Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults and children: signs, consequences, how to treat

Oxygen starvation of the brain or hypoxia occurs due to a disruption in the oxygen supply to its tissues. The brain is the organ that needs oxygen the most. A quarter of all inhaled air goes to serving the brain's need for it, and 4 minutes without it become critical for life. Oxygen enters the brain through a complex blood supply system, then is utilized by its cells. Any disruption in this system leads to oxygen starvation.

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Epidemiology

Due to the variety of forms of pathological conditions inherent in oxygen starvation, it is difficult to determine its prevalence. Based on the causes that generate it, the number of people who have experienced this condition is very large. But the statistics of oxygen starvation in newborns are more definite and disappointing: fetal hypoxia is observed in 10 cases out of 100.

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Causes oxygen deprivation of the brain

There are various reasons for the occurrence of oxygen starvation of the brain. These include:

• reduction of oxygen in the environment (when climbing mountains, indoors, in spacesuits or submarines);
• respiratory disorders (asthma, pneumonia, chest trauma, tumors);
• disruption of blood circulation in the brain ( atherosclerosis of the arteries, thrombosis, embolism);
• impaired oxygen transport (lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin);
• blockade of enzyme systems involved in tissue respiration.

Risk factors

Risk factors for hypoxia include:

• alcohol;
• drugs;
• excessive physical exertion;
• osteochondrosis;
• foreign bodies in the respiratory organs;
• severe infections.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of oxygen starvation consists of changes in the structure of vascular walls, disruption of their permeability, which leads to cerebral edema. Depending on the causes of hypoxia, the pathogenesis develops according to a different algorithm. Thus, with exogenous factors, this process begins with arterial hypoxemia - a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood, which entails hypocapnia - a lack of carbon dioxide, due to which the biochemical balance in it is disrupted. The next chain of negative processes is alkalosis - a failure of the acid-base balance in the body. In this case, blood flow in the brain and coronary arteries is disrupted, blood pressure drops.

Endogenous causes, caused by pathological conditions of the body, cause arterial hypoxemia along with hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide content) and acidosis (increased oxidation products of organic acids). Different types of hypoxia have their own scenarios of pathological changes.

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Symptoms oxygen deprivation of the brain

The first signs of oxygen deficiency are manifested in the excitation of the nervous system: breathing and heartbeat quicken, euphoria sets in, cold sweat appears on the face and limbs, motor restlessness. Then the condition changes dramatically: inhibition, drowsiness, headache, darkening of the eyes, depression of consciousness appear. The person becomes dizzy, constipation develops, muscle cramps and fainting are possible, and coma sets in. The most severe degree of comatose state is profound disorders of the central nervous system: lack of brain activity, muscle hypotension, respiratory arrest with a beating heart.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults

Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults can develop as a result of a stroke, when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, hypovolemic shock - a significant decrease in the volume of circulating blood, which occurs with a large loss of blood, uncompensated loss of plasma during burns, peritonitis, pancreatitis, accumulation of a large volume of blood during injuries, dehydration during diarrhea. This condition is characterized by a decrease in pressure, tachycardia, nausea and dizziness, loss of consciousness.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in children and newborns

Analyzing the various factors of oxygen starvation and the fact that it can accompany many diseases, it becomes clear that children are also in the affected area. Anemia, burns from fire and chemicals, gas poisoning, heart failure, various injuries, laryngeal edema due to an allergic reaction, etc. can lead to a state of oxygen starvation of the brain in children. But most often, such a diagnosis is given to children at birth.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in newborns is a fairly common pathology of infants. The prerequisites for this are sometimes laid down already at the stage of pregnancy. Often the mother herself is to blame, drinking alcohol, taking drugs or having an addiction to smoking. Problems with the respiratory system of the expectant mother, for example, asthma, gestosis can also become a provoking factor. The appearance of hypoxia is possible with defects of the child's internal organs, intrauterine infection, compression of the neck by the umbilical cord, blood loss during childbirth, placental abruption, improper behavior of the mother in labor or unprofessional delivery by medical personnel.

The presence of hypoxia is indicated by the following signs: bluish skin, irregular or absent breathing rhythm, less than 100 heartbeats, no activity in moving the limbs. Such symptoms are characteristic of acute hypoxia, while chronic hypoxia is expressed in causeless crying, trembling of the chin during crying, restless sleep. These children are diagnosed with "perinatal brain damage".

Stages

The stages of hypoxia depend on the rate of its development and the course of the disease:

1. lightning-fast - develops no more than 2-3 minutes;
2. acute - no longer than 2 hours;
3. subacute - 3-5 hours;
4. chronic - much longer, up to several years.

According to the prevalence of hypoxia, it can be general and local. According to the complexity of the course, it is divided into degrees:

1. mild (symptoms are felt during physical activity);
2. moderate (makes itself known at rest);
3. severe (pronounced manifestations, up to and including coma);
4. critical (a state of shock, often ending in death).

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Complications and consequences

Acute oxygen starvation is dangerous due to its consequences and complications, as it develops over a short period of time and, if not eliminated, irreversible changes in organs occur, leading to complex diseases and sometimes even death. If the compensatory mechanisms have not been exhausted, the body's functions are fully restored. The brain suffers the most, as it only takes 5 minutes for irreversible consequences to begin. For the heart, kidneys, and liver, this period is 30-40 minutes.

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Diagnostics oxygen deprivation of the brain

Diagnosis of oxygen starvation of the brain is carried out on the basis of patient complaints, if possible, data from relatives, and laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.

The patient's condition is assessed based on the general blood test results. Such indicators as erythrocytes, ESR, hematocrit, leukocytes, thrombocytes, reticulocytes are analyzed. The blood composition analysis will also determine the acid-base balance of the body, the gas composition of venous and arterial blood, and therefore indicate the diseased organ.

The most accessible methods of instrumental diagnostics include pulse oximetry - a special device that is put on the finger measures the level of oxygen saturation in the blood (the optimal content is 95-98%). Other means include electroencephalogram, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, electrocardiogram, rheovasography, which determines the volume of blood flow and its intensity in the arterial vessels.

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Differential diagnosis

The pathological condition characteristic of hypoxia can be caused by various diseases. The task of differential diagnostics is to recognize it, establish the true cause and direct treatment to it.

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Treatment oxygen deprivation of the brain

Treatment of oxygen starvation of the brain consists of etiotropic therapy (treatment of the cause). Thus, exogenous hypoxia requires the use of oxygen masks and pillows. For the treatment of respiratory hypoxia, drugs that expand the bronchi, analgesics, antihypoxans, which improve the utilization of oxygen are used. In case of hemic (reduced oxygen in the blood), blood transfusion is performed, histotoxic or tissue hypoxia is treated with antidote drugs, circulatory (heart attacks, strokes) - cardiotropic drugs. If such therapy is impossible, actions are aimed at eliminating the symptoms: vascular tone is regulated, blood circulation is normalized, drugs for dizziness, headaches, blood thinners, tonics, nootropic drugs and those that reduce bad cholesterol are prescribed.

Medicines

Metered aerosols are used as bronchodilators: truvent, atrovent, berodual, salbutamol.

Truvent is an aerosol can. When using it, remove the protective cap, shake it several times, lower the spray head down, take it with your lips and press on the bottom, inhale deeply and hold the breath for a few moments. One press corresponds to a portion. The effect occurs in 15-30 minutes. Repeat the procedure every 4-6 hours, making 1-2 presses, this is how long the effect of the drug lasts. Do not prescribe during pregnancy, closed-angle glaucoma, allergies. Use of the drug can reduce visual acuity, increase intraocular pressure.

Analgesics include a large list of drugs from the well-known analgin to completely unfamiliar names, each of which has its own pharmacological action. The doctor will determine what is necessary in a specific situation. Here is a list of some of them: acamol, anopyrin, bupranal, pentalgin, cefekon, etc.

Bupranal is a solution in ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous injections, in syringe tubes - for intramuscular injection. The maximum daily dose is 2.4 mg. The frequency of administration is every 6-8 hours. Possible side effects include nausea, weakness, lethargy, dry mouth. Contraindicated for children under 16, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, increased intracranial pressure, alcoholism.

The list of antidotal drugs includes atropine, diazepam (mushroom poisoning), euphyllin, glucose (carbon monoxide), magnesium sulfate, almagel (organic acids), unithiol, cuprenil (heavy metal salts), naloxone, flumazenil (drug poisoning), etc.

Naloxone is available in ampoules, there is a special form for newborns. The recommended dose is 0.4-0.8 mg, sometimes it is necessary to increase it to 15 mg. With increased sensitivity to the drug, an allergy occurs, in drug addicts, taking the drug causes a specific attack.

For strokes, cerebrolysin, actovegin, encephabol, papaverine, and no-shpa are used.

Actovegin — exists in various forms: dragees, injection and infusion solutions, gels, ointments, creams. Doses and method of application are prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of the disease. Burn wounds, bedsores are treated with external means. The use of the drug can cause urticaria, fever, sweating. Contraindications are for pregnant women, during breastfeeding, and allergies.

Vitamins

A number of vitamins are antidotes to toxic substances in tissue oxygen starvation. Thus, vitamin K1 blocks the action of warfarin, an antithrombotic agent, vitamin B6 blocks poisoning with anti-tuberculosis drugs, vitamin C is used in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, anilines used in dyes, medicines, and chemicals. To support the body, it is also necessary to saturate it with vitamins.

Physiotherapy treatment

In case of general or local hypoxia of various origins, such a method of physiotherapeutic treatment as oxygen therapy is used. The most frequent indications for its use are respiratory failure, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases. There are various methods of oxygen saturation: cocktails, inhalations, baths, cutaneous, subcutaneous, intra-band methods, etc. Oxygen barotherapy - breathing compressed oxygen in a pressure chamber stops hypoxia. Depending on the diagnosis that led to hypoxia, UHF, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, massage, acupuncture, etc. are used.

Folk remedies

One of the folk remedies is breathing exercises according to the following method. Inhale slowly and deeply, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly. Do this several times in a row, increasing the duration of the procedure. Bring the count to 4 on inhalation, to 7 on holding the breath and to 8 on exhalation.

Garlic tincture will help strengthen blood vessels and reduce their spasms: fill a third of a jar with chopped garlic, fill to the brim with water. After 2 weeks of infusion, start taking 5 drops per spoon of water before meals.

To raise hemoglobin, prepare a mixture of buckwheat, honey and walnuts, taken in equal proportions: grind the cereal and nuts to a flour state, add honey, mix. Take on an empty stomach, a tablespoon half an hour before meals. Fresh beet juice is also effective, which must be left to stand for some time before taking, so that volatile substances come out.

Ginger can help cope with asthma attacks. Combine its juice with honey and pomegranate juice and drink a spoon 3 times a day.

For atherosclerosis, it is recommended to drink the following ingredients mixed in equal parts: olive oil, honey and lemon.

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Herbal treatment

It is effective to take decoctions, infusions, and teas from herbs with antispasmodic effects in case of oxygen starvation: chamomile, valerian, St. John's wort, motherwort, hawthorn. For problems with the respiratory system, take decoctions of medicinal infusions from coltsfoot, pine buds, plantain, licorice root, and elder flowers. The hemoglobin level can be raised with the help of herbs such as nettle, yarrow, dandelion, and wormwood.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are increasingly being used in combination with the main treatment. Here are some of the remedies that can be prescribed for oxygen starvation and are aimed at the causes of its occurrence.

• Accardium is a granule containing metallic gold, mountain arnica, and anamirta coculus. It is aimed at treating angina pectoris, cardiovascular failures caused by heavy physical exertion. Twice a day, 10 granules half an hour before meals or an hour after are kept under the tongue until completely dissolved. The average course of treatment lasts 3 weeks. The drug has no contraindications or side effects. For use during pregnancy and for children, a doctor's consultation is required.
• Atma® - drops, a complex preparation for the treatment of bronchial asthma. The dose for children under one year is 1 drop per teaspoon of water or milk. Under 12 years of age, 2 to 7 drops per tablespoon. After 12 years - 10 drops in pure form or in water. Continue treatment for up to 3 months. No side effects were observed.
• Vertigoheel is an oral drop used for dizziness, cerebral atherosclerosis, and strokes. The drops are dissolved in water and held in the mouth for a while when swallowing. Recommended for children aged one year and older. Children under 3 years old should take 3 drops, 3-6 years old should take 5 drops, and others should take 10 drops 3-4 times a day for a month. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Contraindicated for children under one year old, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the permission of a doctor.
• Hawthorn compositum is a homeopathic cardiological remedy, liquid. Adults are prescribed 15-20 drops three times a day, children - 5-7 drops. The drug has contraindications in case of allergy to the components.
• Aesculus-compositum - drops, used for post-embolic circulatory disorders, post-infarction and post-stroke conditions. Single dose - 10 drops in water, holding in the mouth. Frequency - 3 times a day. Duration of treatment - up to 6 weeks. Side effects are unknown. Contraindicated for pregnant women and hypersensitive to the components of the drug.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of the heart or blood vessels may be necessary in the case of circulatory oxygen starvation, the development of which occurs rapidly and is associated with dysfunctions of their functions.

Prevention

Prevention of oxygen starvation primarily consists of organizing a healthy, well-established daily routine, which includes normal nutrition, moderate physical activity, adequate sleep, absence of stressful situations, quitting smoking and alcohol, and spending enough time outdoors. It is necessary to monitor blood pressure and undergo preventive courses for existing diseases in a timely manner.

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Forecast

Lightning-fast development of oxygen starvation has an unfavorable prognosis for life. The development of acute and subacute forms depends on the location and extent of damage. With timely resuscitation, a person's life is saved, but its quality can be aggravated by residual effects: speech, vision, memory disorders, headaches, etc. Chronic hypoxia has a favorable prognosis for life, but throughout life it makes itself known through various ailments.

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