Syndrome of the vertebral artery with cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

The so-called vertebrobasilar has a special place in the list of disorders related to cervical osteochondrosis. Particular, because along with other disorders of cerebral circulation, this pathology not only reduces the patient's quality of life, but without timely treatment, can pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of the patient.

What is vertebrobasilar syndrome?

With , the indrum of the vertebral artery with cervical osteochondrosis - is a complex of disorders, occurred of as a result of hemodynamic disorders in the basin of the vertebral artery. This condition of is about days of complications of cervical on stoichondrosis, is capable, due to the specificity of the anatomical features of the vertebral artery, to lead to the disruption of functioning of in virtually all organs and systems.

is due to in that in addition to subjective discomfort ( pain, dizziness, vision problems),

vertebrogenic syndrome can adversely affect the vital functions of a number of structures of the central nervous system, which causesthreatening health and life conditions.

Causes of

The causes of this pathology lie in the anatomical features of the cervical of the spine and in particular of the artery itself. This paired vessel is a branch of the subclavian artery. Approaching the the sixth mu cervico mu vertebra y, vertebral artery enters the canal formed by the processes of the cervical vertebrae( from the first n on the sixth) .From this channel, the vertebral artery and falls into the skull .

Closing in the bony canal, the vertebral artery is susceptible to and deformity with the slightest instability of the cervical vertebrae , and also with a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs.

Mechanisms of development of vertebrogenic syndrome:

1. Due to arterial deformation, the volume of blood flow in it decreases, which results in impaired blood supply to the basal structures of the brain.
2. Another mechanism for the development of pathological symptoms associated with cervical osteochondrosis is irritation or even infringement of the sympathetic neural bundle that runs along with the vertebral artery. Injury of nerve fibers and leads to a rapid development of neurological symptoms.

So a pathological symptom complex is formed, better known as vertebral artery syndrome in the background of cervical osteochondrosis .

Risk Factors

There are a number of conditions in which there is a more likely syndrome of the vertebral artery in cervical osteochondrosis( the causes of the lie in the pathology of the spine) is:

1. With am osteochondrosis.
2. AND is an overweight body that is characteristic of obesity.
3. Systemic diseases accompanied by metabolic disorders( diabetes, atherosclerosis).
4. Ч is a dramatic emotional-stressful and physical exercise.
5. With , systemic toxic effects( alcohol, nicotine).
6. Genetically determined predisposition to vascular disorders.

Clinical manifestations of

Symptoms of in this vascular pathology of are highly recognizable:

• Pronounced headache characterized by a pulsating character and extending from the posterior surface of the neck to the occiput and from there to the temples and frontal region. More common headache with vertebrogenic syndrome has unilateral localization.

• B is an exfoliating sensation localized to directly on the surface of the scalp.
• : instability instability as during walking 's , t and at rest, wiggling, episodes of dizziness, hearing impairment, audibility of extraneous sounds in the form of ringing ornoise in the ears. " Sinking floor from under the feet" with sharp turns of the head.
• Subjective reduction in visual acuity due to flickering before the eyes of sparks, flies, fog or shroud, sensations of sand in the eyes.
• N Muscle tension and tenderness of the neck( especially with palpation) .
• Episodes of numbness in any part of the face.
• Violations of in the cardiovascular with in the form of episodes of tachycardia, tenderness behind the sternum, a sense of lack of air during inspiration.
• Psychological manifestations in the form of attacks of aggression, panic attacks, depressive states or propensity to apathy.

In addition to the high blood pressure that often accompanies vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis , , the main symptoms of of this vascular disorder in severe cases can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• T is a nausea that occurs at the height of the attack and ends with vomiting.
• P a snap and crunch when commits the movement of the and the in the cervical section of the - the head inclines and turns.
• exacerbation of pathological phenomena with sides s view: double vision before eyes, narrowing of field of view, fuzzy visibility.
• P regression of hearing impairment and increased pathological noise.
• P is an ingestion of the swallowing act.
• Deterioration of skin sensitivity of the lips, mucous membrane of the tongue and pharynx;numbness and paresthesia in these areas.
• P loss of consciousness. Often this state is preceded by a backward deflected position of the head( as, for example, when looking up). Approximation loss of consciousness can be recognized by increased nausea and dizziness, speech impairment, sharp loss of vision by one of the eyes.

These signs in combination with soreness and other symptoms of exacerbation of the cervical pathology practically unmistakably indicate vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis .

Diagnosis

Variety of subjective symptoms of vertebrogenic syndrome and different perception of complaints by different patients is essential makes difficult for diagnosing vertebrobasilar syndrome .In connection with this, a list of mandatory examinations was developed, designed to identify the objective characteristics characteristic of this pathology.

• D duplex scanning or ultrasound dopplerography of arteries in order to detect extravasal deformations of the vertebral artery.
• Radiography of the spine with the use of functional samples and fixation of the image when flexing and unbending the cervical region.

• M RT( m agnitel resonance tomography ) , revealing presence, degree and localization of blood vessel deformations.

Syndrome of the vertebral artery in cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed by when the patient has three main clinical criteria:

1. H The distinction of the characteristic for this pathology set and the combination of symptoms.
2. The and showed typical changes in using magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray diffraction.
3. Characteristic violations detected during scanning, as well as during dopplerography of vertebral arteries using stress tests, with flexion and extension of the head.

Such a list of diagnostic criteria was established to avoid the overdiagnosis of vertebrogenic syndrome.

Importance of differential diagnosis

Severe attacks of headaches combined with dizziness and nausea on the background of elevated blood pressure, and the likelihood of loss of consciousness may indicate both in favor of stroke in vertebro -basilar basin , transient ischemic attack or infectious-toxic lesion of nerve tissue at of a neuroinfection , and to reveal a syndrome of a vertebral artery at a cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of arise suddenly, which makes it difficult to collect an anamnesis. Both conditions are considered urgent and are an indication for hospitalization and detailed examination.

Differential diagnosis is necessary for the correct selection of treatment for each of the listed diseases .

Medical therapy

When vascular pathology, to which refers to and the syndrome of the vertebral artery in cervical osteochondrosis , treatment must necessarily be a complex and affect not only the etiology, but also focus on the correction of violations resulting from circulatory disorders.

1. The first step of drug treatment is selection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate neurogenic inflammation. Pr is given to preparations from the NSAID group of the selective type, blocking only the enzyme cyclooxygenase of the second type;Such an approach combines the effectiveness in combating the disease with safety for the patient. Typical representatives of this group of drugs are agents based on nimesulide , meloxicam or celecoxib .
2. A number of disorders due to the symptomatology of the vertebrogenic syndrome develops under the influence of the pathological hypertension of the musculature and. This is one of the signs that before us - a syndrome of the vertebral artery with cervical osteochondrosis. The responses of patients indicate that the inclusion of muscle relaxants in the treatment regimen facilitates a more rapid normalization of well-being and a general condition. Of the group of such preparations, a good effect is given by "M idolkalm" , "C irdalud" , "B aclofen" .Eliminating muscle spasms, muscle relaxants reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome, thereby reducing the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Important point! During the period of application of these drugs, it is necessary to refrain from activities requiring increased attention and quick reactions. In addition, such work is incompatible with vestibular disorders, which are manifested vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis .
3. Treatment states, caused failure hemodynamic vertebrobasilar basin, n emyslimo without using tools, normalizing E to p otsirkulyatsiyu , bioactive agents and other drugs that target anti-hypoxiatissues.

Physical methods

As an independent treatment technique, physiotherapy insufficient about effective and ; vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach to treatment. However, physiotherapy as an auxiliary gives rather good results.

The disadvantage of the method can be considered that its use is contraindicated in the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis.

Massage with vertebrogenous syndrome is often contraindicated even during remission, as it can cause displacement of vertebrae and infringement of the vascular-neural bundle.

The preferred technique for this pathology is reflexotherapy, capable of removing muscle spasms without causing harm to the patient and not aggravating his condition.

Of no small importance is the orthopedic regime( immobilization of the cervical department with using I of the collar of Shantz).Especially important is this moment in cases where deteriorates n ia of the patient's state is associated with a change in position or movements of the head.

Without exacerbation it is necessary to undertake a complex of measures to strengthen the of the muscular skeleton of the neck. In connection with the specific pathology, the decision on the desirability of exposure through massage or exercise therapy should be made by a specialist. Exercises also should be performed under the supervision of a specialist.

Folk methods

Among the recipes containing people's experience in the treatment of certain violations, there are tools that help cope with some manifestations vertebrogenic syndrome.

1. Application of garlic to reduce blood viscosity. To obtain the medicinal composition, three large heads of garlic must be crushed and kept in the dark those three days. Then the mass must be filtered and add to it identical quantities honey and lemon juice. P and before sleeping on a tablespoon.
2. To reduce blood pressure, preparation, prepared by from 40 grams of corn stigmas, 20 grams of lemon balm, lemon juice and cup of boiling water will contribute to lowering of blood pressure. After an hour of insisting take on half a glass three times in day for 30 minutes before eating.

It should be remembered: in such a serious situation, as vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis, causes disease and numerous disorders are not eliminated by herbal infusions or other folk remedies. A full-scale scheme of therapy can be prescribed only by the attending physician after a detailed examination of the patient. Folk remedies are used as auxiliary;their application is permissible under the following conditions:

• About the absence of of allergic reactions to ingredients .
• About The absence of contraindications and the approval of the attending physician.

Indications for surgical treatment

An operative decision is made if vertebrogenic develops following pathological conditions due to :

• AND Shemic attacks, strokes .
• AND INTELLIGENT Mysterious , cognitive disorder .
• With , the dramatic progression of sp as , hearing and balance.

In addition, indications are the cases when vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis is combined with severe arterial hypertension, anatomical abnormalities of the vertebral artery or atherosclerosis, as well as ineffectiveness of therapeutic measures.

Complications of

The most serious complication of vertebrobasilar syndrome is a stroke in the vertebrobasilar basin. The consequences of it may be:

• AND hearing loss.
• P Complete loss of vision.
• With cardiovascular failure.
• Insufficiency of the respiratory system.