Drugs to improve cerebral circulation

Popular vasodilators

1. No-spa is one of the most popular drugs from the group of antispasmodics, which additionally have a vasodilating effect. It is used to treat acute headaches, migraines, and spasms of various types. Available both in the form of a 2% solution for intramuscular injection and in the form of tablets.
2. Papaverine hydrochloride - has a vasodilating effect, relieves spasms. Unlike other drugs with a similar effect, it additionally has a calming effect. This helps the patient relax and sleep even with acute pain. There are not only tablets on sale, but also injections. Depending on the nature of the pain, age and body size of the patient, a dosage of 20 or 40 mg two or four times a day, respectively, may be prescribed. To speed up the sedative effect, an intravenous solution of the drug can be combined with other drugs.
3. Theobromine - unlike Papaverine hydrochloride, which has a sedative effect, on the contrary, slightly excites the patient’s nervous system. At the same time, it relieves spasm of blood vessels, expanding them. Preparations containing theobromine are available in tablet form. To treat migraines, 25–50 mg of theobromine should be used once or twice a day. For acute headaches, it can be combined with other drugs.
4. Eufillin or Aminophylline - drugs based on these components have a wide range of effects and can be prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of migraines. They have a complex effect, namely:

Available in the form of tablets and solution for intramuscular use. Injections are more effective than the solid form of the medicine. As a rule, the doctor may prescribe injections in combination with a 20–40% glucose solution.

Main types of drugs

To achieve better blood supply to the blood vessels of the brain, doctors prescribe the following groups of medications:

• vasodilators - vasodilators;
• preventing thrombus formation - antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants;
• nootropics that affect higher brain activity;
• alpha-blockers - lower blood pressure, relieve spasms.

Once in the human body, these medications have a complex effect on blood vessels and blood cells:

• dilate blood vessels;
• reduce platelet aggregation;
• reduce blood viscosity;
• increase the plasticity of red blood cells;
• provide brain cells with glucose and oxygen, increasing their resistance to hypoxia.

Nootropic drugs that improve nutrition and blood circulation in the brain

Medicines for improving memory and cerebral circulation belonging to the group of nootropics are considered popular. They restore brain function after hypoxia, strokes, and skull injuries, but do not affect blood circulation. Nootropics stimulate metabolic processes in affected tissues. This group of drugs includes:

• Piracetam and analogues;
• Pyridoxine and its derivatives (Encephabol);
• neuroamino acids - Phenibut, Pantogam, Picamilon (has a strong calming effect), Glutamic acid, Glycine;
• choline alphoscerate;
• ginkgo biloba and its derivatives;
• Cerebrolysin;
• Sodium hydroxybutyrate – has a strong hypnotic effect.

Homeopathic medicines

At the first signs of cerebrovascular insufficiency, it is recommended to take the homeopathic drug Golden Iodine. It helps cope with tinnitus, headaches, unsteady gait and memory loss. Doctors do not always have a positive attitude towards homeopathy, but if the patient, with the help of a specialist, selects the appropriate one (for example, Microhydrin), the effect will be pronounced and stable.

Vitamins

Excipients will work well to improve blood circulation in the brain. Vitamins become an important element of complex therapy:

• Ascorutin is a drug with vitamin C and rutin, intended to strengthen the walls of capillaries, prescribed prophylactically;
• nicotinic acid - prescribed only by a doctor, used for electrophoresis, improves blood supply to the brain in case of cervical osteochondrosis;
• B vitamin complexes – Milgamma, Pentovit, Neuromultivit.

Vasodilators

Tablets to improve cerebral circulation can also be vasodilators. They affect not only the blood vessels of the brain, but also the circulatory system as a whole, improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells, and stabilize blood flow. Vasodilator drugs include:

• calcium antagonists (dihydropyridines) – blockers of slow calcium channels, relax arterial walls without affecting venous ones;
• Cinnarizine, Phezam, Omaron are the latest generation drugs that affect the entire body and are used as prescribed by a doctor;
• first generation - Nifedipine, Finoptin, Diazem;
• second generation - Isradipin, Klentiazem;
• third generation - Norvasc, Amlodipine.

Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents will help reduce blood viscosity and improve its fluidity. Due to their properties, cerebral circulation is normalized. Drugs are used if there is a risk of ischemia. The following medications are recognized as the most effective:

• antiplatelet agents (prevent the formation of blood clots) - Aspirin, Aspilate, Akuprin, Curantil, Trental;
• anticoagulants (improves microcirculation of capillaries) - Warfarin, Clexane, Heparin. Fraxiparine.

Flavonoids

Vascular preparations (flavonoids) are designed to improve blood circulation in the brain due to tonic and strengthening effects. They cleanse the body of toxins. The group includes herbal preparations, the use of which does not affect the functioning of the heart. Excipients from flavonoids are:

• ginkgo biloba preparations (Tanakan, Bilobil) - relieve spasms, improve microcirculation, relieve swelling, lead to normalization of intracranial pressure;
• products with Vinca minor (Cavinton, Vinpocetine) are antispasmodics, prevent the formation of blood clots, and increase the speed of blood flow. They can only be prescribed by a doctor; self-medication is unacceptable, since these are potent medications that have a number of contraindications.

Antiplatelet agents

Antithrombotic drugs that reduce blood viscosity and prevent blockage of blood vessels are called antiplatelet agents. Taking them increases capillary microcirculation and improves blood flow. These include:

• angioprotectors - Curantil, Doxy-Chem, Vasonit, Pentoxifylline - are available in dragee format, solution for infusion, tablets;
• tablets and solution for intravenous administration - Anginal, Coribon, Trankocard, Aprikor, Parsedil.

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Preparations based on nicotinic acid

Among the potent drugs for improving cerebral circulation are drugs that include nicotinic acid. They do not affect large vessels, but expand capillaries, strengthen their walls and lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They are used only as prescribed by a doctor (injection solution or tablets) and under supervision to prevent complications and side effects. Here are some popular drugs:

• Enduratin;
• Nikoshpan;
• Nicofuranose;
• Acipimox.

Microcirculation correctors

Drugs for improving blood circulation in the vessels of the brain from the group of microcirculation correctors control the condition of capillaries, improve general well-being, neutralize dizziness, unsteadiness of gait, and alleviate symptoms of chronic and acute diseases. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on how severe the disease is. Popular drugs are:

• Betaserc (Betagistin);
• Vestibo;
• Tagista.

Preparations based on nicotinic acid

Unlike other medications, vasodilators for the head based on nicotinic acid can cause a number of side effects. The most common of them is the appearance of contrasting spots on the skin of the face.

However, their appearance depends on the dosage. It often happens that in an attempt to quickly get rid of a migraine or relieve pain, the patient begins to take pills over and over again, forgetting that this is fraught with negative consequences. Therefore, before use, it is important to carefully read the instructions for the drug.

• Nikoverine - in addition to nicotinic acid, it contains papaverine. Used to relieve acute headaches and spasms. Can be used as a substitute for No-shpa. The exact dosage depends on the patient’s age and the nature of the pain. Available in both tablet form and injection for intramuscular use.
• Nigexin is a drug containing hexyltheobromine. It is commercially available in tablet form. This drug is used for course treatment, so it is not worth using it to eliminate attacks of acute headaches. Typically, the doctor can prescribe a course of treatment for a period of 2 to 4 weeks, when you need to take three tablets per day. After 2 weeks of use, the daily dose of the drug is reduced to 2 tablets.
• Xavin is a potent drug. It is produced on the basis of nicotinic acid with the addition of xanthiol. Before use, be sure to consult with your doctor, since the drug should not be used in patients with mitral stenosis and sudden changes in blood pressure. It is necessary to approach its use with caution during complex treatment. Xavin is not combined with other antihypertensive drugs. The doctor usually prescribes use starting from 150 mg 3 times a day; if necessary, the dose is increased to 300–600 mg 3 times a day. As the patient's condition improves, the dose is reduced to 150 mg 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment usually lasts at least 2 months.
• Apressin - has a vasodilating effect, lowers blood pressure. Additionally, it has a neurotropic effect. Available in tablet form. Prescribed by a doctor for the complex treatment of migraine. In the first week of use, you need to take 10 mg of the drug, then the dose is gradually increased to 20 mg and by the third week it is again gradually reduced to 10 mg.

What injections are given?

Drugs to improve blood circulation in the brain:

• 1-3 ml of 2% solution of Papaverine hydrochloride IV with glucose;
• No-Spa 1-3 ml of 2% solution IM 10 ml;
• 2.4% Eufillin solution (1 ml of 24% solution with 20 ml of 40% glucose IV);
• 1 ml of 1% nicotinic acid solution IV;
• Instenon 2 ml IM.

These medications are prescribed in the first hours of a stroke and re-administered the next day.

The doctor prescribes medications for adults for 10 days. The patient must remember that vasodilators for the brain reduce blood pressure; the patient’s health may worsen after an ischemic stroke.

Injections of medications are prescribed simultaneously with cardiotonic and vasopressor drugs.

List of drugs for restoring gray matter:

• Actovegin;
• Mexidol;
• Mexiprim;
• Emoxipin.

The doctor prescribes medications such as:

• Nicotinic acid in ampoules;
• Milgamma;
• Compligam B;
• Piracetam;
• Coretxin;
• Vinpocetine;
• Telektol;
• Cavinton.

Sometimes, when there is a circulatory disorder, the patient experiences vasospasm. The doctor prescribes appropriate treatment.

In order to increase capillary tone and activate metabolism in tissues, the following drugs are used:

• Holitylin;
• Neypilept (injections);
• Halidor;
• Thioctacid 600 T;
• Elkar (in ampoules);
• Gleazer;
• Sermion (injections).

To eliminate vascular pain, Meloxicam in injections, Dexalgin, Calmirex are used.
What do you think are the most important factors when choosing a medical facility?
It is advisable to use B vitamins, for example, Kombilipen in ampoules. The medicine Omniscan (intravenously) is prescribed for the diagnosis of vascular pathology.

Piracetam

The drug in ampoules is used to treat vascular diseases. The drug affects the metabolism in glial cells and affects the functioning of cell membranes.

Injections to the head affect the function of the encephalon. The medication activates blood supply to tissues in the event of ischemia; it is necessary for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and elimination of blood pressure fluctuations.

The medicine is used for the treatment of VSD, panic attacks, and the prevention of ischemic stroke. Injections of the drug eliminate apathy and influence the course of psychosis.

Cavinton

Cavinton is used to eliminate pathology of nervous tissue. Vasodilator injections for the brain are recommended for patients with cerebral disorders.

Cavinton improves blood composition if injected in the acute period of an ischemic stroke. When small vessels are damaged, the drug affects platelet aggregation. The medication is effective on the first day of illness.

The patient is administered IV Cavinton with 400 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for a week. After treatment, the patient’s pain in the head and neck and problems with walking disappear. The medication does not cause side effects. After IV injections, cognitive functions and EEG patterns improve.

Cortexin

Injections of lyophilisate contained in 5 ml bottles have a good effect on the body.

Droppers are effective for such pathological conditions as:

• TBI;
• encephalitis;
• vascular dystonia.

Injections to improve a patient's health after an ischemic stroke can activate neurons in the brain. The medicine is injected at 20 mg once a day for 10 days.

Vascular disorders in VSD are eliminated with the help of injections of a drug that regulates the blood supply to the encephalon and affects the resistance of the nervous system to stress.

How to use

Depending on the purpose of treatment, drugs can be used both for one-time use and for complex therapy. Each of the medications described above has both its own indications and contraindications for use.

To avoid any complications, it is recommended not only to carefully read the instructions, but also to consult with your doctor. It is highly recommended not to approach the use of drugs that dilate blood vessels in the brain thoughtlessly and self-medicate. Otherwise, this can lead to a number of serious complications.

To achieve the fastest possible therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use injections. Drugs for complex treatment must be used together with glucose solution or other excipients.

Indications and contraindications

Considering the basic properties of vasodilators, they are usually prescribed for:

• arterial hypertension;
• heart failure of varying degrees of severity, of different origins;
• intestinal spasms, colic;
• pathologies of the kidneys and urinary system;
• encephalopathies;
• VSD;
• prostatitis;
• arthrosis;
• osteochondrosis.

Despite the diversity of pharmacological groups and individual characteristics of each drug, there are general contraindications for use:

• hypotension of any form and stage;
• children's age (limited from one year to 5-6 years);
• pregnancy, lactation;
• chronic renal failure;
• individual intolerance to components;
• atherosclerotic plaques;
• thrombosis.

Side effects in case of violation of the rules of administration are considered:

• vertigo;
• feeling unwell;
• dry mucous membranes;
• nausea;
• dyspepsia;
• bleeding.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the symptom of stealing, when blood flows through those vessels whose lumen is narrowed, reluctantly, easily creating bypass collaterals. Areas that are supplied with blood by damaged vessels remain in a state of shock readiness (they lack nutrition).

A hypertensive crisis, for example, can lead to the body using only bypass routes, while the usual blood supply is ignored, tissue areas become necrotic (AMI, stroke, kidney infarction). Therefore, the importance of vasodilator drugs in stabilizing the pathology cannot be overestimated.

Preparations based on natural ingredients

Today, not only medications that dilate blood vessels in the brain are popular, but also natural medicines based on natural extracts. They are made from ginkgo biloba extract. This is a relict plant, the most popular representatives are tanakana, bilobil, memoplant.

All of them are known for their therapeutic effect. Due to the fact that the leaves and seeds of the plant contain a huge amount of ginkgosides, an extract from them can have not only an anti-inflammatory effect, but also generally improve the condition of the circulatory system. After using the medicine, the brain begins to heal. Therefore, preparations based on ginkgo biloba can be used not only by patients suffering from various types of diseases, but also for prevention.

The most effective course and complex treatment, but the effect of use is usually noticeable after several uses. The patient's blood circulation significantly improves, brain activity increases, and the brain's ability to absorb the nutrients it needs increases.

To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to make a choice in favor of patented pharmacological medications. For preventive purposes, it makes sense to choose medications based on natural extracts.

Benefits of natural-based drugs

The list of vasodilator drugs includes not only medications from pharmaceutical companies. Many doctors believe that some homeopathic medicines are equally effective, claiming that they, like other medicines, have properties such as:

1. Vasodilation.
2. Decreased overall tone of vascular walls and their permeability.
3. Anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Additionally, drugs in this group are affordable, they can be used without a doctor’s prescription and are available in pharmacies without a prescription. However, the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies is refuted by most scientists and official medicine.

Indications for use

Vascular drugs for the brain can be used both to relieve pain (acute, chronic) and to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Constriction of cerebral vessels is a disease not only of older people, but also of young people. Today even children suffer from this disease. In order to start treatment on time and eliminate the disease, you need to pay attention to symptoms such as:

1. Constant headaches that occur almost every day and can last for hours.
2. General malaise, dizziness, lightheadedness.
3. Various disorders of concentration and memory.
4. Noise in ears.
5. Decreased brain activity.
6. Blood pressure surges.
7. Increased fatigue of the body, decreased performance, drowsiness.

To diagnose cerebral vasoconstriction, it is important that the patient periodically experiences at least 3 of the symptoms listed above. More accurate results can only be obtained after appropriate analyzes. Since these symptoms may indicate a number of other diseases.

If you or your loved ones constantly suffer from headaches of any type, complain of malaise and fatigue, then it makes sense to contact a qualified specialist for further treatment.

For what reasons does cerebrovascular accident occur?

• Birth trauma in children
  - the problem can be a consequence of a cesarean section, when a sharp drop in pressure occurs, as well as oxygen starvation during intrauterine development. It is assumed that in the first three years of life the child’s central circulation is restored. But if this does not happen, cysts, epilepsy, and encephalopathy may form. Therapy is needed here, including medications to dilate blood vessels.
• Changes in hormonal levels
  - this occurs throughout almost the entire life of a person: during growing up, puberty, in women during pregnancy, during breastfeeding and menopause. Changing hormonal levels requires additional efforts from the circulatory system.
• Emotional and physical stress
  - the load on the blood flow gradually increases, which leads to general poor health, memory deterioration and tactile sensitivity. Impaired cerebral blood flow can lead to the development of serious diseases: osteochondrosis, tumors, acute thrombosis, etc.
• Poor nutrition and lack of vitamins
  - consumption of fatty and salty foods, strong coffee, smoking and addiction to alcoholic beverages leads to deterioration of nutrition and blood supply to the brain. This leads to the deposition of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels and chronic spasms of the cerebral choroid plexuses.
• Infectious diseases
  - pathologies such as meningitis and encephalitis negatively affect the functioning of the central nervous system. Treatment of the pathological condition requires complex measures and effective vascular drugs to improve blood circulation in the brain.
• Old age
  - with age, the human body weakens, the structure of the vascular wall of the brain changes, the blood becomes more viscous and metabolism is disrupted. All this leads to poor circulation, provokes the development of tumors, increases the risk of strokes, and leads to the development of atherosclerosis. Inflammatory processes and somatic pathologies provoke disruption of cerebral blood flow.

Types of cerebrovascular disorders

Experts distinguish two main forms: acute and chronic. Each of them is characterized by certain symptoms and is divided into separate subtypes. The acute form of the disorder develops within a few hours or minutes. This group includes strokes that occur as a result of hemorrhage in the brain tissue or due to oxygen starvation, which developed against the background of blocking the lumen of the feeding vessel.

The acute form of circulatory disorders can also include ischemic attacks and hypertensive crises. Quite often, such pathological phenomena occur as a result of injury. Symptoms such as numbness of a part of the body, impaired speech and vision (dark spots, colored circles), drowsiness, increased sweating, and stuffy ears are noted.

It takes years for chronic disorders to develop. The initial stages of the pathology do not have pronounced symptoms: the patient’s condition often indicates chronic fatigue syndrome. The patient notices drowsiness, headaches, absent-mindedness, and sudden mood swings. At the second stage, memory deteriorates significantly, attacks of aggression appear, the head is constantly dizzy, and efficiency disappears. And the third stage is characterized by almost complete personality degradation, dementia and impaired coordination of movements. Here an irreversible pathological process occurs.

Diagnosis of vascular disorders

When the first signs of cerebrovascular accident appear, you should consult a neurologist. He will conduct an examination and prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis, which will help determine the cause of the pathology:

• general blood analysis;
• blood for glucose;
• lipidogram - analysis of the lipid spectrum of the blood;
• magnetic resonance imaging of cerebral vessels;
• ultrasound examination of blood vessels;
• coagulogram for blood clotting;
• CT scan;
• neuropsychological testing;
• electroencephalography – performed for epilepsy or speech problems;
• genetic test if there is a suspicion of a hereditary factor.

Side effects

The use of vasodilator drugs for the head must be approached with the utmost seriousness. Like other medications, they have their side effects and may have contraindications. This also applies to exceeding the recommended dosage.

Attention! It is recommended to use drugs of this type only after consulting your doctor, as using them for other purposes can lead to dangerous consequences.

Patients are often confident that vasodilator medications are exclusively positive and cannot in any way harm a healthy body. This is not true, especially if, among other things, the patient suffers from sclerotic plaques or has blood clots in the vessels. In this case, the medicine will only expand the healthy wall of the vessel, while the damaged one will remain intact. Then, after use, a sharp deterioration in well-being is possible. The same applies to long-term use of vasodilator drugs. They are capable of:

1. Cause addiction, increase the body's tolerance to medications of this type.
2. Provoke bleeding.
3. Cause dizziness.
4. Cause a pre-fainting state.
5. Promote the occurrence of allergic reactions.
6. Increase fatigue.
7. Cause the development of kidney and liver diseases.

Taking into account this information, it is recommended to refuse any self-medication and be sure to consult a specialist. Otherwise, there is a considerable risk of significantly worsening your health even after just a few uses.

Types of drugs

To improve cerebral circulation and prevent complications, you should take special medications. Based on their mechanism of action, they are divided into several groups:

• Vasodilators are vasodilators that relax the smooth muscles of the muscular layer of blood vessels. Due to the increase in the lumen of the artery, more blood with oxygen and nutrients enters the brain tissue.
• Nootropics are complex drugs that affect metabolic processes in brain cells. This allows you to avoid oxygen starvation and prevent the death of nerve cells.
• Antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants are a group of drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood. By preventing its thickening and gluing of formed elements, these medications ensure normal blood flow.

Vascular drugs are produced mainly in tablets; there are few dosage forms for infusions or injections; they are used in a hospital setting. All medications to improve cerebral circulation are intended solely for treatment.

Using them to prevent or improve intellectual abilities (nootropics) is useless, and taking into account possible contraindications, even dangerous.

Recipes for decoctions for dilating blood vessels

To dilate blood vessels, it is not at all necessary to immediately run to the pharmacy and buy pills. You can use a herbal decoction prepared at home, which will not only have a therapeutic effect, but also have a pleasant smell and taste. To prepare it you need:

• Take dry rowan and rosehip fruits.
• Add strawberry, mint and mantle leaves to them.
• Both fruits and herbs are taken in equal proportions by weight (1 to 1) and mixed together in a mortar.
• After this, the resulting mass is steamed with boiled water at the rate of 4 tablespoons of the resulting dry mixture per 1 liter of boiling water.
• Then the broth is poured into a thermos and allowed to brew for 12 hours. To do this, it is best to steam it overnight. In the morning, filter the resulting solution through a sieve or gauze and consume 150–200 ml all day.

To prepare the following decoction, which will help not only dilate blood vessels, but also normalize blood circulation in the brain, you need:

1. In equal proportions, take dried rose flowers, motherwort herbs, strawberry bush leaves, rose hips, raspberries and apple peels.
2. Approximately 3 tablespoons of the resulting mixture should be poured into 500 ml of boiled water.
3. Let the broth brew for 1–2 hours.
4. After waiting for it to cool completely, strain the resulting tincture and consume 100–150 ml three times a day.