Mexidol - a drug that has a positive impact on the multilateral central nervous system and is used for cerebrovascular disorders, encephalopathy, against the background of cerebrovascular accidents, cerebral arteriosclerosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, neurosis and other conditions.

The mechanism of action mexidol

Mexidol (INN - oksimetiletilpiridina succinate) refers to a group of heteroaromatic antioxidants Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits That suppress the formation of free radicals (free radicals formed during oxidation-reduction reactions and destroy everything in its path - because of free radicals is aging organism). Inhibition of reactions, contribute to the formation of free radicals, the recovery of the structure and function of cell membranes of tissues, including red blood cells and platelets, which reduces the likelihood of hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). Is restored as the state of the cell membranes of the myocardium (heart muscle) and vascular cells, it promotes the cardiovascular system.

Under the influence of mexidol improves metabolic processes in cells, including energy metabolism (mexidol actively metabolize Improves metabolism and losing weight without dieting   glucose Glucose: The energy source   - energy source). This leads to the fact that less tissue need oxygen (antihypoxic effect).

It has mexidol and adaptogenic and anti-stress effect. This is manifested in the increase of resistance (immunity) of the body to the action of various damaging factors in conditions such as shock, hypoxia, stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis , Insomnia, physical and emotional overload, traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, intoxication by alcohol, drugs and toxic substances.

Another property mexidol - is the ability to reduce blood levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is formed of "harmful" cholesterol, going to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. As a result, resolution of atherosclerotic lesions in the arteries.

Angioproteguoe mexidol action is that it improves blood flow in small blood vessels and blood flow, reduces the aggregation (bonding, resulting in formation of thrombi) platelets, which is the prevention of thrombus formation, such as varicose veins.

Meksidol positive effect on the brain - improves the metabolism of the nerve cells and the transmission of nerve impulses from cell to cell, the blood supply to brain, enhances the brain resistance to oxygen deficiency and reduced clinical manifestations stroke. It improves and higher brain functions such as learning ability, memory, attention, mental performance, without causing sedation and relaxation (nootropic effect).

Antialcoholic mexidol action is manifested in the fact that it has a sober effect and is used for treatment of withdrawal symptoms and acute alcohol poisoning. Mexidol also able to protect the body by high radiation, intoxication on the background of acute pancreatitis.

After ingestion of meksidol half an hour reaches the maximum concentration in plasma, rapidly distributed in organs and tissues, which circulates within 9 hours. Then decomposed by the liver and excreted in the urine.

Mexidol available in tablets and capsules with a solution for injection.

Indications and contraindications for use mexidol

Mexidol appoint the following diseases and conditions:

• in acute cerebrovascular accidents;
• when encephalopathy (non-inflammatory disorder of the brain) due to vascular disorders;
• in the vegetative-vascular disorders;
• in disorders of the central nervous system against the background of atherosclerosis;
• the neuroses and neurosis-like states against the background of diseases and injuries of the central nervous system;
• when withdrawal syndrome in alcoholism and alcohol poisoning;
• in case of poisoning with neuroleptics;
• acute purulent inflammation of the abdominal cavity (pancreatitis, peritonitis);
• high physical and emotional stress loads.

Contraindications for use mexidol:

• hypersensitivity to the drug;
• acute disorders of the liver or kidneys;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding (clinical research with this group of patients is not carried out).

Mexidol well tolerated, does not cause harm to the body and has virtually no side effects (well, except, of course, allergies). Sometimes, if it is applied appears dry mouth and nausea. Since mexidol has a slight sedative effect, the driving during the course of treatment is not recommended.

Galina Romanenko

Intercostal neuralgia - a rare disease characterized by pain caused by compression or irritation of the intercostal nerves. Most often, intercostal neuralgia attacks occur when running osteochondrosis Osteochondrosis - learn how to properly distribute the weight   due to compression of intervertebral hernias intercostal nerve roots.

Intercostal neuralgia is expressed in acute pain in the intercostal region. The nature of the pain can be paroxysmal. Usually the pain increases with movement of the thorax: deep breathing, laughing, coughing or sneezing. But the pain may be dull, constant. Most often the pain of intercostal neuralgia is described as a sharp, cutting, stabbing, cramping, dull and constant. As a rule, intercostal neuralgia is characterized by encircling the pain in the chest, with pain centered in the gaps between the ribs, with pressure or feeling the pain intensifies.

Common causes of the disease: pregnancy, tumors, injuries to the chest or ribs, thoracic surgery and thoracic cavity, herpes zoster (it may affect the nerves of the chest and upper spine).

Intercostal neuralgia is treatable, but it is better to take care of its prevention. In no case do not self-medicate and consult a doctor in a timely manner to reduce the risk of developing shingles. In order to prevent the body from hypothermia protect and colds.

In some cases, intercostal neuralgia can cause strong paralyzing pain that interferes with normal breathing and moving. In addition, pain in the chest may be caused by other serious diseases (eg, heart attack), in addition to the intercostal neuralgia, so it is important time to seek medical help.

Causes

Intercostal neuralgia can be caused by diseases of varying severity, disabilities and illnesses, including infections, inflammation, trauma, malignant tumors and other abnormal processes. One of the most common reasons - thoracic surgery. Operations of this type often require razdvizheniya edges, which can result in damage to the intercostal nerves.

Common causes of intercostal neuralgia:

• injuries to the chest or ribs, such as rib fractures and a bruised sternum;
• infringement of the intercostal nerves;
• intercostal nerve degeneration;
• optic neuritis (inflammation of a nerve or group of nerves);
• pregnancy (may cause expansion of the chest, the body prepares a place for the development of the fetus);
• sprain or strain the muscles of the chest, shoulders, back and arms;
• shingles Ringworm - not only infectious disease   (the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus);
• surgery on the organs, bones and tissues of the chest cavity (kidneys, ribs and spine);
• tumor in the chest and the abdomen, which can put pressure on the intercostal nerves. These tumors can be malignant (cancer) and benign.

Risk factors

Certain factors increase the risk of intercostal neuralgia. These risk factors include:

• infection with varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles Shingles - from simple ailments and brain damage ;
• are actively engaged in sports that involve rapid movement or contact with other athletes (such as skiing, snowboarding, soccer, wrestling and rugby);
• careless management of transport and road traffic accidents, in which you can get injured ribs and intercostal nerves.

How to reduce the risk

An active lifestyle and healthy habits can help prevent intercostal neuralgia Neuralgia - the scourge of the elderly   and lesions that may lead to its development:

• Do not drive a car and other vehicles in a state of intoxication.
• Get vaccinated against chickenpox.
• Get vaccinated against shingles, especially if you are 60 years or more.
• Wear a seat belt when driving and while riding as a passenger in the front seat.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment during sports: helmet, protective vest.