Dyscirculatory Encephalopathy: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DEP) is chronic damage to the brain that occurs when small vessels deliver too little blood and oxygen to it over the years. The disease develops slowly, has three stages, and gradually impairs memory, attention, balance, and mood; in an advanced stage it leaves a person unable to live independently.
In brief:
- Causes: most often long-standing hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes; less often arrhythmias, kidney disease, and the consequences of head injuries.
- Signs: at stage 1, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fast fatigue, and poor sleep; at stage 2, noticeably worse memory and an unsteady gait; at stage 3, dementia and the need for care.
- Which doctor: a neurologist. The diagnosis is made after an examination, neurological tests, and MRI or CT.
- Urgent: sudden weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face, speech problems, or a very severe headache. This may be a stroke, so call 103.
At CSM Clinic in Kyiv, appointments are conducted by a neurologist: an examination, the necessary tests, and selection of treatment suited to your condition.
Dyscirculatory encephalopathy is a disturbance of blood circulation in the brain. The disease has three stages of development. With this diagnosis, brain function is impaired, which affects memory, attention, and other functions.
The causes of dyscirculatory encephalopathy include head injuries and diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arrhythmia, and kidney disease. Congenital angiopathies can also lead to this condition.
Dyscirculatory Encephalopathy: Stages of the Disease
Depending on the stage the disease is at, the symptoms differ somewhat:
- Early stage. Typical features at this stage are headache, dizziness, unsteadiness when walking, ringing in the ears, fast fatigue, and sleep problems.
- Second stage. This period is characterized by a significant decline in memory and noticeable balance problems when walking.
- Third stage. Dementia develops and aggressive behavior appears. All symptoms worsen, urinary incontinence appears, and the person loses the ability to take care of themselves.
However, only a qualified doctor can make the diagnosis of "dyscirculatory encephalopathy" and determine the stage after a series of tests.
Chronic Dyscirculatory Encephalopathy: How to Diagnose It
Diagnosis includes an examination, assessment of symptoms, complete and biochemical blood tests, neurological and psychiatric tests, MRI, and CT. The specialist determines the scope of the necessary tests based on the patient's condition.
For people in a risk group, it is important to have regular medical checkups. The choice of medical facility for diagnosis matters. CSM Clinic in Kyiv specializes in brain-related diseases. The facility has the necessary equipment and experienced specialists.
How to Prevent the Development of Encephalopathy
By giving preference to preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of the disease. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent it:
- a good sleep routine;
- a balanced diet;
- walks in the fresh air;
- giving up harmful habits;
- physical activity;
- keeping body weight under control;
- minimizing salt in food;
- timely treatment of the cardiovascular system.
People predisposed to dyscirculatory encephalopathy need regular preventive checkups to diagnose the disease in time.
Dyscirculatory Encephalopathy: Treatment with Professional Support
One of the main ways to treat the condition is drug therapy. The neurologist's task is to restore normal blood supply to the brain. The specialist selects medicines that normalize blood pressure and improve brain metabolism. In addition, the doctor determines whether surgery is needed to restore blood flow in the affected vessels.
Choosing a good specialist is key here. Incorrect treatment can only do harm and worsen the disease. A neurologist in Kyiv can help make the correct diagnosis and prescribe therapy.
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