Violations in the brain due to damaging factors lead to the death of cells of the nervous system. This process, residual encephalopathy, in adults causes rather severe symptoms and a number of health and life-threatening consequences.
What is residual-organic encephalopathy, and why does it occur?
This disease is a non-inflammatory pathology of the brain tissue, leading to a regressive change in their functionality. Simply put, nerve cells that undergo any organic damage gradually die off and completely stop working. Therefore, after a short period of time, a complex of residual phenomena of this mechanism develops.
Causes of the disease can be as follows:
- exposure to large doses of toxic compounds (alcohol, chemicals, poisons, salts of heavy metals);
- mechanical damage to the head (concussion, bruise);
- kidney and liver diseases, which increase the level of urea and bilirubin in the blood;
- reception of psychotropic substances;
- atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels;
- diabetes;
- hypertension;
- disorders of cerebral circulation (edema, strokes);
- susceptibility of tissues to ionizing radiation;
- inflammatory infectious diseases;
- vegetative vascular dystonia.
Symptoms of residual encephalopathy
Pathology is characterized by such clinical manifestations:
- decrease of intellectual abilities;
- vomiting after prolonged dizziness;
- memory impairment;
- disorders of the functions of the musculoskeletal system;
- impaired consciousness;
- fainting ;
- severe headache, especially if there is residual encephalopathy with intracranial hypertension;
- emotional outbursts;
- constant fatigue and lethargy;
- apathy, depression.
How is residual brain encephalopathy diagnosed?
It should be noted that it is practically impossible to detect the described disease at an early stage of development, since the first symptoms appear only after a time after the impact of damaging factors. In addition, the signs of encephalopathy can be similar to a variety of other diseases.
To clarify the diagnosis, a biochemical blood test is usually performed, as well as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and electroencephalography. In severe situations, puncture of cerebrospinal fluid may be required.
Consequences of residual encephalopathy
The complexity of timely detection of the disease causes such complications of the disease:
- epilepsy;
- neuropathy;
- myelopathy;
- hydrocephalic syndrome;
- Parkinson's disease ;
- increased intracranial pressure.
Lack of adequate therapy can lead even to dementia and loss of brain tissue to up to 90% of the functions.
Treatment of residual encephalopathy
To restore blood circulation and work of the central nervous system, a complex scheme is provided that includes:
- reception of non-steroidal and hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, hypotensive and nootropic drugs;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- use of immunomodulators and vitamins;
- manual therapy.
In complicated stages of encephalopathy, surgical intervention can be prescribed, but these are rather rare cases. The operation is indicated if the effect from it exceeds the risk of the consequences of additional damage to the brain tissue.
Of great importance is also the help of the therapist, especially if the patient suffers from depressive disorders.