Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a disease that is caused by the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels of the brain. Signs of this pathology are manifested gradually and in the final stage are expressed by transient disorders of cerebral circulation, progressive mental disorders, stroke.
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed in cerebral vessels?
In the early stages of the clinical picture of the disease is poorly expressed, but it is the early treatment gives effective results. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically perform special diagnostic measures to detect atherosclerosis.
Biochemical blood test makes it possible to determine the increase in the content of total cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease in the level of high-density lipoproteins. Illustrative are the instrumental methods of research:
- magnetic resonance or computed tomography of the brain ;
- duplex scanning or ultrasonography of extracranial vessels;
- transcranial dopplerography or ultrasound of intracranial cerebral vessels.
These methods allow you to assess the state of the arteries, the degree of narrowing of the lumens of the vessels, determine the nature of the atherosclerotic plaque. With an already confirmed diagnosis, angiography of cerebral vessels can additionally be performed, which allows to assess the condition of the vessel walls.
How to treat atherosclerosis of the brain?
Treatment of cerebrovascular atherosclerosis is aimed at:
- reduction or elimination of the influence of risk factors;
- normalization of fat metabolism;
- improvement of cerebral circulation and recovery of brain function.
First of all, you should stop smoking and alcoholic beverages, observe sufficient physical activity, regularly monitor blood pressure. Diet in cerebral atherosclerosis should be somewhat limited - it should not contain foods containing a lot of cholesterol. Such products include:
- fat meat;
- egg yolks;
- sprats;
- cocoa;
- chocolate;
- fatty dairy products, etc.
The following products are useful:
- cabbage;
- grapefruits;
- greenery;
- low-fat kefir;
- oatmeal;
- sea kale.
For the treatment of violations of fat metabolism in atherosclerosis of the brain vessels the following drugs are recommended:
1. Means that prevent the absorption and penetration into the blood of cholesterol entering the body with food:
- Cholestyramine;
- Kolestipol.
2. Drugs to reduce the level of cholesterol and atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood - statins:
- Atorvastatin;
- Rosuvastatin;
- Simvastatin.
3. Preparations that promote the removal of atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins - fibrates:
- Lipanor;
- Trakor.
To improve cerebral circulation and restore the functions of the brain, appoint:
- vasodilator preparations;
- antioxidants;
- vitamins (especially A, C, E, B2) and microelements.
At a high risk of occlusion of the lumen of the vital arteries of the brain, surgical treatment is shown, which can be based on one of two methods:
- Endarterectomy - removal of atherosclerotic plaque by the open method, through a cut of the skin and dissection of the vessel wall.
- Endoscopic removal of atherosclerotic plaque under X-ray control.
Herbs in Atherosclerosis of the Brain
As auxiliaries in the treatment of atherosclerosis of the brain, decoctions and tinctures prepared on the basis of the following medicinal plants produce a good effect:
- root of calamus;
- hawthorn;
- succession;
- marsh swamp;
- chamomile;
- birch leaves;
- immortelle;
- mistletoe;
- dill;
- motherwort;
- clover meadow;
- mint;
- Melissa;
- flax seed;
- leaves of strawberry ;
- forest cleaver;
- oregano, etc.