous among them are focal changes in the substance of the brain of a discirculatory nature. They occur as a result of impaired cerebral blood flow. Such a pathological process is manifested by a number of neurological symptoms and is characterized by a progressive course. Bring back the lost nerve cells it will no longer work, but you can slow down the course of the disease or even prevent its development.

Causes and signs of pathology

What to do with a focal change in the substance of the brain should tell the doctor, but the patient himself can suspect the presence of pathology. The disease often has a postischemic origin. It is characterized by a violation of blood flow in one of the sections of the hemisphere (hemisphere). It is difficult for some people to understand what it is, therefore, for convenience, the development of changes in the brain substance was divided into 3 stages:

First stage. At this stage, signs of focal lesions in the substance of the brain do not appear. The patient may feel only slight weakness, dizziness and apathy. Occasionally, sleep is disturbed and headaches bother. Foci of vascular genesis are just emerging and there are small disruptions in the blood flow;
Second phase. As the pathology develops, the course of the disease worsens. It manifests itself in the form of a migraine, a decrease in mental capacity, ringing in the ears, outbursts of emotions and in the disorder of coordination of movements;
Third stage. If the disease has reached this stage, then focal changes in the white matter of the brain have irreversible consequences. Most of the neurons die and the patient's tone rapidly decreases. muscle tissue. Over time, symptoms of dementia (dementia) appear, the sense organs cease to perform their functions, and the person completely loses control over his movements.

Subcortical lesions in the white matter, localized under the cerebral cortex, may not appear at all long time. Diagnosis of such failures is mostly accidental.

Changes in the white matter of the frontal lobes are manifested much more actively and mainly in the form of a decrease in mental abilities.

At-risk groups

If there are no signs of the disease, it is advisable to find out what risk groups this disease has. According to statistics, focal lesions often occur in the presence of such pathologies:

Atherosclerosis;
High pressure;
VVD (vegetovascular dystonia);
Diabetes;
Pathology of the heart muscle;
Constant stress;
Sedentary work;
Abuse of bad habits;
Overweight.

Damage to the white matter of the brain of vascular origin may appear as a result of age-related changes. Usually there are small single foci in people over 60 years of age.

Dystrophic nature of damage

In addition to damage caused by vascular genesis, there are other types of disease, for example, single focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature. This type of pathology occurs due to lack of nutrition. The reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:

Damage to the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature usually manifests itself due to a lack of nutrition of the brain tissues. The patient has the following symptoms:

Decreased brain activity;
dementia;
Headache;
Weakening of muscle tissue (paresis);
Paralysis of certain muscle groups;
Dizziness.

Diagnostics

In most people, with age, focal changes in the substance appear due to tissue degeneration or due to disruptions in the blood flow. You can see them using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):

Changes in the cerebral cortex. Such a focus occurs mainly due to blockage or clamping of the vertebral artery. This is usually associated with congenital anomalies or the development of atherosclerosis. In rare cases, along with the appearance of a focus in the cerebral cortex, a vertebral hernia occurs;
Multiple focal changes. Their presence usually indicates a pre-stroke condition. In some cases, they can prevent dementia, epilepsy and other pathological processes associated with vascular atrophy. If such changes are detected, a course of therapy should be started urgently to prevent irreversible consequences;
microfocal changes. Such damage is found in virtually every person after years. See them using contrast medium possible only if they have a pathological nature of occurrence. Small-focal changes are not particularly evident, but as they develop, they can cause a stroke;
Changes in the white matter of the frontal and parietal lobes subcortically and periventricularly. This type of damage occurs due to constantly elevated pressure, especially if a person has had hypertensive crisis. Sometimes small single foci are congenital. The danger arises from the growth of lesions in the white matter of the frontal and parietal lobes subcortically. In such a situation, the symptoms gradually progress.

If a person is at risk, then an MRI of the GM (brain) should be done once a year. Otherwise, it is advisable to do such an examination every 2-3 years for prevention. If MRI shows a high echogenicity of the focus of disculatory genesis, then this may indicate the presence oncological disease in the brain.

Methods of dealing with pathology

Gradually affecting human brain tissue, the disease can cause irreversible consequences. To prevent changes in the white matter of the brain vascular nature you will have to stop the emerging symptoms and improve blood flow with the help of medications and physiotherapy. Treatment should be comprehensive, which means you will have to change your lifestyle. To do this, you will have to follow these rules:

Active lifestyle. The patient should move more and play sports. After eating, it is advisable to go for a walk and do the same before going to bed. Water treatments, skiing and running are good. Treatment actively life improves general state and also strengthens the cardiovascular system;
Properly formulated diet. For successful treatment you will have to give up alcoholic beverages and reduce the consumption of sweets, conservation, as well as smoked and fried foods. You can replace them with boiled food or steaming. Instead of purchased sweets, you can cook a homemade pie or eat fruit;
Avoidance of stress. Constant mental stress is one of the causes of many diseases, so it is advisable to relax more and not overwork;
Healthy sleep. A person should sleep at least 6-8 hours a day. In the presence of pathology, it is desirable to increase the sleep time by 1-2 hours;
Annual survey. If a change in the white matter of the brain is diagnosed, then the patient should undergo an MRI 2 times a year. It is imperative to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and take the necessary tests on time.

Treatment of focal changes usually consists of lifestyle changes and the elimination of the cause of their development. It is desirable to detect the problem immediately in order to be able to slow it down. For this, a complete examination should be carried out annually.

The information on the site is provided for informational purposes only, does not claim to be reference and medical accuracy, and is not a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. Consult with your physician.

Every person sooner or later begins to grow old. Along with it, the whole body ages. Aging primarily affects the brain. There is a failure in the system of the heart and blood vessels. The cause of such failures is insufficient blood circulation in the brain and spinal cord.

Violation of cerebral circulation is divided into:

focal,
diffuse.

If a person is ill with ischemia, then local changes in the gray matter of the brain of the head occur in the brain, due to a lack of blood supply to the brain. This condition can be seen after osteochondrosis of the neck of the spine or a stroke, when the arteries of the vessels through which blood enters the brain are disrupted. Changes in the substance of the brain of the head can lead to any injury or tumor.

Focal changes

Violation of the integrity of the brain tissue in any one place is called a focal change in the brain substance of the head of a dystrophic nature. As a rule, these are those parts of the brain to which practically no information is received. nutrients. In this state, tissue processes are reduced, and the affected part of the brain begins to malfunction.

Focal changes in the substance of the brain include:

small cysts,
Small foci of necrosis
gliomesodermal scars,
Absolutely insignificant changes in the substance of the brain.

Single focal changes in the substance of the brain of the head of a dystrophic nature give the following symptoms that a person simply cannot help but notice:

Frequent and pain
paresthesia,
Dizziness,
hyperkinesis,
Paralysis,
violation of coordination of movements,
Decreased intelligence
memory loss,
Disorders in the emotional sphere,
sensitivity disorders,
ataxia,
Agraphia.

Upon examination, the doctor will have to identify the cause of the appearance of severe changes in the substance of the brain and the accompanying diseases:

vasomotor dystonia,
Atherosclerosis,
Various somatic diseases
arterial hypertension,
Aneurysm in and spinal cord,
Cardiocerebral syndrome.

When does the disease appear?

Local focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature occur after seventy years and are characterized by manifestations of senile dementia. With this disease, a thought disorder or dementia occurs. Dominant diseases include:

Alzheimer's disease,
Pick's disease
Huntington's disease.

By the way, single focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature can occur not only in old age, but also in young and middle-aged people. Any infection or mechanical injury can disrupt the integrity or patency blood vessels that nourish the brain and spinal cord.

How to treat?

In treatment, the main thing is to have time to recognize the disease, when the symptoms of focal changes in the substance of the brain are not yet so pronounced and the process of change can still be reversed. Many different therapeutic measures will be prescribed to improve the blood supply to the brain: normalization of rest and work, selection of the right diet, the use of sedatives and analgesics. Drugs that improve the blood supply to the brain will be prescribed. The patient may be offered sanatorium treatment.

Who is susceptible to illness?

Individuals undergo a single focal change in the substance of the brain of the head of a dystrophic nature:

Suffering from diabetes,
Patients with atherosclerosis
Those suffering from rheumatism. Such people need to first cure the main disease, follow special diet, monitor physical activity and, of course, visit a doctor regularly.

Local focal changes in the substance of the brain can be cured if approached in a qualified and timely manner. Unfortunately, only senile changes in the substance of the brain are difficult to treat.

Against the background of circulatory insufficiency, focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory nature develop. The brain is supplied with blood from 4 vascular pools - two carotid and two vertebrobasilar. Normally, these pools are interconnected in the cranial cavity, forming anastomoses. These compounds enable the human body to compensate for the lack of blood flow and oxygen starvation for a long time. In areas that experience a shortage of blood, blood flows from other pools by overflow. If these anastomotic vessels are not developed, then they speak of an open circle of Willis. With such a structure of blood vessels, circulatory failure leads to the appearance of focal changes in the brain, clinical symptoms.

Clinical picture

by the most frequent diagnosis in the elderly, exhibited only on the basis of complaints, is discirculatory encephalopathy. However, it must be remembered that this is a chronic, steadily progressing circulatory disorder that develops as a result of suffering from brain capillaries, which is associated with the development of a large number of microstrokes. Focal brain damage can be diagnosed only if certain criteria are met:

there are signs of brain damage, which can be confirmed objectively;
constantly steadily progressing clinical symptoms;
the presence of a direct relationship between the clinical and instrumental picture during additional methods surveys;
the presence of a cerebrovascular disease in a patient, which is a risk factor for the development of focal brain damage;
the absence of other diseases with which the origin of the clinical picture could be associated.

Focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory nature are manifested by impaired memory, attention, movement, emotional-volitional sphere.

The main influence on the functional state and social adaptation of the patient is exerted by cognitive disorders. When there is a focal lesion of the brain substance in the area of the frontal and temporal lobes of the dominant hemisphere, there is a decrease in the memory of attention, a slowdown in thought processes, a violation of planning and the consistent execution of daily routine work. Cognitive impairments are explained by dystrophy of the brain of vascular origin. With the development of neurodegenerative focal changes in the brain, a person ceases to recognize familiar objects, speech suffers, emotional and personality disorders join. Appears first asthenic syndrome and depressive states that respond poorly to antidepressant treatment.

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Progressive dystrophic, degenerative disorders lead to the appearance of egocentrism, there is no control over emotions, an inadequate reaction to the situation develops.

Movement disorders are manifested by staggering when walking, coordination disorders, central paresis of varying severity, trembling of the head, hands, emotional dullness and amimia. Steadily progressive focal lesions of the brain lead to the final stage of the disease, when the patient cannot eat due to constant choking. Violent emotions appear, for example, laughter or crying out of place, the voice becomes nasal.

Additional examination methods

The main method for diagnosing this pathology is MRI of the brain, in which hyperintense foci, small heart attacks, postischemic degeneration, and expansion of the ventricular system are determined. The number of heart attacks can be from single to multiple cases, the diameter is up to 2.5 cm. Small focal changes say that this is such a serious lesion that can lead to the patient's disability. It is in this place that blood circulation suffers.

Doppler ultrasound is used duplex scanning, which can show a violation of blood flow in the form of its asymmetry, stenosis, occlusion of the main vessels, increased venous blood flow, atherosclerotic plaques.

Computed tomography will only show traces past heart attacks in the form of gaps filled with cerebrospinal fluid, i.e., cysts. Thinning is also determined - atrophy of the cerebral cortex, expansion of the ventricles, communicating hydrocephalus.

Modern approaches to therapy

Treatment should be directed to the underlying disease that led to brain disorders. In addition, it is necessary to use means that prevent the progression of the disease.

Mandatory appointment vascular agents such as pentoxifylline, vinpocetine, cinnarizine, dihydroergocriptine. They have a positive effect on cerebral circulation, normalize microcirculation, increase the plasticity of erythrocytes, reduce blood viscosity and restore its fluidity. These medicines relieve vascular spasm, restore tissue resistance to hypoxia.

As an antioxidant, nootropic, antihypoxic treatment, cytoflavin, actovegin, thioctic acid, piracetam, ginkgo biloba are used.

Treatment with vestibulotropic agents reduces the effects of dizziness, eliminates unsteadiness when walking, and improves the quality of life of patients. Treatment with betahistine, vertigochel, dimenhydrinate, meclozin, diazepam justifies itself.

With high blood pressure, regular monitoring of pressure figures and heart rate and their normalization according to indications is necessary. Aspirins, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, warfarin, dabigatran are used to thin the blood. Statins are used to treat high cholesterol levels.

Currently Special attention given to blockers calcium channels, which, along with the function of normalizing blood pressure, have a neuroprotective effect. Cerebrolysin, cerebrolysate, gliatilin, mexidol restore cognitive functions well.

Neurotransmitters, for example, citicoline, has a nootropic and psychostimulant effect, normalizes memory, attention, improves well-being, and restores the patient's ability to self-service. The mechanism of action is based on the fact that the drug reduces cerebral edema, stabilizes cell membranes,

L-lysine aescinate has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and neuroprotective properties. Stimulates the secretion of glucocorticoids, restores vascular permeability, tones the veins and normalizes venous outflow.

Selective therapy for cognitive disorders

To restore memory, attention, performance, donepezil is used - a drug that normalizes the exchange of neurotransmitters, restores the speed and quality of transmission of nerve impulses as intended. Restores daily activity of patients, corrects apathy, thoughtless obsessive actions, eliminates hallucinations.

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Galantamine normalizes neuromuscular transmission, stimulates the production digestive enzymes, secretion of sweat glands, lowers intraocular pressure. The drug is used for dementia, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, glaucoma.

Rivastigmine effective remedy. But its reception is limited by the presence of gastric ulcer, duodenum, conduction disorder, arrhythmia, bronchial asthma, obstruction urinary tract, epilepsy.

With severe psycho-emotional disorders, antidepressants are used. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have proven themselves well in this pathology. These drugs include venlafaxine, milnacipran, duloxetine, sertraline. Drugs of this group in pharmacies are sold only by prescription. The attending physician prescribes these drugs, taking into account the severity of intellectual-mnestic disorders, depression, delusions.

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Focal lesions of the brain can be caused by trauma, infectious disease, vascular atrophy and many other factors. Often, degenerative changes are accompanied by problems associated with a violation of the normal functions of life and coordination of human movement.

MRI in focal brain lesions helps to identify the problem on early stages coordinate drug therapy. If necessary, based on the results of the examination, minimally invasive surgery can be prescribed.

Signs of focal lesions

All violations of the activity of the brain are reflected in the natural daily functions of human life. The location of the lesion affects the functioning of the internal organs and the muscular system.

Changes in vascular genesis can lead to mental disorders cause high blood pressure, stroke and other unpleasant consequences. On the other hand, subcortical lesions may not have clinical manifestations and be asymptomatic.

One of obvious signs the presence of a focal lesion is:

Hypertension - lack of oxygen supply to the brain caused by vascular degeneration leads to the fact that the brain speeds up and increases blood circulation.
epileptic seizures.
Mental disorders - occur in the pathology of the subarachnoid spaces, accompanied by hemorrhage. At the same time, there may be congestion in the fundus. characteristic feature pathology is fast education darkening, bursting vessels and rupture of the retina, which allows you to determine the likely location of the focal lesion.
Strokes - clearly defined focal changes in the brain of a vascular nature on MRI allow you to establish a pre-stroke state and prescribe appropriate therapy.
Pain syndrome - chronic headaches, migraine may indicate the need for general survey patient. Ignoring symptoms can lead to disability or death.
Involuntary muscle contractions.

Signs of single focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory nature on magnetic resonance imaging mean that the patient has certain deviations in the functioning of the vascular system. Most often it is associated with hypertension. The attending physician will provide the diagnosis and explanation of the results of the study.

Carrying out diagnostics of changes

The picture of focal changes in the substance of the brain of a dystrophic nature is observed, according to various sources, from 50 to 80% of all people as they age. Ischemia, as a result of which the normal blood supply stops, causes a provoking change in the soft tissues. Resonance tomography helps to identify the causes of violations and conduct a differential analysis of the disease.

Small focal changes that do not cause concern at first can eventually cause a stroke. In addition, foci increased echogenicity vascular origin may indicate an oncological cause of disorders.

Timely identification of the problem helps to assign the maximum effective therapy. The focus of discirculatory genesis, clearly visible on MRI, may indicate the following pathologies:

in the hemispheres big brain- indicates the following possible causes: blocking the blood flow of the right vertebral artery through congenital anomaly or atherosclerotic plaque. The condition may be accompanied by a hernia of the cervical spine.
In the white matter of the frontal lobe - the causes of changes can be ordinary hypertension, especially after a crisis. Some anomalies and single small foci in the substance are congenital and pose a threat to normal life. Fears are caused by a tendency to increase the area of the lesion, as well as accompanying changes with impaired motor functions.
Multiple focal changes in the substance of the brain indicate the presence of serious deviations in the genesis. It can be caused both by a state before a stroke, and senile dementia, epilepsy and many other diseases, the development of which is accompanied by vascular atrophy.
If the conclusion of the MRI indicates the diagnosis: "signs of multifocal brain damage of a vascular nature" - this is a reason for certain concerns. The attending physician will be required to establish the cause of the changes and determine the methods of conservative and restorative therapy.
On the other hand, microfocal changes occur in almost every patient after 50 years. Foci are visible in the angiography mode, if the cause is a violation in the genesis.

If a focus of a dystrophic nature is detected, the therapist will definitely prescribe the collection of a general history of the patient. With absence additional reasons for concern, it will be recommended to regularly monitor trends in the development of pathology. Substances may be prescribed to stimulate circulation.

Changes in the substance of the brain of a dyscirculatory-dystrophic nature indicate more serious problems. Pressure and lack of circulation can be caused by trauma or other causes.

Signs of small-focal brain damage with vascular etiology of moderate expansion can cause the diagnosis of encephalopathy, congenital and acquired. Some medical preparations can only exacerbate the problem. Therefore, the therapist will check the relationship between medication and ischemia.

Any pathological and degenerative changes should be well studied and verified. The cause of the focal lesion was determined, and according to the results of MRI, prevention or treatment of the detected disease was prescribed.