Cerebral atherosclerosis - causes and signs of cerebral atherosclerosis

Stages of development of cerebral atherosclerosis:

• The first stage – functional vasomotor disorders develop. Symptoms at this stage are unstable.
• The second stage – functional-organic vascular disorders develop. Symptoms stabilize.
• The third stage – organic vascular lesions develop. Symptoms become obvious with organic brain failure.

The stages of development of this disease:

• growth stage – cholesterol is deposited in the inner lining of the artery;

• spot stage – cholesterol deposits form a fatty spot;
• formation stage – the lumen of the artery is blocked.

Cerebral atherosclerosis by localization is found in:

• internal carotid artery;
• common carotid artery;
• anterior cerebral artery;
• posterior cerebral artery;
• medium-sized arteries (running over the cortex);
• brachiocephalic trunk.

The following types of the course of this disease are distinguished:

• slowly progressive course - characterized by negative symptoms that gradually increase;
• remitting course - characterized by the development of mental disorders that can increase or decrease (in turn);
• malignant course - characterized by repeated strokes that lead to profound dementia;
• acute course - characterized by the acute onset of mental disorders occur.

Causes

Cerebral atherosclerosis develops as a result of damage to the inner lining of the cerebral arteries and the deposition of cholesterol on its walls, which leads to the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque. Connective tissue forms around this plaque, and calcium salts are deposited on the walls themselves.

The reasons for the development of this disease:

• deposition of cholesterol in the inner lining of the cerebral artery (the growth of a sclerotic plaque can last for 20 years);
• unhealthy lifestyle (smoking and alcohol abuse);
• reduced mobility (physical inactivity);
• hypertension;
• diabetes mellitus;
• increased production of cholesterol by the liver;
• diseases leading to disruption of fat metabolism in the body;
• poor nutrition (consumption of large quantities of food rich in fats);
• frequent stress.

In The group of people who are prone to developing cerebral atherosclerosis include:

• young people after 20 years (develops less often);
• elderly people after 60 years (often).

Symptoms

Symptoms of this disease do not appear immediately, but over a period of time. It all depends on the stage of the disease.

Symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis:

• decreased attention;
• reduced concentration;
• progressive memory impairment;
• decreased mental capacity;
• sleep disturbances;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• headaches (frequent);
• weakness in the arms and legs;
• hearing loss is possible, even to the point of complete loss;
• vision loss in one eye is possible;
• an inadequate response to sounds develops;
• a person begins to react incorrectly to the taste of certain foods;
• a rapid change is characteristic mood;
• depressive state.

This disease can lead to a stroke and, as a consequence, death.

Diagnostics

If you suspect cerebral atherosclerosis, you should make an appointment with a neurologist. A consultation with a cardiologist is also possible. Since this disease has no clinical manifestations at the initial stages of development, the diagnostic process in this case is difficult. Cerebral atherosclerosis may have similar symptoms to other diseases, which also complicates its diagnosis.

To confirm the diagnosis, a specialist prescribes the following examinations:

• a blood test for cholesterol levels (lipidogram);
• an immunological blood test;
• an X-ray of blood vessels (angiography);
• an ultrasound examination;
• a Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels;
• a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Treatment

For the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis, the following are prescribed:

• drugs that reduce inflammation in blood vessels;
• drugs hypocholesterolemic and lipotropic effects;
• vasodilators;
• drugs that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as cerebral circulation;
• vitamin therapy;
• diet (prescribed for the disease in the elderly).

Sometimes a surgeon's consultation and surgical intervention are necessary: cascade filtration of plasma and its purification (cryopheresis).

With a progressive form of the disease, the patient becomes disabled.

Prevention

Prevention of this disease includes:

• a healthy lifestyle;
• rational and proper nutrition;
• daily physical exercises;
• walks in the fresh air.