Encephalopathy is a collective name that includes single-type lesions of the brain, arising under the influence of various causes. The pathological process is accompanied by the death of individual neurons and the destruction of connections between them. In the absence of medical care leads to progressive deterioration of the condition up to complete degradation of the personality.
About the disease
One of two mechanisms may underlie the pathologic disruption of cerebral neurons:
- Ischemia – insufficient oxygen supply to cells due to vascular damage against the background of arterial hypertension, intracranial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, etc.
- Intoxication – harmful metabolic products are able to poison the neurons of the brain. This situation is observed with regular alcohol abuse, liver disease, kidney disease, etc.
Encephalopathy most often occurs in adults over 50 years of age. However, such brain damage also occurs in newborns (perinatal encephalopathy), as a consequence of intrauterine hypoxia (treated by a pediatric neurologist).
Causes of encephalopathy
Nerve cell damage can occur against the background of exposure to a variety of pathological factors:
- trauma;
- acute or chronic intoxication with salts of heavy metals, drugs, alcohol;
- blood supply disorders (atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, amyloidosis, etc.);
- infectious diseases (diphtheria, botulism, tetanus and others);
- liver or kidney disorders accompanied by accumulation of toxins in the blood;
- disorders of glucose metabolism;
- vitamin deficiency (especially B vitamins);
- water retention, sodium deficiency in the blood and the resulting edema;
- immunodeficiency states;
- exposure to ionizing radiation;
- hypoxia: insufficient oxygen supply to brain cells.
Symptoms of encephalopathy
The symptoms of encephalopathy are organized into 4 groups of syndromes:
- Neuropsychological disorders: reduced intellectual capacity, difficulty in concentrating, depressed mood, emotional disinhibition.
- Motor disorders: slowed gait, shortened stride, speech impairment.
- Autonomic disorders: urinary disorders, lability of blood pressure.
- Other disorders: unsteady posture and unsteady gait.
If the disease is not detected in time, it steadily progresses from the first stage to the second. Gradually, the patient loses the ability to serve himself and becomes dependent on outside help. In advanced cases, even swallowing may be impaired, and pronounced gait and balance disorders lead to falls. Therefore, in case of any suspicious signs of encephalopathy or in the presence of risk factors, it is necessary to visit a neurologist as soon as possible in order to establish a definitive diagnosis.
A list of alarming symptoms when a visit to a neurologist should not be delayed:
- memory impairment;
- prolonged lack of desire to do anything;
- unsteady gait;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- tinnitus;
- forgetfulness and inability to remember new information;
- depressed mood to the point of wishing you were dead.
Complications
Complications of encephalopathy are associated with severe and irreversible brain damage and represent the extremity of the symptoms observed:
- loss of self-care due to motor or cognitive impairment;
- dementia: loss of knowledge and skills to the point of complete personality disintegration;
- loss of vision and hearing;
- severe mental disorders;
- seizures;
- disturbances of consciousness: e.g: coma;
- fatal outcome.
Prevention of encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is a complex disease. There is no clear methodology to prevent its occurrence and eliminate all risk factors. Doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:
- Ensure a full day with alternation of work and rest, adequate sleep at night;
- minimize stress;
- eat a proper and balanced diet, avoid overeating and overweight;
- ensure sufficient intake of vitamins and microelements;
- give up smoking, drugs, alcohol;
- engage in moderate (not professionally) in sports;
- timely identify and treat chronic diseases: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis;
- consult a doctor at the first signs of ill health.
Encephalopathy is a disease that can and should be prevented. The main thing is to constantly take care of your health and not to ignore visits to the doctor.
Diagnosis of encephalopathy
If according to the data of questioning and objective examination, the doctor suspects encephalopathy in the patient, a comprehensive examination is carried out:
- ultrasound assessment of blood flow in the vessels of the neck and head;
- rheoencephalography;
- radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine;
- computerized or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull;
- consultation with an ophthalmologist to assess the condition of the ocular fundus.
Patients are measured blood pressure, a general clinical and biochemical blood test is prescribed. Based on the results of these studies, the cause of encephalopathy is determined.
Conclusion
Encephalopathy is a serious disease that causes damage to the brain and can lead to irreversible changes in the body. The causes of its development are varied: from trauma and intoxication to circulatory and metabolic disorders. Symptoms may include cognitive and motor disorders, as well as changes in emotional state.
To prevent progression of the disease, it is important to seek timely medical attention, undergo examinations and follow a healthy lifestyle. Prevention and early diagnosis play a key role in the successful treatment of encephalopathy.
