Symptoms of vertebral artery syndrome and possible consequences
Frequent pain in the head, a feeling of heaviness in the neck, dizziness, nausea and vomiting - these are signs of the syndrome of the vertebral artery symptoms.
If all these signs are ignored, then the development of ischemic stroke is inevitable, especially for those 40-45 years old. It is officially established that within thirty years 30% of patients who complain of symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency develop a stroke.
What is this disease? Syndrome of the vertebral artery develops against the background of cervical osteochondrosis. The disease implies a violation of the flow of blood to the brain in the pool of vertebral arteries, as well as the defeat of one or both arteries.
Symptoms of the vertebral artery syndrome
All begins, as a rule, with severe headaches( pulsating, paroxysmal, spreading from the occipital to the ocular area, temple, forehead, dependent on the movements of the head, on the tension of the neck muscles).At the next stage, cochlear-vestibular disorders develop( dizziness, accompanied by nausea, ringing and tinnitus).
Various visual disturbances are possible( fog, darkening in eyes, sensation of sand in eyes, flashing of "sparks", "flies").Often the disease is characterized by general weakness, sweating.
Causes and symptoms of the disease
Because the underlying cause of the disease is osteochondrosis, degeneration of the intervertebral discs occurs. Thus, the weakness of the entire ligamentous apparatus is formed, several vertebrae can become unstable, they are displaced when movements are made by the head.
Through the cervical vertebrae, two arteries run directly to the organs of balance( coordination) in the brain. Through excessive mobility of the vertebrae spasm of the vertebral artery occurs, as well as a disturbance of blood flow.
Does the vertebral artery syndrome have consequences?
The patient loses his ability to work, the quality of his life suffers. Without prevention and treatment, several stages of the disease can develop in the future:
- Angiodystonic( most favorable) means dizziness accompanied by nausea or vomiting, headaches;
- Ischemic stage implies a strong narrowing of the vertebral artery, resulting in weakness, severe sensitivity disorder, and impaired coordination. Inevitably, the development of such irreversible consequences, as an acute violation of blood circulation in the brain( stroke), damage to the tissues of the spinal cord.
Is the disease congenital or acquired?
It is important to know that an innate predisposition to the disease is possible. Many people are characterized by instability of vertebral disks, however, pathology does not appear in any way.
Another is the progression of the disease from an early age. Unfortunately, due to the misconduct of this disease, an increasing number of people of all ages are being exposed every year. Frivolous attitude towards the first symptoms, as well as untimely treatment leads to disability.
Prevention and treatment of
Prognosis of the disease can be beneficial due to timely examination and regular preventive measures. It requires a course of vascular therapy, compliance with certain safety techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Knowing all the movements that provoke severe pain, and also strengthening the muscles of the neck, the occurrence of pain can be prevented. Acupuncture, therapeutic gymnastics, as well as post-isometric relaxation will cause the disease to retreat.
Does vertebral artery syndrome provide treatment without surgical intervention at all stages of development? Medicamental treatment is possible in all cases, if brachiocephalic arteries are not affected. After all, the brachiocephalic trunk consists of carotid arteries, the main vessels that participate in the blood supply of the soft head tissues and brain. In the case of the development of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, urgent intervention by the neurosurgeon is necessary.
Correctly selected course of treatment is able to completely eliminate all unpleasant symptoms associated with the syndrome of the vertebral artery. As a rule, the patient is prescribed blood flow improving stabilizing drugs that prevent fainting and dizziness, relieve nausea, muscle spasms, inflammation, normalize blood pressure.
If necessary, non-drug therapy is indicated, which consists in applying massage, reflexotherapy, and also elements of manual therapy. It is extremely necessary to improve the blood flow and reduce spasm procedures, gymnastics and post-isometric relaxation. With vertebral artery syndrome, surgical treatment is seen as a step of desperation.
It should be noted that for the diagnosis is required to attend a neurologist. It is very important to describe in as much detail all available symptoms, to undergo ultrasound dopplerography( UZDG).The course of treatment is prescribed by a neurologist strictly on a case-by-case basis. In no case should you engage in self-medication and take any medication without a doctor's prescription.