Intracranial hypertension is a syndrome resulting from an increase in pressure distributed evenly within the skull and affecting all areas of the brain. It may be due to pathological conditions of the brain. Often, it is men who suffer from this problem. The frequency of development in children is approximately the same, regardless of the sex of the child.
Since this disease can provoke complications, it is very important to recognize the symptoms in a timely manner, conduct a diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Features of the disease
According to the ICD-10 code, intracranial hypertension is encrypted G93.2, is a pathological syndrome, the main symptom of which is an increase in pressure inside the cranial cavity. Its difference from other forms of increased pressure is the absence of volumetric formations in the structure of the brain or excessive accumulation of fluid in the cranium.
In addition, intracranial hypertensionabsolutely nothing to do with cerebrovascular accident. Often a similar syndrome occurs in middle-aged people who are overweight. In addition, it can be in children who suffer from anemia.
Increased intracranial pressure can be for various reasons. As a result of the ongoing pathological changes, the cerebrospinal fluid begins to exert great pressure on the soft tissues of the brain, which leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms. Treatment is aimed at eliminating provoking factors.
Causes of occurrence
If the level of intracranial pressure exceeds 20 mm Hg. Art., this leads to a significant obstruction of cerebral circulation and a decrease in the functioning of the brain. As a result, cerebral ischemia occurs. Among the main causes of intracranial hypertension are the following:
- hydrocephalus;
- traumatic brain injury;
- neuroinfections;
- brain neoplasms;
- frequent epilepsy;
- violation of the autonomic function.
In addition to brain damage, extraneural causes can provoke an increase in pressure. These include:
- damage to the immune system;
- endocrine disorders;
- cardiovascular and pulmonary pathologies;
- infections;
- metabolic disorders.
Intracranial hypertension can be caused by taking certain medications, in particular, those that provoke fluid retention in the body. A persistent increase in pressure is very dangerous, since it is significantlyincreases the risk of death.
Main symptoms
The syndrome includes a number of different conditions that will help to recognize the course of violations. The main symptoms of intracranial hypertension include:
- headache;
- heaviness in the head;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fatigue;
- increased nervousness;
- weather sensitivity.
When the syndrome occurs, headaches often occur, which are especially pronounced in the morning and at night. This is due to the fact that when a person is in a horizontal position, the liquor begins to stand out more actively, and at the same time its absorption is somewhat slowed down, which provokes an even greater increase in pressure.
Among the symptoms of intracranial hypertension, one can distinguish the presence of signs of vegetovascular dystonia, which include sudden pressure surges, sweating, fainting, palpitations. Dark circles can appear under the eyes, which are difficult to eliminate even with cosmetics.
In addition, indirect signs of intracranial hypertension may also appear, indicating abnormal processes occurring in the central nervous system. Among them it is necessary to highlight:
- sleep disorder;
- decrease in concentration;
- excessive sweating;
- chin quiver;
- inhibited reactions.
In children, indirect signs of intracranialhypertension manifests as:
- increase head circumference;
- rolling eyes;
- swelling fontanel.
Each of these symptoms individually does not indicate the development of the syndrome, but in combination they can indicate the course of serious disorders. Knowing what it is - intracranial hypertension in adults and children, you can make a timely diagnosis and carry out complex treatment to prevent the development of complications.
Diagnostics
An accurate diagnosis of intracranial hypertension is possible only after measuring the level of cerebral fluid pressure. For this purpose, an invasive procedure is carried out, namely, a special needle is inserted into the cerebral sinuses, after the removal of which a pressure gauge is attached. To constantly monitor the level of pressure, you can use special sensors and systems that are inserted into the cranial cavity.
All these activities are carried out under the supervision of MRI. Only in this case, it is possible to reliably determine the amount of intracranial pressure. In addition, this will allow you to determine the degree of intracranial hypertension and make a completely accurate diagnosis, which will allow you to prescribe the most correct and adequate treatment.
If the direct procedure for some reason cannot be used or it is not advisable, then the doctor in making a diagnosis relies on the existing symptoms, and such research methods are prescribed as:
- ultrasound;
- tomography;
- echoencephalography.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is desirable to use all these research methods. Especially accurate information can be obtained during a tomography.
Features of treatment
It is very important to understand exactly what it is - intracranial hypertension in adults, so that you can choose the most correct method of therapy. Not in all cases, treatment should be carried out in a hospital, it all depends on the severity of the course of the violation, as well as the existing symptoms. In addition, the choice of therapy tactics largely depends on the causes of hypertension.
Pressure is quite successfully normalized if the source of its increase can be eliminated with the help of drug therapy or surgery. The method of treatment should be selected exclusively by the attending doctor.
With a moderate increase in pressure in adults, not accompanied by respiratory failure, paresis, depression of the psyche and consciousness, the use of sedatives and diuretics, as well as drugs to normalize pressure, is indicated. Diet and special gymnastic complexes are also shown.
In the course of more severe forms of pathology, therapy is carried out only in a hospital setting and may include the appointment of sodium thiopental, hypermolar therapy, and hyperventilation. In some cases, the appointment of sessions of moderate hypothermia is required, which implies a decrease in temperature by several degrees over 1-2 days.
In case of increased intracranial pressure caused by neoplasms, corticosteroid therapy may be effective, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage is sometimes used in the presence of hydrocephalus.
In the mildest cases of the disease, treatment without the use of medications can be carried out, which includes:
- normalization of the drinking regime;
- manual therapy and osteopathy;
- gymnastics complex.
Diagnosing and determining the tactics of therapy must be carried out by a qualified neurologist, which is why, when the first signs appear, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Using conservative techniques
Treatment of intracranial hypertension should be, first of all, aimed at eliminating the underlying cause that provoked the formation of the syndrome. Pressure reduction is based on principles such as:
- normalization of intracranial processes;
- gradual transition to complex and aggressive correction;
- normalization of vascular function;
- impact on secondary factors of brain damage.
Before you start treatment of intracranial hypertension, it is imperative to classify the level of pressure increase. Basically, this syndrome responds well to therapy. This condition is easily corrected by taking antioxidants, vitamins. In addition, mild diuretics may be used. For a long time, very good performance gives suchdrug like acetazolamide. In some cases, "Methylprednisolone" and "Dexamethasone" are added to diuretics. Treatment is predominantly carried out on an outpatient basis and only in the most severe cases is hospitalization of the patient indicated.
Severe intracranial hypertension is treated strictly under the supervision of a doctor in a specialized hospital. The decrease in pressure occurs in stages. In this case, the therapy is divided into preventive and emergency.
Prophylactic treatment includes the elimination of provoking factors that can accelerate or aggravate the development and course of the disease. To do this, the doctor makes an adjustment:
- venous outflow disorders;
- hyperthermia;
- respiratory disorders;
- systemic hemodynamics.
In the absence of the desired result of therapy, doctors resort to the use of emergency techniques. To do this, a stepwise pressure reduction algorithm is used. Initially, tomography is performed in order to eliminate the need for surgical intervention. If indicated, systems of controlled discharge of cerebrospinal fluid are used. Hyperventilation is also indicated.
The patient is injected with hypermolar solutions, in particular, drugs such as HyperHAES and Mannitol. With the ineffectiveness of the use of all these methods, the patient is injected into a medical coma. Artificial hypothermia is used, which will help reduce the temperature, normalize the metabolic processes of the nervous tissue, as well as the braincirculation.
To eliminate pain, just lower the pressure. If necessary, a drug blockade is used. In addition, drugs are required to increase neural impulses.
To prevent relapses, patients should limit their water and s alt intake. In addition, it is important to control weight, stop smoking and alcohol. Mexidol can be taken as a medication.
Folk treatment
Therapy of intracranial hypertension with drugs can bring a very good result, however, in order to achieve a better result, it is recommended to additionally use folk methods. For treatment, herbal infusions and decoctions are most often used, which help to quickly and effectively reduce pressure.
It is worth remembering that folk remedies only help to reduce the existing symptoms, but not to cure the disease completely. A decoction of lavender is good for this. To do this, take 1 tsp. dried flowers, pour them 1 tbsp. hot water and boil for 1-2 minutes. After that, leave to infuse for 30 minutes.
The resulting decoction should be taken 1 tbsp. l. for 1 month. After the course of therapy, you need to take a break for 2 weeks and then repeat the treatment again.
In addition, it is advisable to take decoctions and infusions aimed at normalizing brain activity, metabolism and the circulatory system. To prepare a healing agent, you need to take inequal proportions of hawthorn, valerian, eucalyptus, motherwort, mint. Then pour the resulting collection with vodka and insist for a week. Take 4-6 weeks before each meal, 20 drops. You can also take an alcohol solution of clover flowers.
For the preparation of decoctions, you can use ready-made herbal preparations. A good result is given by infusions of mulberries, poplar buds. Whatever the reasons provoked the rise in pressure, treatment requires the close attention of specialists, since this condition can be a sign of many dangerous diseases.
Surgery
Indication for surgery is the lack of the desired effect of conservative therapy, as well as a significant increase in pressure. To reduce these indicators, repeated lumbar punctures are performed. Initially, they are performed every other day, and then the fence is performed once a week.
Now in the arsenal of neurosurgeons there are many methods of bypass surgery, which allow to achieve normalization of intracranial pressure. It happens that such conditions occurring in the head lie in wait for pregnant women. Among the main symptoms of such a problem, dizziness can be noted. However, during the bearing of a child, it is not recommended to use any aggressive methods of therapy, as this can provoke many complications.
Dieting
When intracranial hypertension occurs, it is important to provide appropriate conditions under which the body cannotaccumulate liquid. For this, a s alt-free diet must be observed. It is necessary to exclude smoked and flour from your usual diet. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. It is best to refrain from consuming store-bought juices, fast foods, and sugary sodas.
Possible consequences
Prolonged course of intracranial hypertension consequences can provoke quite dangerous. In particular, among the main complications can be identified such as:
- cerebral ischemia;
- squeezing brain structures;
- their offset;
- Patient death.
In addition, such a syndrome can lead to mental disorders, blindness, mental retardation, paralysis. In the presence of a disease in conscripts, the military registration and enlistment office assesses the state of he alth based on the use of appropriate research methods. The pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid is assessed, and the conclusion of an ophthalmologist is also required. However, if a conscript is recognized as fit for military service, then only with certain restrictions.
Any disturbances in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid or blood circulation negatively affect human activity. Moderate hypertension can cause minor brain dysfunction, but long-term damage can lead to soft tissue atrophy.
If you strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations and follow the rules of a he althy lifestyle, hypertension can be quickly and effectively eliminated.
Hypertension in childrenaged
Congenital intracranial hypertension in newborns is a consequence of pathologies of development or disruption of the normal course of pregnancy. A high probability of the occurrence of this syndrome is observed in children who have suffered hypoxia during birth or intrauterine development. Doctors should be alert for signs such as:
- constant irritability and drowsiness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- increase in head size;
- convulsions;
- optic nerve atrophy;
- tension of fontanel;
- increased muscle tone.
If there are signs of intracranial hypertension in children, then you need to consult a doctor for a comprehensive study. He prescribes an ultrasound of the brain, as this is the only method of examination in childhood.
Therapy of intracranial hypertension in children is aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of the course of the disease, as well as removing excess fluid. If necessary, surgical treatment is carried out and drainage is installed to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid into the adjacent cavity.
Children with such a pathology must be observed by a neurologist so that, if necessary, appropriate treatment can be quickly started and serious complications can be prevented. This syndrome may have minor manifestations, and then exacerbations are observed only during the course of influenza and SARS. In other cases, an increase in pressure leads to squeezing of vital brain structures, which leads tofollowed by paralysis and death.
