Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults and children: signs, consequences, how to treat

Oxygen starvation of the brain or hypoxia occurs due to a violation of the supply of oxygen in his tissue. The brain is the organ most in need of oxygen. A quarter of all the inhaled air goes to the service of the need of the brain in it, and 4 minutes without it become critical for life. Oxygen enters the brain through a complex system of blood supply, then is utilized by its cells. Any disturbance in this system leads to oxygen starvation.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Epidemiology

Because of the variety of forms of pathological conditions inherent in oxygen starvation, it is difficult to determine its prevalence. Based on the causes of its generators, the number of people who experienced this condition is very large. But the statistics of oxygen starvation in newborns is more definite and disappointing: fetal hypoxia is observed in 10 cases out of 100.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Causes of the oxygen starvation of the brain

There are various reasons for the occurrence of oxygen starvation of the brain. These include:

• decrease in oxygen in the environment (when climbing mountains, indoors, in spacesuits or submarines);
• disruption of the respiratory organs (asthma, pneumonia, chest injuries, tumors);
• failure in blood circulation in the brain ( atherosclerosis of the arteries, thrombosis, embolism);
• violation of oxygen transportation (lack of erythrocytes or hemoglobin);
• blockade of enzyme systems involved in tissue respiration.

Risk factors

The risk factors for hypoxia include:

• alcohol;
• drugs;
• excessive physical exertion;
• osteochondrosis;
• foreign bodies in respiratory organs;
• severe infections.

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of oxygen starvation is a change in the structure of the vascular walls, a violation of their permeability, which leads to edema of the brain. Depending on the causes that caused hypoxia, the pathogenesis develops according to a different algorithm. So, with exogenous factors, this process begins with arterial hypoxemia - a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood, which leads to hypocapnia - a lack of carbon dioxide, which is why the biochemical balance in it is disturbed. The next chain of negative processes is alkalosis - a failure of acid-base balance in the body. In this case, the blood flow in the brain and coronary arteries is disturbed, blood pressure drops.

Endogenous causes due to pathological conditions of the body cause arterial hypoxemia along with hypercapnia (high content of carbon dioxide) and acidosis (an increase in the products of oxidation of organic acids). Different types of hypoxia have their own scenarios of pathological changes.

[14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20]

Symptoms of the oxygen starvation of the brain

The first signs of oxygen deficiency are manifested in the excitation of the nervous system: breathing and palpitations quicken, euphoria sets in, cold sweat on the face and limbs, motor anxiety. Then the state changes dramatically: there is inhibition, drowsiness, headache, darkening in the eyes, depression of consciousness. The person appears dizzy, constipation develops, muscle cramps and syncope, coma offensive are possible. The most severe degree of coma - deep disorders of the central nervous system: lack of brain activity, muscle hypotension, stopping breathing with a working heart.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults

Oxygen starvation of the brain in adults can develop as a result of a stroke, when blood supply to the brain, hypovolemic shock is disturbed - a significant decrease in the volume of circulating blood, which occurs with a large loss of blood, uncompensated loss of plasma for burns, peritonitis, pancreatitis, large accumulation of blood in trauma, dehydration diarrhea. This condition is characterized by a decrease in pressure, tachycardia, nausea and dizziness, loss of consciousness.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in children and newborns

Analyzing various factors of occurrence of oxygen starvation and the fact that it can accompany many diseases, it becomes clear that in the affected area there are also children. To the state of oxygen starvation of the brain in children can lead anemia, burns from fire and chemicals, gas poisoning, heart failure, various injuries, laryngeal edema due to an allergic reaction, etc. But most often this diagnosis is put to children at birth.

Oxygen starvation of the brain in newborns is a fairly common pathology of babies. The prerequisites for this are sometimes laid down at the stage of pregnancy. Often, the fault itself becomes a mother, taking alcohol, drugs or having a predilection for smoking. Problems with the respiratory system of a future mother, for example, asthma, gestosis may also become a provoking factor. The appearance of hypoxia is possible with the defects of the internal organs of the child, intrauterine infection, compression of the neck with the umbilical cord, blood loss during childbirth, placental abruption, abnormal behavior of the mother in childbirth or unprofessional delivery of labor by medical staff.

The presence of hypoxia is indicated by such signs: cyanotic skin, the rhythm of breathing is irregular or absent, less than 100 strokes of the heart, there is no activity in stirring limbs. Such symptoms are characteristic of acute hypoxia, chronic it is expressed in causeless crying, trembling of the chin during crying, restless sleep. These children are diagnosed with "perinatal brain damage".

Stages

The stages of hypoxia depend on the rate of its development and the course of the disease:

1. lightning - develops no more than 2-3 minutes;
2. acute - no longer than 2 hours;
3. subacute - 3-5 hours;
4. chronic - much longer, up to several years.

By the prevalence of hypoxia, it is common and local. The complexity of the flow is divided into degrees:

1. Light (the symptoms are felt during physical exertion);
2. moderate (makes itself felt at rest);
3. severe (severe manifestations, up to the coma);
4. critical (a shock condition, often resulting in death).

[21], [22], [23]

Complications and consequences

Dangerous consequences and complications of acute oxygen starvation, t. A short period of time develops, and if it is not eliminated, irreversible organ changes take place, leading to complex diseases, and sometimes death. If the compensatory mechanisms were not depleted, then the functions of the organism are completely restored. The brain suffers most of all. It is enough for him to take 5 minutes to start irreversible consequences. For the heart, kidneys, liver this period is 30-40 minutes.

[24], [25], [26], [27]

Diagnostics of the oxygen starvation of the brain

Diagnosis of oxygen starvation of the brain is carried out on the basis of patient complaints, if possible, data from relatives' words, laboratory-instrumental studies are carried out.

The patient's condition is assessed based on the parameters of the general blood test. Such indicators as erythrocytes, ESR, hematocrit, leukocytes, thrombocytes, reticulocytes are analyzed. The analysis of the blood composition will also determine the acid-base balance of the body, the gas composition of the venous and arterial blood, and thus indicate the diseased organ.

The most accessible methods of instrumental diagnostics include pulse oximetry - a special instrument that is worn on the finger, measure the level of oxygen saturation of blood (the optimal content is 95-98%). Other means are an electroencephalogram, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, an electrocardiogram, a rheovasography that determines the volume of blood flow and its intensity in the arterial vessels.

[28], [29], [30]

Differential diagnosis

The pathological state of hypoxia can be caused by various diseases. The task of differential diagnosis is to recognize it, to establish the true cause and to direct the treatment to it.

[31], [32], [33]

Treatment of the oxygen starvation of the brain

Treatment of oxygen starvation of the brain is in etiotropic therapy (treatment of the cause). Thus, exogenous hypoxia requires the use of oxygen masks and pillows. For the treatment of respiratory hypoxia, drugs that dilate bronchial tubes, analgesics, antihypoxanes that improve oxygen utilization are used. At hemic (oxygen in the blood is lowered), blood transfusion is performed, histotactic or tissue is prescribed antidotal drugs, circulatory (infarctions, strokes) - cardiotropic. If such therapy is not possible, the actions are directed at eliminating the symptoms: regulate vascular tone, normalize blood circulation, prescribe anti-dizziness, headache, hemorrhage, restorative, nootropic drugs and reduce bad cholesterol.

Medications

As bronchodilators use dosed aerosols: a tube, atrovent, beryodual, salbutamol.

Truvent - aerosol can, when using it is necessary to remove the protective cap, shake it several times, lower it with the head to spray it down, take it with your lips and press it to the bottom, taking a deep breath and holding it for a few moments. One push corresponds to the portion. The effect comes in 15-30 minutes. Every 4-6 hours the procedure is repeated, making 1-2 pressures, this is how long the action of the drug lasts. Do not prescribe for pregnancy, zakratougolnoy glaucoma, allergies. The use of the drug can reduce visual acuity, increase intraocular pressure.

Analgesics include a large list of drugs from all known analgin to completely unknown names, each of which has its own pharmacological effect. Necessary in a particular situation will determine the doctor. Here is a list of some of them: akamol, anopyrine, bupranol, pentalgin, cefecon, and others.

Bupranal - a solution in ampoules for intramuscular and intravenous injections, in syringe tubes - for IM. The maximum daily dose is 2.4 mg. Periodicity of administration every 6-8 hours. Possible side effects in the form of nausea, weakness, inhibition, dry mouth. Contraindicated in children under 16 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation, increased intracranial pressure, alcoholism.

In the list of antidote preparations, there are atropine, diazepam (fungal poisoning), euphyllin, glucose (carbon monoxide), magnesium sulfate, diamond (organic acids), unitiol, kurenyl (salts of heavy metals), naloxone, flumazenil (drug poisoning), etc. .

Naloxone - is available in ampoules, there is a special form for newborns. The recommended dose is 0,4-0,8mg, it may be necessary to increase it to 15mg. With hypersensitivity to the drug there is an allergy, in drug addicts, taking the drug causes a specific attack.

When strokes apply cerebrolysin, actovegin, encephabol, papaverine, no-shpa.

Actovegin - exists in various forms: dragees, solutions for injections and infusions, gels, ointments, creams. The dose and method of administration is prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity of the disease. Wounds from burns, pressure sores are treated with external means. The use of the drug can cause hives, fever, sweating. Contraindications for pregnant women, during lactation, for allergies.

Vitamins

A number of vitamins in tissue oxygen starvation are antidotes of toxic agents. So, vitamin K1 blocks the action of warfarin - an antithrombotic agent, vitamin B6 - poisoning with anti-TB drugs, vitamin C is used for damage by carbon monoxide, anilines, used in dyes, medicines, chemicals. To maintain the body, it is also necessary to saturate it with vitamins.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

With general or local hypoxia of a different nature, this method of physiotherapeutic treatment is used, such as oxygen therapy. The most frequent indications for its use are respiratory failure, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases. There are various ways of oxygen saturation: cocktails, inhalations, baths, cutaneous, subcutaneous, in-band methods, etc. Oxygenobaroterapiya - compressed oxygen breathing in a pressure chamber stops hypoxia. Depending on the diagnosis that led to hypoxia, UHF, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, massage, acupuncture, etc. Are used.

Alternative treatment

One of the prescriptions for alternative treatment is breathing exercises by the following method. Slowly and deeply inhale the air, hold it for a few seconds and exhale slowly. Do this several times in a row, increasing the duration of the procedure. To bring the score to 4 on inspiration, to 7 with a delay of breath and to 8 on exhalation.

Strengthen the blood vessels, reduce their spasms will help garlic tincture: a third of the can filling with chopped garlic, the bay to the brim with water. After 2 weeks of insisting, start taking before eating 5 drops per spoonful of water.

Raise hemoglobin in the state of the prepared mixture of buckwheat, honey and walnuts, taken in the same proportions: grind the nuts and crumbs to the state of flour, add honey, mix. Take an empty stomach on a tablespoon for half an hour before meals. Effective is the juice of fresh beets, which must be allowed to stand for a while before taking it to release volatile substances.

Cure asthma attacks will help ginger. Combining its juice with honey and pomegranate juice, drink spoon 3 times a day.

From atherosclerosis it is recommended to drink mixed in equal shares the following ingredients: olive oil, honey and lemon.

[34], [35], [36], [37]

Herbal Treatment

It is effective in oxygen starving to take decoctions, infusions, herbal teas that have an antispasmodic effect: chamomile, valerian, St. John's wort, motherwort, hawthorn. When problems with respiratory organs take decoctions of medicinal fees from mother-and-stepmother, kidneys of pine, plantain, licorice root, elderberry flowers. The level of hemoglobin can be raised with the help of herbs such as nettle, yarrow, dandelion, wormwood.

Homeopathy

In combination with basic treatment, homeopathic remedies are increasingly present. Here are some of those drugs that can be prescribed for oxygen starvation and are aimed at the causes of its occurrence.

• Accordium - granules, which include gold metal, arnica mountain, anamyrta kokulusopodobnaya. It is directed to the treatment of angina pectoris, cardiovascular disruptions caused by heavy physical exertion. Twice a day, 10 granules for half an hour before a meal or an hour after they are kept under the tongue until they are completely absorbed. The average course of treatment lasts 3 weeks. Contraindications and side effects of the drug does not. For use during pregnancy and children, a doctor's consultation is necessary.
• Atma® is a drop, a complex preparation for the treatment of bronchial asthma. The dose for children under one year is 1 drop per teaspoon of water or milk. At the age of 12 years from 2 to 7 drops per tablespoon. After 12 years - 10 drops in pure form or on water. Treatment continue for up to 3 months. No side effects were observed.
• Vertigoheel - oral drops, used for dizziness, cerebral artery atherosclerosis, strokes. Drops are dissolved in water, while swallowing is delayed for some time in the mouth. Recommended since the life of the child. Up to 3 years - 3 drops, at the age of 3-6 years - 5, the rest - 10 drops 3-4 times a day for a month. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Contraindicated for children up to a year, during pregnancy and lactation - with the permission of a doctor.
• Hawthorn-compositum - a homeopathic cardiologic agent, a liquid. Adults appoint 15-20 drops three times a day, children - 5-7 drops. The drug has contraindications in case of allergy to components.
• Escolus-compositum - drops, used for postembolic disorders of blood circulation, postinfarction and post-stroke states. A single dose - 10 drops per water, holding in your mouth. Periodicity - 3 times a day. Duration of treatment - up to 6 weeks. Side effects are unknown. Contraindicated in pregnant and hypersensitive to compound preparations.

Surgery

Surgical treatment on the heart or blood vessels may be necessary in the case of a circulatory form of oxygen starvation, the development of which occurs rapidly and is associated with impaired function.

Prevention

Prevention of oxygen starvation primarily consists in the organization of a daily healthy well-established everyday life, which provides for normal nutrition, moderate exercise, full sleep, the absence of stressful situations, refusal to smoke and alcohol, finding enough time in the open air. It is necessary to monitor blood pressure, timely preventative courses of existing diseases.

[38], [39], [40], [41]

Forecast

Lightning fast development of oxygen starvation has an unfavorable prognosis for life. The development of acute and subacute forms depends on the location and degree of damage. With timely resuscitation, a person saves a life, but its quality can be burdened by residual phenomena: speech, sight, memory, headaches, etc. Chronic hypoxia has a favorable prognosis for life, but throughout life it makes itself felt by various ailments.

[42], [43]