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Signs and treatment of vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Signs of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) are divided into permanent and temporary. This disease is a reversible disruption of the brain activity with the deterioration of its blood supply. It causes impairment of blood flow in the basilar and vertebral arteries. As a result the nutrition of nerve cells and there are functional disorders of the nervous system.

Symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Main reasons VBI

The Development of the disease contribute: cervical degenerative disc disease, compression of the vertebral vessels as a result of trauma, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, vertebrobasilar artery dissection, a clot in the vertebral arteries.

Temporary symptoms can last from one hour to several days and occur in ischemic attacks – temporary acute circulatory disorders in the brain. The main symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency are pressing pains in the neck, dizziness, discomfort in neck and back pain. Constant symptoms increase as the disease development. Emerging increasingly ischemic attack can provoke a vertebrobasilar stroke. The main persistent symptoms: throbbing or pressing pain in the occipital region, dizziness, nausea, hearing loss, memory loss, blurred vision, fatigue, hyperhidrosis, sensation of a lump in the throat, tachycardia.

diabetes - a cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency

With the further development of the disease have difficulties in swallowing, speech disorders, numbness of the tongue, visual hallucinations, loss of vision, strokes, sudden loss of consciousness. If it used to be that vertebrobasilar insufficiency only occurs in Mature people, in the course of research revealed that it can also be observed in children from the age of three. Doctors believe that the main causes of this disease in children are congenital abnormalities of the spinal and basilar arteries. Parents should pay attention to the following symptoms: impaired posture, fatigue, restlessness, severe dizziness.

Diagnosis of VBI

detection of this disease is quite difficult because of the diversity of its symptoms. Many of the symptoms characteristic of other diseases. To diagnose circulatory disorders of the brain use a number of special samples. For example, the patient is asked to follow a moving subject. If you're having dizziness and pain in the occipital region, so the blood flow in the dorsal artery is disturbed. Used so-called method of de Klein. The diagnosis is based on the presence of the main signs of VBI by turning the head or tilting it back.

Hypertension is the cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency

Of the methods of instrumental diagnostics it is necessary to allocate transcranial Doppler. This is the main diagnostic method for evaluating blood supply to the brain. Magnetic resonance angiography allows you to view and study many of the vascular pathology of the brain and cervical spine, to identify their nature and the stage. Computed angiography is used to check the walls and lumen of the vessels. Digital arteriography is the standard method for assessing the lumen of the vessels. Cerebral circulation track through reoentsefalografii. Neuropsychological examination is used to evaluate the condition of the patient, his attitude to the disease.

how to treat vertebrobasilar insufficiency

The Choice of methods of treatment depends on the nature of the disease of the blood vessels. Mandatory continuous monitoring of blood pressure, quitting bad habits, like heavy exercise. A special diet is an integral part of the therapy. From the diet should exclude white breads, fast food, smoked and fried foods, peppers, citrus, tomatoes. If such a mode of life not helped to cope with symptoms of the disease, the doctor prescribes physical therapy or medical treatment. In the early stages of the disease can be treated at home, more complex forms – in the hospital. Conservative treatment of the disease involves taking vasodilator drugs. They most often used during exacerbations in spring and autumn. Start with a small dose, gradually increasing it. If treatment with one drug fails, you can use several medicines same action.

the Problem areas of the vertebral artery

To prevent the formation of blood clots prescribe anticoagulants. The most popular among them is Aspirin. However, this technique adversely affects the gastro-intestinal tract. It should not be taken during the ulcer of stomach and duodenum, can't drink on an empty stomach. Aspirin is most oftenprescribed Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel or Dipyridamole. To improve brain activity, doctors prescribe nootropics. Drugs that reduce blood pressure, are selected individually.

Surgical treatment is not often, mainly in severe forms of the disease. The procedure helps to restore blood flow in the brain when compression or spasm of the basilar and vertebral arteries. If vertebrobasilar insufficiency is conducted microdiscectomy – stabilization of the vertebra. Atherosclerotic plaques removed by endarterectomy of the affected area of the vessel. When angioplasty in artery insert special stent.

This operation helps to maintain normal patency of the vessel. In addition, when vertebrobasilar insufficiency can be used laser reconstruction of the intervertebral discs.

The Optimal treatment option for this disease is a complex therapy, including exercise therapy and physiotherapy.

Good results massage, improving blood circulation, manual therapy, treatment with leeches. Physiotherapy helps to relieve spasms in blood vessels, to strengthen the spine. In some cases, the doctor may recommend wearing a neck corset.

The outcome of the treatment depends on the nature and stage of the vascular disease, causing vertebrobasilar insufficiency, the degree of narrowing of vascular lumen and to provide another way of blood supply to the brain.

Chronic arterial hypertension, permanent narrowing of arteries in the absence of adequate treatment lead to worsening of symptoms. Such patients may develop encephalopathy or stroke.