Cerebral circulatory disorder is a chronic condition related to decreased cerebral blood flow, leading to insufficient brain nourishment. The disease progresses gradually and can cause temporary cerebral ischemia, with the most severe form being a stroke (also known as a cerebrovascular accident). This condition can occur at any age but is most common in the elderly, especially those engaged in intellectual work. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of cerebral circulatory disorders can help limit the progression of the disease.
Causes:
There are several causes of cerebral circulatory disorders, with three main causes being:
- Atherosclerosis: This is the primary cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Atherosclerotic plaques cause the blood vessels to lose their elasticity, narrow the lumen, and reduce blood flow, leading to chronic cerebral ischemia.
- Arterial Thrombosis: Blood clots obstruct the flow of blood to the brain.
- Cervical Spondylosis: This condition involves the degeneration of tissues around the arteries, with the formation of bone spurs that exert significant pressure on the blood vessels supplying the brain, reducing cerebral blood flow.
Symptoms:
Typically, initial cerebral ischemia may not show symptoms due to the body’s compensatory mechanisms (reducing blood flow to other organs to prioritize blood flow to the brain). When the compensatory ability diminishes, symptoms will become apparent. Common and typical symptoms include:
- Headache and heaviness in the head: Frequent, especially in the occipital region. This is the most common and earliest symptom.
- Dizziness: Particularly when turning the head or tilting the neck back.
- Sleep disturbances: Often waking up in the middle of the night.
- Memory loss: Occurs occasionally or continuously, with frequent forgetfulness of recent events.
- Emotional disturbances: Increased emotional sensitivity, mood swings, irritability, and uncontrollable anger.
- Reduced cognitive ability: Persistent nervous tension and fatigue; decreased work speed and sluggishness; difficulty switching between tasks.
Complications:
Cerebral circulatory disorders often develop over a long period. In addition to causing symptoms that diminish quality of life, if the underlying cause is not treated, the condition can lead to serious complications. The most severe and dangerous complication is a stroke due to cerebral infarction, which can result in death or leave lasting physical disabilities.
Treatment:
Currently, there are various methods for treating cerebral circulatory disorders, with varying effectiveness depending on the specific case. The appropriate treatment method is determined by the cause and severity of the condition, as assessed by a physician.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments:
- Electroacupuncture: Helps reduce headaches, neck and shoulder pain caused by cervical spine issues, and insomnia.
- Physical Therapy: Includes ultrasound therapy, iontophoresis, electrical stimulation, infrared therapy, spinal traction when there is cervical spine compression, and electromagnetic therapy.
Pharmacological Treatments:
- Treatment of the Underlying Cause: If the cerebral circulatory disorder is due to atherosclerosis, the focus will be on managing risk factors and treating lipid disorders. If the primary cause is related to thrombosis, anticoagulant medications are used. In cases of severe arterial stenosis, vascular malformations, or obstructive tumors, early surgical intervention may be required.
- Symptomatic Treatment: Commonly used medications include paracetamol, cinnarizine, betahistine, and acetyl leucine.
- Improving Cerebral Circulation: Medications that enhance blood flow and alleviate cerebral ischemia include piracetam, ginkgo biloba, and cognitive enhancers.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Some effective herbal remedies include Tianma Gouteng Yin Jiajiang, Yougui Pill, and Zhibai Dihuang Pill.
Some medications used to treat cerebral circulatory disorders are available over the counter. However, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek medical evaluation and diagnosis promptly. Self-medicating may only temporarily relieve symptoms and does not address the underlying cause, which could lead to serious complications affecting brain function and overall health. Additionally, the misuse of medications that affect the nervous system over time can lead to unwanted side effects.
Specialist level 2 doctor. Nguyen Chi Thanh
References:
- Guidelines on “Treatment of Cerebral Insufficiency” from Trưng Vương Hospital.
- Bùi Quốc Hưng (2023), “Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Herbal Remedy ‘Hoàng kỳ bổ huyết thang’ Combined with Massage and Acupuncture for Treating Chronic Cerebral Insufficiency,” Master’s Thesis in Medicine, Vietnam Institute of Traditional Medicine.
- Ministry of Health (2020), Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Stroke (issued with Decision No. 5331/QĐ-BYT dated December 23, 2020).
