Vertebral artery syndrome is a complex of vestibular, vegetative and vascular pathologies resulting from a decrease in the lumen of the vertebral artery and circulatory disorders. A similar problem develops against the background of vascular diseases, pinching of the artery of the intervertebral hernia, bone outgrowths, protrusions, tumors.
Symptoms of such a violation can be very different. It all depends on the area of damage to the artery, as well as on the underlying disease. It is very important to recognize the pathology that has arisen in a timely manner and carry out treatment in order to prevent the development of complications.
Anatomical features
Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the cervical region, this area suffers more from the development of osteochondrosis. In the upper part of the spine there are seven vertebrae, each of which is different in its structure. Such signs are associated primarily with the complex range of motion of the head and shoulder girdle.
In addition, the spinal cord, blood vessels and arteries pass through the cervical region,originating in the brain. Some of their species pass into the area of the diaphragm and the digestive organs.
The main arteries are also considered very important for the body, through which nutrients are supplied to various organs. Despite the great importance of the jugular artery and carotid vein, they are less involved in the pathological process. The vertebral vein runs between the vertebrae and is squeezed by tense muscles or displaced discs.
Feature of violation
Osteochondrosis affects the musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous systems. According to localization, extravertebral and vertebral syndrome are distinguished. The latter differs in that it is localized in the vertebral structures and is characterized by the spread of pain in the spine.
With osteochondrosis, damage is observed in the intervertebral discs, muscles, small joints and ligaments of the spinal column. Vertebral syndromes are the presence of painful manifestations and other disorders in different parts of the spine. The operation of one or several segments is disrupted. A secondary manifestation of the syndrome is the occurrence of pain in the spine or when moving.
Osteochondrosis occurring in the cervical region is considered a very dangerous pathology, as often at the initial stage it is almost asymptomatic. It is no less difficult to detect it in later stages. This is due to the fact that the resulting discomfort may have nothing to do with the spine.
Diagnosis of the pathology of the cervical spine causes somedifficulties, and the recurring pain syndrome, many are eliminated with the help of antibiotics. In addition, the combination of existing symptoms complicates the diagnosis.
Causes of occurrence
Reducing the lumen of the vertebral artery occurs due to its deformation or squeezing. Often, such a violation develops against the background of such diseases as:
- cervical spondylarthrosis;
- osteochondrosis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- congenital pathology of the structure of the spine;
- new growths;
- instability of the vertebrae in the cervical region;
- deforming spondylosis;
- osteophytes;
- musculo-tonic syndrome;
- formation of scar tissue.
Vertebral syndrome can be triggered by congenital defects and pathologies of the structure of the vascular wall, tortuosity and kinks of blood vessels, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, vasculitis.
Main classification
According to the classification, vertebral artery syndrome is divided according to the type of hemodynamic disorders. There are several types of violation, namely:
- compression;
- irritative;
- angiospastic;
- mixed.
Compression is due to mechanical pinching of the artery. Angiospastic is manifested in the form of spasms in response to irritation of receptors in the area of the affected segment of the spine. Irritative occurs as a result of irritation of the sympathetic fibers of the spine. Mixed is a combination of irritative and compressiontype.
Development stages
Doctors distinguish two stages of the course of vertebral osteochondrosis syndrome, namely, functional and organic. The first is represented by a combination of three groups of symptoms, namely cochleovestibular syndrome, headache, visual impairment.
Pain in the head can manifest itself in completely different ways. It can occur suddenly in the form of acute attacks with pulsation or last for a long time, expressed in the form of aching sensations in the back of the head and forehead. The pain syndrome may increase with head movements or with static loads.
Violation of the cochleovestibular system is also specific. It can be either slight swaying and dizziness, or systemic disorders associated with damage to the vestibular analyzer. There is also blackouts in the eyes and hearing loss.
The organic stage occurs under the condition of a prolonged compression effect on the vertebral artery. There is a violation in the form of nausea, dizziness, unsteadiness of gait, attacks of falling. This condition can lead to prolonged loss of consciousness, as well as ischemic attacks, after which the person feels severe weakness, tinnitus and headaches.
Main symptoms
In the syndrome of vertebral insufficiency, the clinical picture may consist of several options, namely:
- cervical migraine;
- basilar migraine;
- ophthalmic problems;
- peripheral syndrome;
- vestibulo-atacticsyndrome;
- ischemic attacks;
- vegetative dysfunction.
Cervical migraine manifests itself in the form of a dull pain in the neck and neck, which goes to the frontal and parietal part of the head. Pain increases after sleep, when turning the head and while walking. At the same time, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, chills, sensory disturbances, and tinnitus occur.
Vertebral basilar syndrome is characterized by a strong susceptibility to sounds, bright light, nausea, disorientation in space, hallucinations, blurred vision and hearing, one-sided headache in the back of the head.
Ophthalmic syndrome is caused by sparks in the eyes, short-term flashes, eye fatigue and pain, visual acuity impairment, conjunctivitis.
Peripheral cochleovestibular syndrome patients complain of unsteady gait, dizziness, hearing loss and even mild hearing loss.
Vestibulo-atactic syndrome is caused by the fact that dizziness is combined with swaying when walking, impaired orientation in space and coordination of movements.
Ischemic attacks in vertebral syndrome are accompanied by slurred speech, blindness, unsteady gait, difficulty swallowing saliva and food, deterioration of sensitivity. Drop attacks occur with a sudden fall or throwing back of the head, but consciousness is not disturbed.
With autonomic dysfunction, there are sharp jumps in pressure, lack of air, a surge of cold andfever, restless sleep, excessive sweating.
Which doctor to contact
Cervical vertebral syndrome is treated by a vertebrologist. That is why, when the first signs of a violation appear, you need to contact him. Depending on the specifics of the course of the disease, he can refer to such specialists as a neurologist, orthopedist, ophthalmologist or oncologist.
Diagnostics
When conducting a neurological examination, the doctor determines the presence of deviations, assesses the range of motion and muscle tone. In order to study the bone tissue of the spine, to determine the presence of degenerative changes and pathological growths, spondylography is performed in several projections, tomography.
Rheocephalography, ultrasound and duplex scanning are used to detect vascular disorders, and MRI is used to detect spinal cord injury. After the diagnosis and determination of the presence of cervical vertebral syndrome, treatment is prescribed, which is selected separately for each patient.
Feature of treatment
The choice of outpatient or inpatient treatment of vertebral syndrome is determined depending on the severity of the disease. The patient may be prescribed:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy techniques;
- operation.
In addition, in some cases, folk remedies can be used as additional methods.
Drug therapy
For the treatment of vertebralarteries against the background of cervical osteochondrosis, medications are prescribed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are required. They help eliminate inflammation and pain. These medications include:
- "Nimesulide";
- Meloxicam;
- Ibuprofen.
Miorelaxants help eliminate muscle spasm and normalize overall well-being. These drugs include Mydocalm and Baclofen. Chondroprotectors improve the restoration of the affected cartilage tissue. The drug "Chondroitin" has proven itself well. To improve overall well-being, vitamin complexes are required.
Physiotherapy techniques
With cervical osteochondrosis and vertebral artery syndrome, physiotherapy techniques help well. For the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment, it is important to minimize the mobility of the vertebrae. This can be achieved with an orthopedic neck collar. It fixes the cervical vertebrae in a stationary state.
Reflexology helps to eliminate spasm of muscle tissue. Physiotherapy is contraindicated only at the stage of exacerbation of the disease. Often, such therapy is combined with massage sessions. The procedure is prescribed only by the attending physician, and it must be carried out under strict control. Therapeutic exercises should be moderate, as too sudden movements can lead to displacement of the vertebrae.
Folk remedies
As an adjunct to therapy, you can usefolk remedies and methods. Take three heads of garlic, chop until gruel is obtained and put in a cool, dark place for five days. Then strain and add 2 tbsp. l. lemon juice and 50 ml of honey. Mix everything well. Take orally 1 tbsp. l. daily at bedtime.
Mix 50 g of corn stigmas with 20 g of lemon balm leaves, add the juice of half a lemon. Mix everything thoroughly, add 1 cup of boiled warm water. Put the infusion in a dark place for two hours. Drink half a glass 30 minutes before eating.
Operating
Surgery is prescribed only if the vertebral syndrome leads to the development of ischemia, stroke, cognitive impairment, as well as pathologies of hearing and vision.
Vertebrobasilar stroke is considered the most dangerous complication. This condition is characterized by a complete loss of auditory and visual function, as well as respiratory failure and heart failure.
Possible Complications
Quite often, vertebral artery syndrome becomes the main cause of ischemic attacks, which significantly increase the risk of stroke. Other complications should include such as:
- numbness of limbs;
- high blood pressure;
- paralysis;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- deterioration of sensitivity.
In addition, subcutaneous infection may occur during the operation. In severe cases, death occurssick.
Prophylaxis
Prevention consists in attentive attitude to one's he alth, timely treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, distribution of work and rest.
You need to avoid prolonged neck and head in one position, get moderate exercise, eat he althy food, and undergo a comprehensive preventive examination.
The appearance of vertebral pathology is quite common and manifests itself in the form of pain in the trunk, spine, limbs. Defects of the spinal column can occur even in childhood.
The disease negatively affects the functioning of the brain. This occurs as a result of insufficient blood flow, which is provoked by deterioration in the functioning of the vertebral artery.
Reviews
According to patients, manual therapy techniques have proven themselves well. In addition, it is recommended to wear a supportive orthopedic collar to prevent displacement of the vertebrae and to carry out prophylaxis in a timely manner. It is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of illness.
