Symptoms (treatment) of cerebral vasospasm and how to quickly relieve vasospasm of the arteries of the head using folk remedies

Spasm of blood vessels in the head is a common pathology caused by a sharp narrowing of the lumen in the blood vessels leading to insufficient nutrition of brain cells.

Accompanied by the appearance of migraines, nausea, dizziness or “floaters” before the eyes, such a pathology may be associated with mental and mental fatigue, or indicate the appearance of serious dysfunctions of the vascular and endocrine systems, leading to oxygen starvation of the brain and disruption of the functioning of the entire body.

Why the problem occurs and who is at risk

In people who do not suffer from chronic diseases, vasospasm occurs for the following reasons:

• overwork;
• lack of sleep;
• lack of oxygen;
• smoking;
• taking medications that provoke the formation of blood clots;
• sudden temperature changes in the environment;
• dehydration;
• prolonged neck muscle tension;
• stressful situation.

In these cases, the spasm does not last long, practically does not manifest itself and passes quickly. If vasospasm is observed for a long time, then characteristic symptoms occur.

Also, the causes of cerebral vasospasm include various diseases and conditions:

• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• arterial hypertension;
• heart failure;
• cardiac ischemia;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• dysfunction of the kidneys and thyroid gland;
• brain tumors;
• phlebeurysm;
• low pressure;
• vascular atherosclerosis;
• diabetes.

This pathological condition can also be caused by harmless reasons, for example, walking bareheaded in cold weather or excessive alcohol consumption. Often, cerebral vasospasm is caused by strong emotions, including positive ones.

People at risk for developing spasms include:

• whose relatives suffered a stroke or heart attack;
• with an unbalanced character;
• prone to blood clots;
• having bad habits;
• sensitive to weather changes.

At-risk groups

Spasm of blood vessels in the head (symptoms of the disease during overwork can be very pronounced, and are significantly blurred in the case of the development of chronic oxygen starvation caused by impaired capillary tone) several years ago was found mainly in older people, but in recent years the disease has become much younger, increasingly affecting constantly busy residents big cities.

In addition to the older generation, who are faced with the problem of circulatory disorders due to thinning of blood vessels and the appearance of plaques, cerebral angiospasm is often observed in people over the age of 30 who are engaged in mental and intellectual work.

People who are considered most sensitive to the appearance of spasms are:

• those suffering from weather dependence;

• smokers and drinkers a lot;
• those suffering from diabetes;
• having a tendency to form blood clots;
• having a family history of a hereditary predisposition to heart attacks or strokes.

Symptoms

Angiospasm in adults can have single symptoms or manifest as a complex of symptoms:

• headache, which can be of varying intensity and begins with a local focus, and after some time spreads to the entire head;
• heaviness or feeling of squeezing in the head;
• dizziness;
• instability when walking and standing;
• nausea;
• temporary memory impairment;
• fatigue, fatigue;
• pale skin;
• hyperhidrosis;
• flashing before the eyes of colored zigzags, dots, “flies”;
• tingling and numbness of the limbs;
• decreased visual acuity;
• noise in ears.

Angiospasm often develops quickly and sharply, and its symptoms appear suddenly. But sometimes the pathology takes on a chronic form, in which the symptoms of spasm have a milder manifestation, but in this case it is dangerous due to its complications.

The most dangerous thing is ischemic stroke, the development of which is provoked by complete closure of the vascular lumen.

Angiospasm also occurs in children. The symptoms of cerebral vascular spasms are almost the same in them as in adults. This pathology can lead to ischemia, which is fraught with such dangerous consequences as developmental delay, neuropathy, paresis, deafness, and blindness. As they grow older, these children often suffer from severe migraine attacks.

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Characteristics of pathology and its types

Spasm of blood vessels in the head (symptoms of the pathology are given below in the article) is a sharp, sudden decrease in the width of capillaries and arterioles caused by overwork, increased blood pressure or hormonal imbalance.

A severe headache that appears as a result of narrowing (cerebral vasospasm) is accompanied by a disturbance in the circulation of blood flowing to the brain and can cause the development of a stroke, leading to disability.

Suspension of blood flow is a potentially lethal pathology if it provokes a long-term malnutrition of the brain, leading to the death of its cells.

By every appearance of a spasm, some scientists mean a micro-stroke, which is not entirely true, since in most cases there is not a long-term, but a temporary acute disruption of oxygen blood flow, which does not lead to fatal consequences.

There are 3 types of cerebral vasospasm:

• angiodystonic, with mild symptoms and rapid normalization of the patient’s condition;
• angiodystrophic, accompanied by the appearance of dizziness and excessive weakness, as well as changing the condition of blood vessels;
• cerebral necrotic, causing loss of consciousness, disorders of motor, speech and visual functions.

Each type of spasm begins with a disruption of blood flow in the brain, lasting from several hours to a day. The first type, caused by overwork, is characterized by a temporary narrowing of the lumen, causing headaches with nausea and vomiting and recovery within several hours.

The second and third types are caused by metabolic disorders and lead to fatigue, lethargy and other asthenic syndromes.

During the pathology:

• Only small vessels of the brain spasm;
• not the entire brain suffers, but only its individual fibers, since the disorder is not generalized;
• Painful sensations manifest themselves in attacks, each of which lasts from several hours to 1-2 days.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you experience frequent dizziness and headaches, you should consult a doctor, because spasm of the arteries without treatment leads to various complications. To find out the cause of the pathological condition, a specialist interviews the patient, measures blood pressure, studies the results of blood tests and the condition of the blood vessels of the eyeball.

To make an accurate diagnosis, an MRI or X-ray of the cervical spine is performed, as well as a magnetic resonance examination of the vessels of the head. Duplex scanning is performed to assess the condition of the arteries, the speed of blood flow and detect plaques and blood clots.

The most informative will be CT or MRI, which are performed using a contrast agent. Based on the patient’s complaints and research results, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

How to quickly remove

To provide first aid to the patient and help quickly relieve spasm before visiting a doctor, you must:

• wash it with cold water;
• provide access to fresh air;
• make foot baths with cold water for 10 minutes;
• give warm tea;
• put the patient in a horizontal position and ensure him peace;
• Gently massage the collar area, neck, temples.

The following drugs can be given:

• painkillers - Tempalgin, Ketanov, Analgin;
• antispasmodics - Andipal, Spazmalgon, No-shpu, Papazol;
• Nitroglycerin or Validol;
• sedatives - Valerian, Corvalol.

If the headache lasts for a long time and is not relieved by medications or other methods, you should urgently seek medical help.

How to remove using home methods

There are many ways to treat cerebral vascular spasms at home. In order for the vascular walls to be stronger and retain their elasticity, and for blood circulation to normalize, it is necessary:

• include a large amount of raw vegetables, fruits, and herbs in your diet every day;
• remove fried foods, chocolate, mayonnaise, black tea, coffee, smoked meats, and fatty meats from the menu;
• drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily;
• wash your feet in cold water or use a contrast shower;
• do physical exercise.

Self-massage

It is recommended to do zonal segmental massage during spasm. With relaxed palms they stroke:

• forehead from the bridge of the nose to the temples;
• the back of the head from the neck to the shoulder blades and shoulder joints;
• face from forehead to chin.

Use your fingertips to stroke your temples in a circular motion. After this, the wrist joint is kneaded. To do this, it is wrapped around a ring of the thumb and index fingers of the opposite hand. At the same time, bend and straighten the massaged arm at the elbow. Finally, rub the knee joint with your palms. Massage should be done several times a day for 5 minutes.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy helps relieve vascular spasms. The most commonly used essential oils are:

• lavender - reduces headaches;
• mint - activates blood circulation, relieves pain;
• lemon balm - has an antispasmodic effect, relieves chronic headaches;
• basil - improves blood supply to the brain, dilates blood vessels;
• rosemary - normalizes blood flow, relieves dizziness;
• marjoram - has antispasmodic and analgesic effects.

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To enhance the therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use a mixture of oils, with 1-2 drops of each component being sufficient:

• lavender, chamomile, lemon - 1:1:1;
• sandalwood, basil, sage - 1:1:2.

Rub the oil into the area that hurts the most, then move on to the neck, back of the head, and temples.

Folk recipes

There are many traditional medicine methods that effectively relieve vascular spasm. The most effective ways:

• Thyme infusion. Take 2 tbsp. l. herbs and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for 2 hours, filter and add 3 drops of golden mustache plant juice. The infusion should be stored in the refrigerator. Take it 100 g twice a day. To enhance the effect, you can add 1 tsp to the infusion. garlic juice.
• Herbal decoction. To prepare it, take the following herbs in equal proportions: anise, yarrow, valerian, motherwort, brew as tea and consume 2-3 times a day, 100 g.
• Compress. Take 1 tbsp. l. St. John's wort, dandelion, plantain. Pour a glass of boiling water, cool and put in the refrigerator. A cloth bandage is moistened in a cold infusion and applied to the forehead in case of severe pain.

Treatment with folk remedies for spasms of blood vessels in the head and neck is recommended only after consulting a doctor.

Treatment

You should not treat cerebral angiopathy on your own. The treatment tactics for spasms depend on the cause and should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor. Additionally, during treatment, a course of drugs is prescribed that normalizes blood counts and strengthens the vascular walls.

Stopping an attack

Only a doctor should prescribe medications for the treatment of pathology, but you can relieve a sudden onset of pain yourself:

• taking Spazmalgon, Nurofen, No-shpa tablets;

• washing your face with cold water;
• taking a cold foot bath or a warm shower to relax the body;
• having massaged the temples and back of the head;
• drinking a glass of water or chamomile tea with a spoon of honey or sugar.

If you feel a severe headache, you should lie down with your head on a pillow in a well-ventilated room.

Migraine symptoms are also blocked by cold compresses applied to the sore spot. Such measures will help relieve a migraine attack, but if they occur frequently, you should consult a doctor and conduct the necessary examination.

Medicines

Medicines taken to treat spasms of the blood vessels in the head have a complex effect and help both relieve pain symptoms and improve the general condition of the blood supply. For the treatment of angiopathy the following are prescribed:

Cinnarizine is used for symptoms of vasospasm in the head.
Treatment with the drug improves the nutrition of brain cells . In the presence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, impaired renal, liver or endocrine gland function, concomitant therapy is carried out simultaneously.

Massage

Self-massage will help relieve headache symptoms, helping restore blood flow and reduce intracranial pressure. You need to massage up to 5 times a day, I work on the top of the frontal tubercle and the crown.

You also need to rub paired points located under the earlobes, the area above the bridge of the nose, on the break of the eyebrow and under the occipital protuberances. It is also recommended to conduct several courses of professional massage of the collar area.

Gymnastics

In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to carry out a daily set of exercises that restore muscle tone and normalize blood supply.

The charge should consist of:

• tilting the head to the left, right, forward and backward with maximum amplitude;
• turning the head in different directions;
• raising the shoulders and then moving them back;
• rotating your shoulders back and forth.

All movements should be carried out carefully and without haste, starting from a few minutes a day. If severe pain occurs, exercise should be stopped immediately. Of particular importance is proper breathing during gymnastics, consisting of deep breaths that ensure a sufficient flow of oxygen.

The following will also help cope with overexertion, which provokes vasospasm:

• swimming;

• exercise on cardio equipment;
• dancing or group exercises in the gym;
• yoga;
• bicycle rides
• regular walks in the fresh air.

Operation

In normal cases, when treating spasms of blood vessels in the head, surgical treatment is not required. Surgical intervention is prescribed only if vasoconstriction is caused by injury, brain tumor, or hemorrhagic stroke. Such conditions require emergency, maximally non-traumatic surgical intervention and are accompanied by a long rehabilitation period.

Folk recipes

Alternative medicine can help normalize blood circulation, but cannot replace taking medications.

Changes in diet and lifestyle

In addition to drug treatment and massage, it is also recommended to closely monitor your weight and adhere to proper nutrition, excluding a large number of various fatty, spicy and fried foods. Experts recommend having whole grain porridge for breakfast, and be sure to include fish and seafood in your diet.

Since atherosclerosis is considered one of the main causes of spasms, fatty, smoked and fried foods, as well as sweet carbonated drinks and dairy products should be completely avoided if you have problems with blood vessels.

Doctors advise drinking tea and coffee in small quantities, and if possible replacing them with herbal infusions of rose hips and valerian, which help strengthen the vascular wall.

For those suffering from cerebral angiopathy, doctors recommend:

• Include a wide variety of vegetables in your diet:
• replace milk with kefir and other fermented milk products;
• give preference to lean types of meat and chicken;
• do not abuse salt and sugar;

According to experts, eating cherries and cherries, which have the ability to dissolve plaques and improve vascular permeability, will bring enormous benefits to vascular health.

It is also of great importance to maintain a proper drinking regime, including at least 2 liters of fluid per day, and you should also:

• stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages;
• get proper rest and establish a daily routine;
• avoid stress and scandals if possible;
• do not overwork and carefully monitor the level of mental and mental stress;
• carry out oral sanitation in a timely manner.

Other treatments

The use of physiotherapy, including:

• electrophoresis, with bromine and novocaine;
• darsonvalization;
• drinking oxygen cocktails.

A course of manual therapy will strengthen the muscles of the back and shoulder girdle, get rid of compactions and reduce the frequency of headaches. Aromatherapy using candles with jasmine, lavender and ylang-ylang oils will help you relax and relieve vascular tone.

How to treat with tablets

The attending physician must prescribe medications for angiospasms. Medicines for spasms normalize the patient's condition.

Eufillin

The main component of the drug is theophylline, which has vasodilating and antispasmodic properties. The drug helps reduce the tone of blood vessels, intracranial pressure, and reduce cerebral edema.

The tablets have a beneficial effect on respiratory function and help saturate the blood with oxygen.

For spasm of blood vessels in the head, it can be taken in the following dosage: 6-8 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

Spasmalgon

The drug contains 3 main components:

• metamizole sodium - has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects;
• pitofenone hydrochloride - relieves spasms of smooth muscles and blood vessels;
• fenpiverinium bromide - blocks pain impulses sent to the brain and relaxes smooth muscles.

The medicine is taken 3 times a day after meals. It effectively relieves sharp and severe headaches. But the drug cannot be used for a long time, because Nausea may appear, allergies may develop, heart disease, stomach and duodenal ulcers may worsen. If a child experiences vasospasm, treatment with this remedy is not recommended. Spasmalgon can cause disruption of the liver and brain.

Papaverine

When treating spasms with medications, the doctor often prescribes Papaverine. This drug has a powerful antispasmodic effect, effectively dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow. Relieves muscle spasms in the ureters, gastrointestinal tract, peripheral vessels and cerebral arteries.

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The medication is often used in combination with other drugs. After entering the body, Papaverine is absorbed almost immediately, and its maximum effect is achieved after 30 minutes. The drug can lead to the development of a large number of side effects.

Cinnarizine

The medication blocks microscopic calcium channels, thereby reducing the contractility of vascular smooth muscle. Therefore, the drug is often used to relieve spasms. It increases the elasticity of blood vessels, thins the blood, reduces the effect of the autonomic system, which helps reduce attacks of dizziness. This medicine may cause irritation to the stomach lining.

Bendazole

The medication has adaptogenic, vasodilating and immunostimulating effects. It affects blood vessels, effectively relaxing muscle fibers, so it is often prescribed to treat brain spasms. The medication is well tolerated, but it is not recommended to take it for a long time.

Why are they dangerous?

In the first stages of development, pathology can lead to :

• decreased performance;
• rapid fatigue;
• visual and auditory disorders.

In the future, if no measures are taken to eliminate the disease, vascular spasms can lead to more serious consequences , such as:

• memory losses;
• speech disorders;
• disorientation in space;
• difficulties with self-identification;
• disability;
• death.

Prevention

To increase vascular tone, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. It involves quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The next preventive measure is proper nutrition. It is forbidden to consume refined foods and those containing animal fats, because they contribute to the appearance of cholesterol plaques, which adhere to the walls of blood vessels and narrow their lumen.

To keep your blood vessels healthy, you need to include in the menu:

• cereals;
• fruits and vegetables;
• seafood;
• legumes;
• berries and freshly squeezed juices;
• lean fish and poultry;
• dairy and fermented milk products with a small percentage of fat content.

Also, in order to prevent vascular spasm, it is recommended to exercise. Thanks to physical activity, even minor ones, the internal organs are fully supplied with blood, and oxygen flows more actively to the brain.

You need to get enough sleep. For the vessels to recover, they need 8 hours. It is recommended to sleep in a cool room, preferably on an orthopedic mattress, so that the body can relax. Vascular angiospasm occurs due to chronic stress. Negative emotions increase blood pressure, and smooth muscles contract strongly.

Prevention of cerebral vascular spasms

Prevention of the disease consists primarily of revising your eating style.

The daily diet should consist of fish, cereals, parsley, dill, carrots, onions, beets, garlic, legumes, seaweed, green apples, pumpkin, white cabbage, green tea.

Foods to avoid:

• animal fats in large quantities;
• high fat dairy products;
• Black tea;
• coffee;
• chocolate in large quantities;
• cheese;
• mayonnaise;
• sausage;
• fried foods.

Additional preventive measures:

• hardening procedures;
• physical activity, sports;
• sleep at least 8 hours a day;
• massage;
• drink herbal teas;
• avoid overwork and stress;
• minimize alcohol and nicotine consumption;
• drink more clean still water;
• regularly monitor your health status.

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Possible consequences and prognosis for the disease

The resulting spasms contribute to:

• fatigue;
• decreased performance;
• deterioration of hearing and vision.

The most severe consequences include the development of stroke. This disease leads to disability or death. Often the patient experiences deterioration in speech and memory loss.

With timely treatment, in 70-80% of cases, mild vascular spasms are reduced and do not lead to the development of severe consequences. Despite the fact that the prognosis is favorable, it is important not to ignore this problem.

Prognosis and complications

With therapy in 77-80% of cases, the frequency of vasospasms decreases, and severe microcirculation disorders do not occur. In 23-25% of patients, symptoms disappear completely or do not disappear at all. Severe disorders of cerebral microcirculatory processes are observed in 5% of patients. In general, the prognosis for the disease is favorable.

At the initial stage of the pathology, the patient is less able to work, he quickly gets tired, his vision and hearing deteriorate.

If there is no treatment, vasospasm is complicated by:

• ONMK;
• aneurysm;
• cerebral ischemia;
• hemorrhage into the cranial cavity;
• necrosis of brain tissue.

If symptoms of the disease appear, you should urgently consult a doctor; self-medication will lead to adverse consequences.