What is the focal change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature? Causes and symptoms of focal changes in brain matter of a dystrophic nature

All types of circulatory disorders in the human body affect the brain substance, which ultimately affects its integrity and the possibilities of normal functioning.

A "starvation" of cells, which is provoked by a violation or complete cessation of blood supply (in medicine, this process is called ischemia), causes a change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature. That is degeneration, and sometimes, albeit very rarely, even the disappearance of tissues and a significant deterioration in their function.

More about this pathological condition, we'll talk in the article.

Types of changes

In medicine, dystrophic manifestations in the brain substance are divided into two types:

1. Diffuse.
2. Focal.

In the first case, pathological changes are evenly distributed to the entire brain, and not to its individual parts. They are caused either by general disturbances in the functioning of the blood supply system, or by concussion or infections (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.).

Diffuse changes are manifested mainly by a decrease in the capacity for work of a person, a dull headache, difficulties in switching to another type of activity, narrowing the range of interests of the patient, apathy and sleep disorders.

And what is a focal change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature can be understood already by the fact that it can be caused by various small pathologies:

• Cysts (small cavities formed in the brain),
• Medium-sized foci of necrosis (tissue death in certain areas, caused by the lack of nutrient intake);
• Gliomesodermal (intracerebral) scars, which occur after injuries and concussions;
• Minor changes in the structure of the brain substance.

That is, they are pathologies that cause blood flow disorders in a small area. True, they can be either single or multiple.

Causes of dystrophy

The full picture of the appearance of dystrophic changes to researchers is not yet clear. But numerous observations made it possible to conclude that most cases of this pathology have a genetic predisposition. The action of the provoking factors only accelerates the development of the process or enhances its manifestation.

Therefore, the causes that cause focal changes in brain matter of a dystrophic nature can be safely divided into genetic anomalies and acquired. Although it should be noted that the acquired causes are still a very conditional definition in this case, since they begin their destructive effect only in the presence of the propensity of the patient to this pathology.

Focal change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature: symptoms of the development of the disease

Symptoms of a change in brain substance of a dystrophic nature are most often manifested rather brightly, but, unfortunately, this occurs when the disease is already progressing strongly. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the appearance of even small deviations in the state of health.

• First described focal changes Are manifested as a headache that occurs both with physical and emotional stress.
• Characteristic for this disease and the periodic manifestations of paresthesia - numbness or slight tingling in the limbs.
• The patient complains of dizziness and insomnia, he has violations of coordination of movements (ataxia).
• With the course of the disease, the listed signs are aggravated, hyperkinesis joins them (involuntary limb movements ), paresis and paralysis develop.
• Further development of the disease leads to a deterioration in memory, a marked decrease in intelligence, agraphy (loss of ability to write).

Are there age restrictions for the disease?

It should be noted that single focal changes in brain matter of a dystrophic nature occur not only in the elderly, but also in individuals under the age of fifty.

Loads, injuries, stressful situations, hypertension and other provoking factors can provoke the development of focal changes. The constant overstrain experienced by many able-bodied citizens, too, plays its unseemly role.

Intensified work of the brain against the background of the existing vasospasm in youth, as well as ischemia in old age, can equally lead to the emergence of foci of dystrophic changes with all the ensuing consequences. And from this it follows that a timely and properly organized rest is a very important part of the prevention of the described pathology.

What diseases are accompanied by changes in the dystrophic character in the brain

Focal change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature, as a rule, is provoked by very common disturbances in the functioning of blood vessels. These include:

• Vasomotor dystonia,
• atherosclerosis,
• arterial hypertension,
• Aneurysm of blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord ,
• Cardiovascular syndrome.

Elderly diseases are also accompanied by described irreversible changes in the brain - everyone knows the problems caused by Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or Pick's disease.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of "focal change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature" is difficult to establish. This requires identifying the signs of the above pathologies and excluding other somatic diseases and possible neuroses. By the way, people with diabetes mellitus and rheumatism are also at risk.

The doctor should assess the patient's condition, his neurological status, and conduct the necessary examinations. The most accurate indication is given by the MRI study, where it is possible to identify lesions, as well as their size and localization. Tomography makes it possible to determine changes in brain tissue density even in the initial stage of the disease. Correct interpretation of MRI results is an important step in the beginning of the treatment of the problem described.

Focal change in brain matter of a dystrophic nature: treatment

As mentioned before, the exact cause of the appearance of this pathology has, until now, unfortunately not been established. And the diseases diagnosed with it, rather, are factors that only provoke the onset of its development or reinforce already begun processes, and not the main cause of the onset of the disease.

Therefore, its treatment consists mainly in normalizing the patient's day regimen and in the proper diet, including foods that contain organic acids (baked and fresh apples, cherries, sauerkraut), as well as seafood and walnuts. The use of hard cheeses, cottage cheese and milk will have to be limited, since excess calcium causes a difficulty in oxygen metabolism in the blood, and this supports ischemia and single focal changes in brain matter of a dystrophic nature.

In addition, the patient can not do without symptomatic therapy, which implies the appointment of drugs that affect the cerebral blood flow and reduce blood viscosity, taking analgesics, sedatives and B vitamins. However, this is a separate and quite extensive topic.