Dysfunction of brain structures

Brain dysfunction is quite common in modern medical practice. It is not a disease, but a whole complex of pathological and physiologically inadequate reactions of the brain to various environmental factors. The person experiences discomfort.

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Stages

There are three stages of the pathology. In the mild stage, up to 20% of the brain is subject to dystrophic changes. This condition is quite acceptable and manifests itself in various mild neurological reactions that occur in response to stress, which are situational. A person is able to cope with them independently and no special medical intervention is required.

The middle stage is characterized by mild disturbances of nervous activity. Destructive changes affect 20 to 50% of brain tissue. At this stage, medical intervention is required.

In severe stages of brain damage, 50 to 70% of brain damage is observed. It manifests itself in various neuropsychiatric lesions and disorders. Medical assistance is provided, but any impact has a positive effect only for a short time. It is impossible to completely cure this condition.

Severe dysfunctions of the brain

With severe dysfunction, a person is incapable of purposeful activity, cannot concentrate on one task for a long time, and does not complete tasks that have been started. A person is absolutely incapable of planning, long-term cooperation, long-term and in-depth study of any material. Emotional lability, inadequate behavior, in particular, euphoria, unjustified playfulness are noted. Fun often gives way to aggression. Sharp mood swings occur. A person is often in a state of apathy and does not show initiative.

In severe cases of the pathological process, a person develops many different needs and desires, but all of them are superficial, have no serious purpose or awareness. Obsessive states and ideas are possible, a person is unable to adequately perceive the attitude towards himself, is subject to the influence of conventions, acts strictly within certain limits. It is possible to commit antisocial acts, most of them are committed unconsciously, without deliberate evil intent. Often such a person is characterized by unfounded sexual demands and perverted desires, gluttony, failure to observe hygiene rules.

Cognitive disorders are observed, such as suspiciousness, persecution mania, preoccupation with one topic, such as religion, passion for one idea, which often becomes obsessive and the entire consciousness of the person switches to it. The speech of such a person is usually unclear, has too many unnecessary associations, is too emotional, verbose, but often meaningless. This also includes altered sexual behavior, lack of sexual desire, or, conversely, excessive sexual desire.

Dysfunction of non-specific brain structures

The first association that accompanies this concept means the loss of basic reflexes, disruption of the natural, physiologically conditioned functioning of sensitive thin and thick fibers. Quite interesting from the point of view of pathophysiology is the fact that motor disorders predominate, but motor fibers remain normal. It is manifested by changes in facial expressions, frequent blinking, constant squinting of the eyes. In severe cases, tremors, convulsions, pathological tendon reflexes, neuropathic lesions, osteomyelitis may develop. A person often experiences twitching during sleep.

In order to determine the severity of the pathology and the localization of the lesions of the brain, it is necessary to conduct a set of laboratory and instrumental studies. Most often, an electroencephalogram of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray examination are used. Usually this is enough to establish an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.

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Organic dysfunction of the brain

Includes not one symptom, but a grouped complex of diseases, the common feature of which is dystrophic changes. A distinctive feature of this group is that the pathological process can proceed hidden, and a person may not even suspect such a pathology. Many symptoms indicating dysfunction of the brain are very similar to the signs of ordinary fatigue. In general, it means that there are functional changes in the brain, and it is not able to work fully.

There may be many reasons. Conventionally, they are all divided into congenital and acquired. Congenital ones include various infectious diseases that have been suffered, the impact of teratogenic factors on the fetus, nicotine. Fetal hypoxia during prolonged and pathological labor has a negative effect. The cause may be the impact of stress factors, vitamin deficiency, poor nutrition and any factors that affect the pregnant woman.

Acquired causes are, first of all, bruises, diseases, especially atherosclerosis, intoxications, taking certain medications, exposure to endogenous and exogenous factors. Many concomitant diseases, especially those related to the heart and vascular system, can contribute to the development of a pathological condition of the brain.

Symptoms can be very different. A characteristic feature is that they manifest themselves in any reactions and somatic signs. Dysfunction can be indicated by attacks, fears, most often unfounded. As a rule, a person has impaired conscious and unconscious processes, associative connections, lack of initiative. Night sleep is disturbed, incorrect perception is detected, analysis of visual and auditory images is difficult. But in order to finally make a diagnosis, a comprehensive diagnosis is required: an examination and questioning are carried out, additional methods are prescribed, such as an electroencephalogram, rheoencephalogram, ultrasound examination. Usually, the results of an electroencephalogram are enough to make a diagnosis. But if necessary, other methods are used, there is a large selection of them.

The danger of brain damage is that it is the coordinator of the main functions of a person, controls the work of all organs and systems of the body. If its function is disrupted, accordingly, there is a failure in the work of all other organs. The risk of developing pathologies and diseases increases significantly, the activity of the immune and endocrine systems, blood circulation is disrupted, the likelihood of tumors and the transformation of existing benign processes into malignant ones increases. Numerous complications of existing diseases develop, relapses and exacerbations of chronic diseases are observed.

Against the background of dysfunction, a person's appearance also changes: the figure changes, muscles lose tone, the skin becomes less smooth and elastic, loses its freshness. A person is not able to withstand high physical loads, muscle strength and endurance are lost. Accordingly, a person shows less motor activity, the body's resistance to infections decreases. This entails disturbances in the mental, emotional, behavioral sphere. A person becomes insecure, suspicious, distrustful, experiences difficulties and discomfort during communication. The body ages faster.

Organic dysfunction has a particularly negative impact on children. All areas of their development slow down significantly. Physical and mental development of personality suffers first of all. A person is not able to fully express their emotions, the system of needs and values changes, cognitive activity and the ability to express their emotions are impaired. The child experiences difficulties in communication, especially with peers, experiences difficulties in learning, academic performance, assimilation of educational material is noticeably reduced. The child also makes many rash decisions without calculating the consequences.

Organic brain damage also includes epilepsy, various personality disorders, consequences of lobotomy, mental retardation, and personality immaturity. But we do not talk about organic damage if all of the listed symptoms are the result of catastrophes, accidents, mental trauma, and illnesses. This group also does not include post-concussion and post-encephalitic syndrome. Some specific personality disorders are also considered separately.

Bone marrow dysfunction

Involves various disorders of the functional state of the brain. Most often manifests itself as aplastic anemia, but there are other types of functional disorders. It is often genetically determined or occurs against the background of autoimmune diseases, disruption of cytokine production. It can be a consequence of severe poisoning with various toxins, chemicals, and also develops against the background of many infectious diseases, liver and kidney dysfunction. It develops as a result of blood transfusion, organ transplantation, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs used after transplantation.

Normally, the bone marrow is responsible for the synthesis of stem structures, which subsequently differentiate into various typological structures that perform their own strictly defined functions. They mainly differentiate into erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and leukocytes, each of which performs strictly defined functions in the body. But if the normal functional state of the bone marrow is disrupted, this process is disrupted. It manifests itself as hypo- or acellularity of the bone marrow, which causes anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. Suppression of erythropoiesis often occurs, and tumors and fibrosis may even develop. This leads to serious circulatory disorders and severe blood diseases.

In this case, the main pathology is most often characterized as aplastic anemia. In this condition, the bone marrow does not produce a sufficient number of blood cells. Coagulation and other properties of the blood, protective functions are significantly reduced. As a result of the decrease in the number of leukocytes, the immune system is impaired, the body's ability to resist infections is reduced. The body does not receive enough oxygen. Hypoxia develops, hypercapnia gradually develops. This only worsens the pathology.

The prognosis is unfavorable. Bone marrow recovery is extremely rare, but if it does occur, life-threatening recurrent infections and other pathologies develop. If the bone marrow is unable to recover, a transplant is required. Treatment also includes blood transfusions and antibiotics.

With such a form of dysfunction as erythremia, too many red blood cells develop in the blood. As a result, the blood becomes thicker, which significantly increases the risk of thrombus formation. Accordingly, the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes increases. Sometimes it is necessary to resort to weekly removal of excess blood from the blood vessels, which continues until the number of red blood cells in the blood is normalized. Erythremia is normal only for people living at high altitudes, which is explained by the need to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the air. In pathology, this condition occurs against the background of chronic pulmonary and heart diseases. Bone marrow pathologies are indicated by a red face, bloodshot eyes with excessive enlargement of blood vessels, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision.

Another disorder of bone marrow function is myelofibrosis, in which the bone marrow is replaced by scar tissue. In parallel, anemia and bleeding develop, since the red marrow does not produce a sufficient number of red blood cells and platelets. This leads to the development of increased fatigue and weakness. The exact cause of the pathology has not yet been identified. Blood transfusions and drug treatment are used to contain the symptoms.

Myelodysplasia is also considered as a dysfunction of the spinal cord and bone marrow. This condition can be characterized as insufficient brain development, is a congenital pathology. Most often observed in elderly people. Blood transfusion and chemotherapy are used for treatment. Bone marrow transplantation is used for young patients.

Another form of brain dysfunction is a blood clotting disorder, which occurs mainly after chemotherapy. This leads to a change in the number of platelets, and they are known to be responsible for normal blood clotting and stopping bleeding. During chemotherapy, it is important to constantly monitor the quantitative indicators of platelets in the blood (its sharp decrease is associated with the development of bleeding). If the platelet indicator is critical, an urgent blood transfusion is required.

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Dysfunction of the mediobasal structures of the brain

The media-basal level implies the coordinated activity of the frontal and temporal sections. Damage to these sections results in a disruption of the basic processes. The level of voluntary attention and the ability to concentrate it suffer significantly. In contrast to the insufficiency of voluntary forms, a pathological disruption of involuntary attention occurs towards its increase. Such an imbalance leads to gross disorders of conscious and analytical processes.

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Temporal lobe dysfunction

First of all, temporal pathologies are associated with autism - a disease that leads to underdevelopment of speech functions, insufficient level of thinking. Attacks of aggression are often observed, a person behaves in accordance with primitive types of behavioral reactions that do not meet the requirements of modern society. The level of socialization and the ability to survive in society and in the conditions of the modern world is at a critically low level. Adaptability and adaptability are also practically absent, the ability to learn is minimal. The adaptive and imitative nature of thinking and activity prevails. Epileptic foci are located in this zone, irritation contributes to seizures of various types, which interfere with normal adaptation.

Children with similar disorders cannot study in a regular school, they require special conditions and a special approach. For this purpose, the so-called inclusive education system is being developed. When they are dysfunctional, the normal functioning of the hearing organ is also disrupted, since this zone is responsible for the formation of needs, emotions, and desires of a person. This department is also responsible for memory, activates the work of organs. With acoustic agnosia, a person's ability to identify sounds is impaired. A person is unable to differentiate voice vibrations, does not distinguish familiar voices from unfamiliar ones. Activity regulation is disrupted, and the highest level of nervous activity changes - a person is not sufficiently aware of connections, does not perceive many situations. His spatio-temporal connections and orientation by hearing are disrupted. Frequent depressions are observed.

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Dysfunction of the thalamocortical connections of the brain

Thalamocortical structures are understood as the relationship between specific and non-specific elements of the thalamus and cortex. At the same time, the opinions of specialists are divided: some believe that these structures are not connected to each other, while others trace a close relationship between them. Under the condition of paired stimulation, these connections are quite clearly traced.

First comes non-specific irritation, then comes specific irritation. This is quite clearly seen in the example of skin irritation. As scientists claim, receptors of non-specific fibers are located on dendrites, while receptors of specific fibers are located on axons. Axonodendritic connections are traced between them, which significantly change the excitability of the cortex. The final reaction of the cortex is determined by these connections.

Bilateral destruction of the dorsomedial nuclei leads to disruption of cognitive processes, depersonalization of the personality, disruption of the emotional sphere, and orientation in space and time.

With dysfunction of the ventrolateral nuclei and connections between them, clearly expressed intellectual impairments are observed. With diagnostic and therapeutic electrical stimulation of the ventrolateral nuclei of the thalamus and connections between them, slight slurring of speech, labile paraphasias are observed, which are observed when repeating sentences, short stories. A person is not able to clearly name objects that are rarely encountered.

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Dysfunction of the autonomic brain structures

It is a pathological condition in which psychoemotional and sensorimotor reactions develop. There may be several reasons. First of all, it is necessary to take into account hereditary and congenital factors. For example, the characteristics of the nervous system, impaired sensitivity of nerve receptors, the impact of teratogenic factors on the fetus, complicated pregnancy, difficult labor. Factors such as damage to the central nervous system play a certain role. Neuropsychiatric disorders also have an adverse effect.

Vegetative dysfunction very often develops as a result of pathological childbirth. It has been established that the type of reaction is determined by heredity and is transmitted mainly from parents. Of course, variability cannot be denied. During life, the type can change, a person adapts. But in general, the framework of variability variations remains genetically determined.

The pathogenesis has not been studied sufficiently. It is known that it is based on the disruption of the normal functioning of the integrative systems of the brain. Initially, under the influence of various factors, there is a disruption of the functional state of the suprasegmental vegetative structures. This determines the features of the functioning of the vegetative system, the predominant type of reaction, and the features of possible pathologies of the suprasegmental structures. This is mainly reflected in the form of a disruption of metabolic processes, general homeostasis, the hematopoietic system, blood circulation, immune and endocrine systems. The innervation of internal organs and blood vessels is disrupted, which entails a disruption of the mediator and hormonal regulation of various biological links. Hypo- or hypersensitivity of peripheral and central receptors develops. The result is the development of a psychovegetative syndrome, as well as insufficiency.

In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude various psychoneurological and somatic pathological conditions. Diagnostic measures are based on the assessment of single and combined criteria. The basis of differential diagnostics is the need to differentiate the signs of similar pathologies.

Important diagnostic information can be provided by examination of the fundus, X-ray examination of the skull. Rheoencephalogram and electroencephalography are very informative methods. The features of the tone of the vegetative organs can be determined using cardiointervalography.

Treatment is mainly etiological, that is, it implies the primary elimination of elements that cause pathology. Stress factors are eliminated. To facilitate therapy, an optimal motor regime is prescribed. Autogenic training, meditative practices, and relaxation exercises are used to control the emotional state. Psychotherapeutic sessions and trainings are also held.

The optimal types of sports are qigong, hatha yoga, callanetics, stretching. Running will help eliminate hypodynamia. Many useful exercises can be found in various complexes of hatha yoga, qigong gymnastics. It is important to adhere to a certain diet, daily routine. It is not recommended to eat high-calorie food. It is necessary to limit the amount of proteins and fats, without reducing the amount of carbohydrates. It is recommended to limit salt, spices, seasonings.

Massage has a positive effect, especially massage of the neck and collar zone, segmental reflex massage, lower limb massage. In the presence of somatic pathologies, visceral massage is recommended. Reflexology and acupuncture bring positive results. Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed if necessary. The most applicable methods are galvanization, diathermy, ultraviolet methods, electrical procedures, electrophoresis with drugs. Magnetic fields are not used, since they have an inhibitory effect.

At home, you can practice dousing and rubbing, contrast compresses. Self-control training sessions are held. Any psychovegetative syndrome is an indication for psychocorrection. It can be easily recognized by the following signs: a disturbance in well-being, in which increased irritability, aggression, and depression are observed. There is a disturbance in behavior and function of internal organs. Pathological reflexes may appear.

Many specialists are inclined to believe that psychotherapy should be carried out even in the absence of signs of psychovegetative disorder, which will allow timely prevention of possible pathology, identification of hidden problems and their elimination. This significantly normalizes the condition. More complex methods are autogenic training and catharsis, which should be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. These methods promote deep relaxation, increase the adaptive capabilities of the body, activate internal resources. The main effect occurs due to muscle relaxation and relief of psychoemotional tension.

Drug therapy is carried out taking into account complaints, clinical picture, severity of the pathological process. Drugs are selected individually. At the initial stages, herbal preparations, homeopathic and folk remedies, medicinal decoctions, infusions are prescribed. If necessary, vitamin therapy is carried out. Special medical means can be prescribed to eliminate symptoms. Most often, they are aimed at normalizing blood circulation, calming the sympathetic part of the nervous system, stimulating the parasympathetic, toning the muscles. Sedatives can be prescribed.

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Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is resorted to only in case of ineffectiveness of conservative therapy. Brain dysfunction itself does not require surgical treatment. The need for it appears only against the background of concomitant pathologies, occurrence of complications. For example, antiplatelet therapy may be required in case of violation of platelet activity, hemostasis in general. If a thrombus occurs, an operation is performed to remove it. Operations are performed in case of occlusive-stenotic lesion of cerebral arteries, stroke, infarction.