How to cure cerebral atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis of the brain. What is this? Classification

Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a specific disease in which the vessels of the head, which supply the organ with oxygen and nutrients, are narrowed due to the deposition of cholesterol on their inner surface. The disease is often called cerebral atherosclerosis, but this is not entirely true. With cerebral atherosclerosis, all vessels are affected, including capillaries, and with cerebral atherosclerosis, cholesterol plaques form only in large main and medium-sized arteries.

With cerebral atherosclerosis, acute or chronic cerebral circulatory failure or ischemia of organ tissue develops. At the same time, the indicated pathological changes have a sluggish development with manifestation (exacerbation) after 50 years.

Patients suffering from cerebral atherosclerosis are unaware of the existence of the pathology for a long time.

The classification of the disease distinguishes the following groups of diseases depending on the location and name of the vessels in which cholesterol deposition occurs:

• With atherosclerosis of the extracranial segments of the main arteries of the head, damage occurs to the carotid arteries (common, external and internal), brachiocephalic trunk, lingual and facial arteries, maxillary, occipital and vertebral arteries. In addition, the superficial temporal and posterior parotid arteries are affected.
• With atherosclerosis of the intracranial arteries of the brain, damage occurs to the right anterior and right posterior cerebral arteries, the left central cerebral artery, the basilar and right internal carotid arteries.
• With diffuse atherosclerosis, both groups of arteries are affected (both extracranial and intracranial), and small vessels of the brain and capillaries are also damaged multiple times.

Both groups of cerebral artery atherosclerosis lead to significant impairments in the throughput of smaller vessels and capillaries, which inevitably affects the functioning of the central nervous system. Based on the type of changes in large vessels during pathology, two forms of the disease are distinguished:

1. With non-stenotic atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head, the vessels do not lose flexibility, and the narrowing of their lumen is achieved due to a layer of cholesterol deposited on the walls.
2. With stenotic atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head, the walls of blood vessels in certain areas become less elastic due to an increase in the number of connective tissue fibers. They cannot stretch (relax), which is why pronounced narrowing (stenosis) is constantly present in pathological foci.

As for the classification according to the type of course, the disease may have the following features:

• with a remitting course, the disease progresses in waves - symptoms gradually increase, but between exacerbations there are long periods of rest or remission;
• with slowly progressing atherosclerosis of the vessels of the head, symptoms are constantly present, but their intensity increases slowly, and periods of their complete absence are not recorded;
• in an acute course, symptoms arise suddenly and become severe with extensive damage to organ tissue;
• with malignant development, patients experience rapid development of ischemic stroke, and then dementia and dementia.

If cerebral atherosclerosis is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not started, in 90% or more patients will develop irreversible changes in the central nervous system.

Complex therapy of atherosclerosis

Age-related changes and diseases of the endocrine system (for example, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism), which are accompanied by a general metabolic disorder, directly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamins necessary for strengthening the vascular wall and proper metabolism, antioxidant drugs for the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis are recommended not only in food, but also prescribed in the form of tablets and injections in a course.

Blockage of a vessel supplying blood to the brain can result in an ischemic stroke. Since it is the increase in the level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and cholesterol that plays a decisive role in the progress of atherosclerosis, therapy is primarily aimed at reducing their amount in the circulating blood.

The disease is closely related to metabolic characteristics. A low-cholesterol and low-fat diet and physical activity play just as important a role as medications. When preventive measures and the body's reserves are not enough, drug therapy is prescribed.

It is possible to say which medicine for cerebral atherosclerosis will be the most effective only individually, taking into account the rate of development of the disease and concomitant pathology.

We recommend reading the article about atherosclerosis of the neck vessels. From it you will learn about the causes of the disease, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Vitamins

You can't live without vitamins. These are ascorbic acid, vitamins P, E, A, and B vitamins, as the most beneficial for the blood vessels of the brain.

It is also advisable to prescribe vitamin-mineral complexes containing magnesium, selenium, and potassium to compensate for their possible deficiency in the diet. An important role is played by maintaining the function of the thyroid gland, for which iodine preparations are prescribed.

Vitamins and microelements in this case refer not only to preventive, but also to therapeutic drugs that restore the structure and tone of the walls of blood vessels, so you should not neglect them.

Fibrates and statins

To prevent the growth of atherosclerotic plaque, drugs are prescribed that reduce the level of blood triglycerides (including cholesterol): fibrates (Fenofibrate, Ciprofibrate, Gemfibrozil, Clofibrate) and statins (Atoris, Mertenil, Liprimar, Zocor).

Drugs affecting cholesterol metabolism

Blood cholesterol levels are also helped by drugs that slow down its absorption in the intestine: Ezetimibe (Ezetrol) and fatty acid sequesters (Choletide, Colestipol, Cholestyramine).

When taking fibrates and statins, periodic monitoring of blood cholesterol and ultrasound examination of the thickness of vessel walls is advisable. If treatment is effective, then these indicators should not worsen during the year.

Antiplatelet agents and thrombolytics

Impaired blood flow speed, blood rheological properties and an increased rate of blood clot formation are frequent companions of atherosclerosis. Preparations based on salicylic acid (Aspirin, Thrombo Ass), Cardiomagnyl, Doxy-chem, which are often prescribed in the treatment of coronary heart disease, are also useful for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.

Medicines to stabilize blood pressure

The work and metabolism of brain cells directly depend on proper blood circulation. The supply of oxygen and nutrients is disrupted not only by a decrease in the lumen of blood vessels, but also by a change in their tone. Arterial spasms, characteristic of hypertension, especially in the presence of crises and transient ischemic conditions, aggravate the course of cerebral atherosclerosis and lead to the gradual development of discirculatory encephalopathy with dizziness, impaired cognitive functions, headaches, and sleep disorders.

Treatment of hypertension and arterial hypertension is carried out after examination and identification of the main causes of increased pressure: atherosclerotic process, vascular dysfunction, renal changes, etc.

Drugs that improve cerebral circulation

Cavinton (vinpocetine), Trental (pentoxifylline) - these drugs improve microcirculation and metabolism in tissues for cerebral atherosclerosis.

Vasodilators and antispasmodics: aminophylline, dibazol, gingko biloba, detralex, etc. are prescribed to relieve possible vascular spasms and restore cerebral blood flow. Medicines based on nicotinic acid (nikoshpan), in addition to dilating capillaries, also help reduce cholesterol.

Calcium antagonists (Cinnarizine), with a predominant effect on cerebral vessels, can also be prescribed in the absence of contraindications.

Nootropics and antioxidants

Lack of blood circulation, and as a result, nutrition of brain cells, leads to their damage and death. To restore cell function, nootropic and antioxidant drugs are prescribed.

Nootropics. Nootropil (Piracetam), Cortexin, Aminalon, Cerebrolysin, Pantocalcin (Pantogam) help overcome such manifestations of atherosclerosis as impaired memory, attention, and decreased intellectual capabilities of the brain.

Antioxidants. Under the influence of antioxidants (Neurox, Mexidol), the toxic effect on cells of metabolic products is reduced, the need for oxygen is met, and cellular functions are restored.

Causes of the disease

Experts have identified many causes of cerebral atherosclerosis, which in most cases are combined with each other. The main and most common phenomenon that leads to the deposition of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels of the brain is age. After 50 years, this disease occurs to one degree or another in 8 out of 10 people. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but scientists are inclined to believe that the body’s inability to remove harmful lipids from the body is caused by a natural slowdown in metabolism and changes in hormonal levels.

In addition, the risk of atherosclerosis at a young age can be affected by:

• unbalanced diet with a predominance of fatty, fried foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, hot spices in the menu against the background of an insufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits;
• irregular eating, when periods of acute hunger alternate with eating excessive amounts of food;
• diseases associated with metabolic disorders - diabetes, obesity, hypo- and hyperthyroidism and others;
• physical inactivity or lack of physical activity and resulting obesity;
• bad habits - smoking and alcoholism, which provoke vasoconstriction and affect the circulatory system as a whole.

Doctors do not rule out the influence of a genetic factor. According to statistics, 9 out of 10 people suffering from cerebral atherosclerosis have immediate relatives who also encountered diseases caused by the deposition of cholesterol in the circulatory system.

Since atherosclerosis very often occurs against the background of hypertension, experts classify this disease as a provoking one. Since stress is the main cause of high blood pressure, it is also considered indirectly involved in the occurrence of pathology. Under the influence of psycho-emotional factors, blood vessels can change their tone several times during the day (contract and relax), as a result of which microdamages form on their inner surface. On such wounds, cholesterol settles quite quickly, forming plaques.

Despite identifying the main sources of the disease, doctors cannot identify the main cause of cerebral atherosclerosis. They call this disease polyetiological, that is, developing as a result of a combination of several factors.

What is stenosis

Atherosclerosis of the cervical vessels, as a local manifestation of a systemic disorder of cholesterol metabolism, is the main cause of stenosis of the carotid arteries. In normal condition, these vessels resemble a “flexible tube”, have smooth walls, and are elastic. With age, due to high blood pressure and damage, fat, cholesterol, calcium and connective tissue fibers can accumulate in their walls, and an atherosclerotic plaque is formed.

Gradually, the amount of these deposits increases, which leads to loss of elasticity (the ability to narrow and expand), narrowing of the lumen (the size of the internal diameter of the artery decreases) and, as a result, an obstacle to normal blood flow. Having reached certain critical values ​​(usually more than 50%), stenosis leads to ischemia of the organ, a condition when the volume of blood supplied becomes insufficient for the normal functioning of the brain, and symptoms of the disease occur.

Why is cerebral atherosclerosis dangerous?

Despite the efforts that doctors make to prevent the disease, atherosclerosis remains one of the most common diseases. It ranks second in the ranking of the most dangerous causes of neurological disorders and 45% of cardiovascular pathologies. The main dangers of atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the brain are the following consequences:

• single neurological disorders - decreased vision, impaired hearing, memory, inability to perform logical operations, to foresee the consequences of one’s actions;
• vasomotor disorders in the form of absence or decreased sensitivity of individual parts of the body and limbs, paresis and paralysis, decreased motor skills;
• mental disorders in which a person loses his own identity, cannot interact with the outside world and sometimes poses a threat to others due to deviant behavior.

But this is not the worst thing about this pathology of cerebral vessels. With this disease, there is a high probability of acute, irreversible processes occurring. According to statistics, with cerebral atherosclerosis, disability of varying degrees is assigned to 80% of patients who seek help from a doctor.

If the disease was not monitored by specialists, and the patient did not undergo comprehensive treatment, the prognosis for life with cerebral atherosclerosis is more dismal:

• 75% of patients develop persistent neurological disorders that are not amenable to therapy;
• in 60% of patients, mental activity deteriorates to the point of dementia;
• In 90% of patients, an exacerbation occurs, which ends with ischemia of various parts of the brain, in which systemic pathologies are observed that require constant medical care for the patient.

It is noteworthy that even with timely and adequate therapy, negative consequences are inevitable. Modern medicine offers treatment regimens that help reduce their severity and reduce the likelihood of death, but completely getting rid of symptoms is only possible if the disease is detected at the initial stage.

Principles of treatment

Patients with atherosclerosis need to be treated throughout their lives. It is possible to completely get rid of the disease only if therapy is started at the initial stage of development of vascular pathology.

Treatment of atherosclerosis is complex and includes:

• taking specialized medications;
• nutrition correction;
• surgical intervention;
• use of traditional methods;
• reduction in physical activity.

For atherosclerosis, a set of exercises is often used, the effect of which is aimed at normalizing cerebral circulation.

Drugs for vascular atherosclerosis are selected based on the current stage of development of the disease. It is also necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the presence of contraindications to taking certain medications.

Drug therapy

For cerebral atherosclerosis, drug treatment is aimed at achieving several goals:

• restoration of blood circulation;
• prevention of thrombosis development;
• prevention of destruction of atherosclerotic plaques;
• maintaining normal blood pressure.

To restore blood circulation the following are used:

• calcium channel blockers (“Flunarizine”, “Nimodipine”, “Cinnarizine”);
• phosphodiesterase inhibitors (Theophylline, Pentoxifylline, Vinpocetine);
• alpha-blockers (“Nitroglycerin”).

These drugs are available in capsules or tablets. These medications are allowed to be taken in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.

To prevent vascular thrombosis, aspirin is mainly used. This substance prevents the formation of blockages in the arteries. A good effect is also achieved by taking cyclooxygenase inhibitors and thienopyrides.

Aspirin is recommended to be used simultaneously with Clopidogrel. This combination increases the effectiveness of overall treatment.

To stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, statins are used: Simvastatin, Atorvastatin and others. Medicines in this group not only prevent the destruction of vascular formations, but also prevent the development of the inflammatory process.

It is recommended to take bile acid sequestrants along with statins. The latter help reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Taking nicotinic acid for cerebral atherosclerosis is not justified due to the high toxicity of the substance.

Instead of the latter, fibic acid derivatives are prescribed to restore lipid balance. Such drugs are usually included in combination treatment.

Due to the fact that the disease provokes circulatory disorders, blood pressure often increases against the background of atherosclerosis. To prevent the development of hypertension, use:

• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (Captopril, Enalapril, Cilazapril);
• angiotensin receptor antagonists (Valsortan, Angiocand, Ibertan).

The course of atherosclerosis reduces the antioxidant protection of blood plasma. Therefore, it is recommended to cure the disease by:

• vitamin E;
• ascorbic acid;
• "Actovegina";
• iodine-based preparations.

Depending on the nature of the clinical picture, the general treatment of atherosclerosis is supplemented with drugs that relieve individual symptoms:

• psychotropic drugs;
• antidepressants;
• tranquilizers;
• cholinesterase inhibitors.

Drugs of the last group are used if the development of dementia is diagnosed. In cases where treatment of atherosclerosis is carried out in a clinical setting, drugs are introduced into the body through droppers.

Folk recipes

Before starting treatment at home, the selected medications must be agreed with your doctor. It is highly not recommended to get rid of pathology using the described recipes while giving up medications.

Treatment of pathology is carried out mainly with the help of herbal decoctions. There are many recipes to help prevent the development of atherosclerosis and normalize cerebral circulation.

For brain damage, use a mixture of yarrow, mistletoe herb, periwinkle leaves, horsetail, and hawthorn flowers. The first plant will need 40 g, the rest - 20 g each. 1 tbsp. l. The mixture should be filled with cold water (1 cup is enough). The composition should infuse for three hours. Then the product is placed on high heat and boiled for 5 minutes. After this, it is necessary to infuse the composition again (no more than 15 minutes).

A decoction obtained from a mixture of inflorescences and fruits of hawthorn, mistletoe herb, chamomile and valerian root is considered effective. To prepare the medicine, you need to take 30 g of these ingredients and mix them together. Next 1 tbsp. l. of the composition is poured with boiling water (1 glass is enough) and boiled for three minutes. The product is infused for 10 minutes. The medicine should be taken for 20 days, half a glass shortly before meals (about 10 minutes). Then treatment must be suspended for 2 weeks and then repeated.

A 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution is used to clean blood vessels. This substance is pre-mixed with 50 ml of water. The resulting composition should be taken three times a day for a month.

General therapy for atherosclerosis is recommended to be supplemented with the intake of foods containing large quantities of vitamins and minerals. Honey is optimal for these purposes. In the treatment of vascular pathology, two recipes based on beekeeping products are used:

1. Honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice and vegetable oil (1 tsp each) are mixed together. The composition must be taken on an empty stomach for 2-4 weeks.
2. Golden mustache and plantain are wrung out and then mixed together (proportion 1 to 20). The resulting composition is heated in a water bath. When the mixture boils, you need to add honey in a similar amount. 2 tbsp. l. The medication should be taken twice a day after meals.

Mumiyo ensures rapid recovery from atherosclerosis. The latter stimulates the regeneration of cells in the vascular walls. To treat atherosclerotic plaques, it is recommended to dissolve a small amount of mumiyo twice a day (before breakfast and bedtime). You can also take 5 g of balm and mix with 150 ml of aloe juice. This remedy should be taken 1 tsp. for two weeks.

Surgical intervention

Radical intervention is used if diagnostic results show a narrowing of blood vessels by more than 50% of the original size (detected in 45% of patients). Treatment in this case is carried out using the following methods:

1. Endovascular treatment. The method involves inserting a thin catheter into the femoral or brachial artery, through which the problematic vessel is stenated (a spring is installed).
2. Open surgery. This method is used if atherosclerotic plaques are located in the carotid artery (on the neck).

In addition to stenting, transluminal angioplasty, vascular replacement and other techniques are used for atherosclerosis.

Diet food

If atherosclerosis is diagnosed, patients are advised to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. The latter are found in flaxseed oil, yellow fish and nuts.

If you have atherosclerosis, it is forbidden to consume:

• fermented milk products, fish, meat with high fat content;
• chocolate products;
• baked goods;
• spicy, smoked and salty dishes;
• strong tea and coffee.

Every day the patient should consume:

• garlic;
• cabbage and other vegetables;
• fresh fruits (lemon, orange, etc.);
• honey;
• wheat bran;
• low-fat fermented milk products;
• vegetable oils;
• walnuts;
• seaweed.

The diet is developed by the doctor taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. In particular, if the disease develops against the background of diabetes, it is recommended to minimize honey consumption.

Products should be boiled or steamed. To prevent blood thickening, you need to drink no more than 1.5 liters of fluid per day.

Symptoms of pathology

Obvious clinical signs of cerebral atherosclerosis appear long after the onset of cholesterol deposition. Symptoms appear after the internal diameter of the main arteries and smaller capillaries of the brain narrows so much that the volume of blood flowing to the organ decreases by 15% or more.

Clinical symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis vary depending on the stage of development of the disease:

1. At the initial stage, in patients, signs of pathology appear only with an increase in physical and psycho-emotional stress and disappear quite quickly upon transition to rest. They are expressed in asthenia, which is accompanied by weakness, fatigue, lethargy and deterioration of concentration and attention. In isolated cases, sleep disturbances occur in the form of insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Most patients complain of headaches and tinnitus. The ability to remember new information is noticeably reduced.
2. With further progression, atherosclerosis is accompanied by mental disorders in the form of increased suspiciousness, mood swings, a tendency to depression and anxiety. Memory impairments become more pronounced: the patient forgets the events of the current day and gets confused in his memories. Headache and tinnitus become permanent. With progressive atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the brain, persistent speech disturbances (blurredness, changes in diction), vestibular disorders in the form of dizziness and gait instability are observed. Productive activity is rapidly declining due to deterioration of vision and hearing, tremors of the limbs and head, and inability to think clearly and logically.
3. The final stage of atherosclerosis of the head is accompanied by dementia or dementia. The intellect weakens significantly, the patient reasons and behaves like a child or acquires unusual aggressiveness or tearfulness. Most patients experience complete or partial loss of memory, detachment, and lack of interest in the objects and events around them. Patients lose the ability to navigate in space and time. Such patients require constant monitoring and care due to the complete loss of self-care skills.

The last stage of the disease is irreversible and has no tendency to regression (weakening and reduction) of symptoms. Therefore, it is important to identify atherosclerotic changes in the vessels of the head at the initial stages. This is the only way to preserve the patient’s basic self-care skills and preserve memory.

Diagnostics

Neurologists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis of large and smaller vessels in the brain. It is to them that the patient is referred when presenting complaints that directly or indirectly indicate pathology. To begin with, an oral examination of the patient is performed to collect anamnesis and complaints, then a series of tests are performed. Evidence in favor of the disease is:

• the patient’s inability to look up (horizontal nystagmus);
• atypical increase or decrease in reflexes, most often asymmetric;
• inability to maintain balance in a standing position (legs together) and with arms extended forward;
• weakness and trembling of fingers on outstretched arms;
• inability to bring a finger to the tip of the nose with eyes closed.

Such signs of the disease are still considered indirect, so the patient is prescribed a comprehensive examination with the involvement of other specialists. So, if you have visual impairment, you will need to consult an ophthalmologist, and if you have hearing impairment, you will need to consult an otolaryngologist.

In addition, the comprehensive diagnosis of cerebral atherosclerosis includes instrumental vascular studies:

• angiography of cerebral vessels;
• radioencephalogram (REG);
• Doppler ultrasound of cerebral vessels (USGD);
• duplex scanning of the head;
• MRI of cerebral vessels.

If the patient is admitted with signs of ischemic stroke, one of the common complications of atherosclerosis of the head, visualization of cerebral tissues will be required through CT or MRI. The functional state of the brain is checked using an electroencephalogram (EEG).

Dynamic studies of intracranial great vessels and carotid arteries play an important role in the diagnosis of cerebral atherosclerosis. They make it possible to determine the degree of narrowing of the lumen of these areas of the circulatory system.

Based on the data obtained during the examination, the doctor selects a treatment regimen and determines the list of medications necessary for the patient.

What groups of drugs are used

For the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis, drugs are selected taking into account the causes of excess cholesterol in the blood and the degree of vascular damage. It is impossible to get by with just one name of medicine for such a disease, since it requires influence on various mechanisms occurring in the body and affecting the clinical picture:

• fat metabolism in the body and synthesis of low-density lipoproteins in the liver;
• the process of absorption of cholesterol from food;
• oxidation of cholesterol and destruction of plaques in blood vessels;
• regulation of vascular tone;
• restoration of normal blood viscosity;
• regeneration of vascular walls, etc.

For each of these processes, there is one or more pharmacological groups of drugs. Their classification, brief description and effect on the body are described in the table below.

The doctor can choose medications only after collecting anamnesis and identifying possible contraindications to the use of individual active ingredients.

Treatment of the disease

Therapy for atherosclerosis is always a set of measures aimed at restoring metabolic processes, in which harmful cholesterol will not be absorbed and deposited in the vessels. In addition, it is important to pay attention to restoring blood circulation and nutrition of brain tissue, and preventing attacks of arterial hypertension.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment for cerebral atherosclerosis plays a leading role. In this case, several groups of drugs with different properties are used:

• Antiplatelet agents are drugs that make the blood less viscous and prevent the formation of blood clots. These include “Tiklid”, “Cardiomagnyl”, “Thrombo Ass” and their analogues.
• Statitis are drugs that reduce the size of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels. These include the drugs Zocor, Atoris, Atorvastatin. The use of statins for vascular atherosclerosis helps reduce the risk of life-threatening narrowing of the main arteries of the brain. The drugs either reduce their size or stop their growth.
• Fibrates are drugs similar in action to statins that do not affect the size of cholesterol deposits and plaques, but reduce the concentration of this triglyceride in the blood. Thus, the drugs slow down the progression of the disease.
• Bile acid sequestrants are specific drugs that interfere with the absorption of cholesterol from food.
• Drugs for restoring the functional state of blood vessels - Vinpocetine, Nifedipine, Pentoxifylline.
• Nootropics and drugs that improve neurometabolism - Piracetam, Glycine, Picamilon, products with ginkgo biloba extract. These drugs improve the functioning of the central nervous system and reduce the neurological symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis.
• Antihypertensive drugs that help stabilize blood pressure. With their help, it is possible to avoid life-threatening complications (strokes).

Vitamin and mineral complexes will help improve the general condition of the body. They must contain vitamins B, A, C and nicotinic acid.

The choice of how to treat cerebral atherosclerosis is the doctor’s priority, since many medications have contraindications.

You will need to use medications in long courses. Most of them are taken for life without interruption, periodically adjusting the dosage.

Surgery

Surgery for various forms of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the head is a last resort. It is used in the following situations:

• with occlusion of the carotid arteries (narrowing of the lumen) by 70% or more;
• after a minor stroke with total blockage of small vascular branches of the brain;
• with repeated transistor ischemic attacks.

Several types of surgical interventions are used:

1. Endarterectomy - removal of plaques and cholesterol deposits along with a small area of ​​tissue lining the vessel from the inside (intima).
2. Bypass surgery is the creation of a new vessel that bypasses the area affected by cholesterol deposits.
3. Endoscopic stenting is the installation of an expanding structure into a vessel, which is impregnated with a composition that dissolves cholesterol.

After the operation, you continue to take the medications prescribed by your doctor, since the risk of plaque formation in other areas of the vessels cannot be ruled out.

Diet

Before treating cerebral atherosclerosis with special drugs, patients need to adjust to lifestyle changes. Since the disease very often progresses against the background of poor nutrition or lifestyle, they will have to follow a strict diet:

• reduce the amount of meat consumed, especially red and high-fat;
• reduce the amount of eggs (yolks) in the diet;
• limit the consumption of vegetable solid fats (margarine);
• limit the consumption of baked goods and sweets;
• give up fast food, canned food and sausages;
• give up alcohol.

Despite strict restrictions, the diet of a patient with cerebral atherosclerosis is varied, because the menu must always include cereals (buckwheat, rice, millet, barley, flax, oats and others), fresh, dried and pickled vegetables, fresh, dried and dried fruits, chicken or turkey fillet, sea and river fish.

It is advisable to prepare food by boiling or steaming; stewing and baking on the grill or in the oven are suitable. It is advisable to eat regularly, at least 5 times a day.

Choice of drugs

Your doctor will help you figure out how to treat cerebral atherosclerosis and what medications will be most effective. It must be remembered that no disease is an isolated process and before prescribing medications, a number of necessary tests are carried out:

• blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels;
• blood sugar;
• serum ferritin, fibrinogen, C - reactive protein, etc.;

The amount of these substances in the blood (increased iron content or indicators of chronic inflammation) will determine the rate of changes in the vascular wall, increasing the risk of thrombosis and growth of atherosclerotic plaque.

Tablets for cerebral atherosclerosis can be combined with injection or drip administration of drugs, at the discretion of the doctor and depending on the required intensity of therapy.

If a stroke is suspected and to exclude tumor damage to the brain, a CT and MRI examination is performed before prescribing treatment.

You should not self-medicate and take vascular medications without first consulting a doctor - this may worsen the condition.

Prognosis and prevention

Prognosis for atherosclerosis cannot be unambiguous and equivalent for everyone. The outcome of the disease can be influenced by factors such as compliance with the doctor’s recommendations regarding nutrition and lifestyle, regularity of taking medications, genetic characteristics of the patient, his age and the presence of concomitant diseases.

The most unfavorable prognosis is for patients who have been unable to give up smoking and other bad habits, as well as for those who move little, are overweight, have poor nutrition, or are regularly stressed (angry, irritated, offended, or worried about loved ones). This category of patients in 80% of cases is subject to severe disability with loss of self-care skills and interaction with the outside world. In addition, they have a high risk of death.

Prevention of the development and occurrence of complications of cerebral atherosclerosis consists of quitting smoking, moderate physical activity and a balanced diet. It is also necessary to exclude negative psycho-emotional reactions. Sometimes this requires a course of sedatives.

Causes and risk factors

One of the main reasons for its development is a disorder of lipid metabolism.
As a result, fatty deposits (plaques) form on the walls of the cervical arteries. Narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels in the neck often occurs due to a deficiency of vitamins B6 in the body (12). Poor nutrition and frequent stress play a significant role in the development of the disease. That is why young people under the age of 30 are increasingly affected.

There are also a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include the following groups of people:

• Patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Fans of high-calorie junk food.
• Obese persons.
• Patients with congenital pathology of cholesterol metabolism.
• Experienced smokers.
• Persons leading a sedentary lifestyle, etc.