Vertebro-basilar insufficiency

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a process of impaired functioning of the brain associated with a decrease in the level of blood supply.

Causes vertebro-basilar insufficiency

• Impaired blood supply to the brain.
• Atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels.
• High blood pressure.
• Arterial disease (dissection, compression, thrombosis).
• Congenital pathologies of vascular development.
• Compression of the spinal arteries due to pathologies of the cervical spine.
• Damage to small arteries of the brain (as a result of diabetes).

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Symptoms vertebro-basilar insufficiency

The symptoms of the disease can be very variable. One of the most common and striking symptoms is sudden, spontaneous dizziness. It can last from a few seconds to several hours. Associated symptoms include nausea, which can be accompanied by vomiting, sweating, irregular heartbeat, and unstable blood pressure. There are frequent cases when, along with dizziness and other symptoms, the patient feels as if he is falling into an abyss or is seasick. Impaired motor activity is manifested in a decrease in the physical strength of the limbs. There are cases of damage to the sensitive nerve cells of the inner ear, the auditory nerve, and the central formations of the auditory system.

Diagnostics vertebro-basilar insufficiency

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is diagnosed by a neurologist based on the general anamnesis of the disease. After identifying the causes of this pathology, treatment can be prescribed. The examination uses the method of ultrasound Dopplerography of blood vessels - this is an absolutely painless procedure that does not cause side effects, does not contain radiation and is suitable for all patients. It is aimed at examining blood vessels and analyzing blood circulation indicators in them. Also, during the examination, functional tests with hyperventilation are carried out to assess the reserve of blood circulation in the brain. This method involves taking several quick breaths in and out for thirty to forty seconds, after which the electrocardiogram indicators are immediately recorded and compared with the original indicators.

If the pulse rate increases by fifty to one hundred percent and the ECG results show negative teeth, the test can be considered positive. The patient is also prescribed an X-ray of the spine (neck area), a CT scan or MRI. It is also possible to use infrared thermography and rheoencephalography (they are the least informative). The MRI angiography method allows obtaining the necessary information without intravenous manipulations. A biochemical blood test is also prescribed.

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Treatment vertebro-basilar insufficiency

The main treatment for vertebrobasilar insufficiency is prescribed based on the nature of the vascular lesion. As part of the complex therapy, the patient is prescribed a therapeutic diet with reduced salt intake, daily monitoring of blood pressure levels is mandatory, the patient should give up nicotine and alcohol, excessive physical activity. If positive results are not observed after several months (from three to six), treatment with medications is prescribed. Among them are diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers - amlodipine, felodipine, captopril, enalapril, beta-blockers - atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol. The choice of drugs and their combination is selected in each case individually by the attending physician.

If vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a consequence of atherosclerosis, it is possible to use drugs with an antithrombotic effect, for example, acetylsalicylic acid (daily dose 50-100 mg), dipyridamole (daily dose can be from 75 to 225 mg depending on body weight), clopidogrel (75 mg / day), ticlopidine (0.25 g twice a day during meals). The drug nicergoline can have an antispasmodic effect on the vascular periphery and cerebral arteries, also leads to a decrease in the tone of the pulmonary and cerebral arteries, improves blood flow. Take 10 mg 3 times a day.

Cinnarizine has a positive effect on cerebral circulation, improves microcirculation, reduces the excitability of brain structures. Method of administration: 25 mg 3 times a day or 75 mg (1 capsule) 1 time per day. Also prescribed pyrocetam, cerebrolysin, fezam, intravenously administered carnitine hydrochloride (8-12 times). The drug betahistine is used to get rid of attacks of dizziness, prescribed for a long time (for 2-3 months) at 8-16 mg 3 times a day. A drug such as meclozine is also able to reduce the frequency of dizziness and eliminate current symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Forecast

The prognosis for a disease such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency depends on the nature and severity of the underlying pathology. With a progressive process of narrowing of the arteries and stable arterial hypertension, there is a risk of stroke. If the disease proceeds without complications, with competent and timely treatment, the prognosis for the outcome of the disease is positive.

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