We know from school that most of the functions of our body are regulated by the brain. And various violations in his work can lead to serious problems - memory impairment, impaired attention and coordination, fatigue, sleep disturbance and other, more serious consequences. In order to understand why and how to improve the blood circulation of the brain, you need to know how it works, the causes, consequences, and symptoms of impaired blood flow. This article will be devoted to these issues.
What is the brain
The brain is the most important part of the central nervous system. It contains 25 billion nerve cells - the neurons that make up the gray matter of the brain. Neurons are cells that transmit information and sensory impulses such as feeling pain, warmth, visual,auditory impulses, etc. The brain is covered with hard and soft membranes, between which there is an arachnoid membrane, through the channels of which cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) circulates.
The brain consists of five main sections - the terminal, diencephalon, middle, hindbrain and medulla oblongata, each of which performs its own function. At its base, the brain is connected to the spinal cord, which transmits information to it from nerve cells located throughout the body. For the full functioning of the brain, it needs constant nutrition, which it receives from the blood. When blood circulation is disturbed, the brain receives insufficient nutrients and oxygen, which can lead to the death of some cells or to their improper functioning.
Causes of poor blood circulation in the brain
The main causes of impaired blood flow are as follows:
- Atherosclerosis of vessels. This disease occurs due to the increased content of cholesterol in the blood, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques, which causes blockage of blood vessels and disruption of general circulation.
- Surges in blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to damage to the small cerebral arteries, and in severe cases, to a stroke.
- Cervical osteochondrosis and scoliosis. The vertebral artery runs in the canal of the transverse processes of the spine. When the vertebrae are displaced relative to each other, the diameter of this canal decreases and, as a result, squeezing of the artery and deterioration of blood circulation in the brain.
- Injuries of the cervical spine. SuchInjuries often result from improper exercise. There is a displacement of the vertebrae and compression of the artery.
- Tranio-cerebral injuries.
- Frequent stress and chronic fatigue lead to disruption of the main body systems.
Symptoms
Distinguish between initial cerebral circulatory disorders, acute and chronic.
In the initial stage of the disease, there is increased fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, eye pain, sleep disturbances, headaches, especially after intense mental or physical work.
If you do not pay attention to these symptoms in time, then circulatory disorders will become chronic, which is characterized by progressive memory deterioration, apathy, irritability, headaches, changes in consciousness, fainting, decreased intelligence.
Acute venous circulation disorders include stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and arterial thrombosis.
How to improve blood circulation in the brain
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to establish the cause that caused poor blood circulation in the brain. It has been established that the most common cause is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Medicines will not help in this case. Neurologists recommend such patients treatment with manual therapy, reflexology, therapeutic exercises, and massage.
Also of no small importance for improving the blood circulation of the brain is our diet. Forproper brain function is essential:
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to improve blood circulation in the brain Polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids. They protect the walls of blood vessels from the development of atherosclerosis. Contained in vegetable oils (olive, linseed), marine and oceanic fish species, chicken eggs.
- Antioxidants that slow down the oxidation process. They are found in large quantities in berries - cranberries, lingonberries, currants and others, as well as in green tea.
- Vitamin E, which has a positive effect on memory, can be obtained by eating nuts, flax seeds, sunflowers.
- Microelements (zinc, magnesium, phosphorus) improve memory and attention, so it is very useful to eat seafood - shrimp, mussels, crabs, etc.
- Bitter chocolate contains tryptophan, which is converted in the body to the hormone serotonin, which prevents the development of depression.
It should be remembered that only a doctor can prescribe a competent treatment after an appropriate examination. In no case should you independently take drugs that improve blood circulation in the brain, for example, according to the reviews of friends. Of the drugs, vasodilators, drugs that prevent blood clotting and blood clots, as well as nootropics and psychostimulants are usually prescribed. All these drugs have different effects on cerebral blood flow.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators cause relaxationsmooth muscles of blood vessels, which leads to an increase in their lumen. At the same time, they reduce the overall blood pressure, which can lead to the opposite effect and worsen the blood supply to the brain. Therefore, drugs are currently being used that act directly on the vessels of the brain, without affecting the general circulatory system, for example, Cinnarizine and Nimodipine.
Antithrombotic drugs
Antithrombotic drugs also improve blood circulation in the brain. Drugs are divided into three groups: anticoagulants, fibrinolytics and antiplatelet agents.
Anticoagulants prevent the formation of fibrin threads, that is, they prevent the formation of blood clots and promote the resorption of existing blood clots ("Heparin", "Fenilin", "Varfarex"). Fibrinolytic agents cause rupture of fibrin threads and, as a result, resorption of new blood clots ("Fibrinolysin", "Urokinase", "Streptokinase").
Antiplatelet agents prevent the aggregation of platelets and red blood cells, thereby reducing their ability to adhere to vessel walls. The most popular representative of this group of drugs is aspirin, which is currently produced under the name "Aspirin Cardio". Also, doctors often prescribe drugs such as Dipyridamole, Ticlopidin, Iptegrilin, and others.
Nootropics
Nootropic drugs are used to treatbrain disorders caused, among other things, by circulatory disorders. They improve memory and mental abilities, increase the resistance of the brain to hypoxia, and reduce the manifestations of mental disorders. Such effects are achieved due to the fact that these drugs can both improve blood circulation in the brain and directly affect neurons, stimulate the transfer of excitation in them, and facilitate the transfer of information between the hemispheres. To date, there is already a large list of nootropics and new ones appear periodically. The preparations "Glycine", "Phenotropil", "Phenibut" and others have been widely used.
Prevention
In conclusion, it is worth touching on the topic of prevention of such violations. In order not to have to take pills that improve the blood circulation of the brain, you need to avoid a passive lifestyle - moderate physical activity can activate the blood circulation of the whole body, including the brain. Also, during thermal procedures in the bath, sauna, blood flow improves. It should be remembered that being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol are all risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Now you know how to improve blood circulation in the brain. We hope our tips will help you maintain good he alth for years to come.
