What microstroke

Stroke - an acute ischemic stroke. Mini-strokes - this is not an official term, it usually refers to a stroke, which led to a slight damage to brain tissue.

Microstroke often arises against spasm of blood vessels that feed the brain, due to which disrupted the activities of its cells. This creates a zone of destruction of nerve cells, which are located around the "numb" cells, the activity can be restored. But if within 6 hours it is not done, these cells also die off completely. Microstroke often in patients with hypertension or diabetes, as these diseases occur when changes in the small vessels.

Consequences microstroke reversible, but its appearance indicates a high risk of recurrent strokes, which may already be more severe.

Signs microstroke

Symptoms depend on the microstroke area of ​​the brain where it occurred. Usually, a sharp increase in blood pressure Blood pressure - dangerous if his swing? , Physical or mental stress can be a headache, dizziness Dizziness - if the ground is slipping from under his feet . This patient irritating sounds harsh, bright light, it may be a single vomiting, a feeling of ants running around on the skin, in some cases, there is a weakness in the limbs, the disappearance of sensitivity, poor coordination of movements and gait, facial asymmetry.

Microstroke consequences may not be - disturbed functions fully recover within a few weeks if the cerebral circulation was temporary (transient).

Microstroke indicates that this patient at high risk of a major stroke. Frequent mini-strokes can lead to a decrease in intellectual activity of the brain, up to dementia.

Treatment microstroke

Treatment microstroke carried out in the same manner as the conventional treatment of stroke. Such treatment is more effective the sooner it is started, so patients should always be admitted to specialized departments.

Treatment is carried out in several directions:

• restoration of blood flow in the affected area (used drugs that reduce blood viscosity, vasodilators, drugs, strengthens the vascular wall, etc.) - all this is particularly true in the first 3 hours, after 6 hours of this therapy becomes ineffective;
• maintaining the normal functioning of the brain (used drugs that reduce the toxic effect of the decay products of tissues, regenerating tissues and improves metabolic processes in them);
• medical rehabilitation; divided into the nearest medical rehabilitation (restorative and breathing exercises, massage sessions with a speech therapist Speech - when to resort to the help of a doctor , Drug rehabilitation treatment), the period of restoration of the disturbed functions (the same techniques, but used more widely), the recovery period (active motor mode, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy) and the period of the consequences of cerebral blood flow (the correct mode, active lifestyle, regular monitoring at doctor).

To improve higher mental functions (memory, attention, learning, mastering of new information and analysis, and so on. D.), As well as to enhance the stability of the brain in the event of stress (extreme physical exertion, lack of oxygen, and so on), and for faster leveling neurological symptoms such patients are assigned long courses nootropic drugs (for example, piracetam).

How to help a loved one in the mini-strokes

First of all, you need to call an ambulance, but in the meantime:

• ensure patient immobility (it should lose less energy, which is needed to preserve the activity of brain cells);
• reassure the patient (for mental stress can worsen cerebral vasospasm);
• ensure a flow of fresh air - open the window, release the chest from the garter dress (brain suffers first of all without oxygen);
• If microstroke occurred against the backdrop of increased pressure, then give the patient a pill prescribed by your doctor for emergency cases.

Prevention microstroke

Microstroke Prevention is based on the control of major risk factors for developing this disease. First of all, it is the identification of patients with initial manifestations of cerebral circulatory insufficiency, with hypertension, coronary artery disease diabetes Diabetes - threatening and incurable disease , Atherosclerosis. These patients should be under a doctor's supervision, constantly surveyed, receive preventive treatment, comply with the rules of work and rest, combined with exercise stress, efficiently feeding (limiting fat, flour, sweet dishes), eliminate bad habits (smoking, alcohol).

The mechanism of action valokordin

Valocordin - combined preparation, which is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Crevel Moyzelbah GmbH (Germany) in the form of drops for oral administration of 20 or 50 ml vials-droppers. In its composition includes phenobarbital, etilbromizovaleriant, peppermint oil, hop oil, 96% alcohol and purified water.

Valocordin has a calming effect in the nervous excitement and cardiovascular diseases. The drugs included in its composition, have a mild sedative and hypnotic effect (help to reduce the excitation of the central nervous system and facilitates the attack of natural sleep), slightly dilate blood vessels, thus slightly lower blood pressure:

• Phenobarbital is calming and vasodilator action; in large doses, it is used as a hypnotic, a small (as in valokordin) - calming; combined with antispasmodic and vasodilators (eg, no-shpoy or valerian) used in autonomic disorders, arising on a background of stress (autonomic nervous system innervates internal organs and blood vessels);
• etilbromizovaleriant prepared from the active ingredient Valerian - isovaleric acid and bromine, it is a sedative and antispasmodic and acts like valerian extract in large doses, it has a slight sedative effect, small - calming (reduces the state of anxiety and concern), removing at the same time and spasms smooth muscle (smooth muscle - a muscle of the internal organs and blood vessels);
• peppermint oil Mint and its useful properties: aromatic freshness   Peppermint has a calming, antispasmodic and vasodilating action; It improves appetite, digestion and reduces inflammation; it is taken for high blood pressure, insomnia, liver disease, with cramps in the stomach, intestines, flatulence, migraine, to improve appetite, to improve cardiac activity;
• hop oil is derived from hops and has a soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic easy, analgesic, diuretic and tonic effect, strengthens the cardiovascular system, especially the weakness of the heart muscle;
• 96% alcohol is a good preservative and is used in the manufacture valokordin as solvent and a preservative; for the same purpose using purified water.

Side effects and overdose

Valokordin usually well tolerated, but in some cases, while taking into valokordin may appear drowsy and dizzy, decrease the rate of reaction. Sometimes there are complications of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, allergic reactions.

Prolonged uncontrolled reception valokordin (especially in high doses) may be signs of chronic poisoning bromide: a bad mood, indifference to everything, runny nose, conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis - when the eyes fester , Petechial hemorrhages in the skin, the coordination of movements. In addition, long-term use of the drug may develop drug dependence, which becomes especially noticeable when its cancellation: sharply aggravated nervousness, hand tremors, heart aches, and so on.

In case of overdose appear valokordin drowsiness, dizziness, Dizziness - if the ground is slipping from under his feet , Confusion. In severe cases, blood pressure drops sharply, appears palpitations, disturbed consciousness (collapse or coma) and breathing. First aid - gastric lavage, activated charcoal Activated carbon - old but indispensable   and call an ambulance.

Valocordin excellent sedative, but it's not for nothing it is sold by prescription: any overdose of this medication can cause serious complications.

Galina Romanenko