What is cerebral vascular reg. REG of cerebral vessels: the safest and most accurate study What is rheoencephalography examination

The brain is one of the most important organs of the human body. The functioning of all other systems depends on it, and ensuring its normal operation is determined by the quality of the blood supply. In assessing the latter, rheoencephalography of cerebral vessels (REG) comes to the rescue.

REG of cerebral vessels - rheoencephalography

Rheoencephalography or REG is a simple, accessible and at the same time highly informative method for diagnosing abnormalities in the condition of blood vessels. It is based on an assessment of their tone, completeness of blood supply, speed of pulse wave propagation, etc. in each part of the brain.

The method is based on the determination of electrical resistance, which is different for venous and arterial blood and tissues. When a current of high frequency but low strength is passed, the change in resistance value is recorded by sensors attached to the head and displayed in the form of curves.

The great advantage and main difference between REG of the brain and MRI is the rapid receipt of study results, since the queue for the latter can be waited for months. Although some diagnosticians are confident that REG is hopelessly outdated and is much inferior in accuracy to MRI.

Advantages and disadvantages

Rheoencephalography has many positive aspects. This:

• absolute safety;
• speed of implementation;
• cheapness;
• obtaining performance indicators of arteries and veins separately;
• complete painlessness.

REG is often performed for preventive purposes due to its complete harmlessness to health.

The procedure as a whole is devoid of any disadvantages, since it can be performed on all categories of patients without exception. The only thing that can be considered one of its shortcomings is the lower accuracy of the data than that of MRI. Nevertheless, its availability and the possibility of combining with other diagnostic methods completely eliminates this negative point.

Indications and contraindications

Rheoencephalography is prescribed for diagnosis:

• atherosclerosis;
• pre-stroke conditions;
• consequences of brain injuries and surgeries;
• hypertension;
• collateral circulation, that is, the flow of blood to tissues through peripheral vessels, bypassing the main ones;
• causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia and vegetative dystonia syndrome.

The study is also indicated for assessing the state of the brain in:

• encephalopathy (migraines and causeless headaches);
• pituitary adenoma;
• recent stroke;
• ischemic disease.

Thus, since the procedure is absolutely safe and provides a lot of information about the functioning of the brain, it may be recommended to undergo it if you have:

• headaches and dizziness;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• injuries in the cervical spine;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• weather dependence;
• tinnitus;
• causeless loss of hearing, memory or vision;
• close relatives with vascular pathologies.

REG is absolutely safe, does not affect the condition of tissues and organs in any way, and therefore has no contraindications or side effects. It can be prescribed for any disease and even for such special categories of patients as pregnant women and newborns. But the doctor will refuse to perform research for infectious diseases of the scalp.

Cerebrovascular accidents - video

Features of the event

The procedure is carried out using a special device - a 2-6 or more channel rheograph, which takes and records data. On average, it takes no more than 10 minutes, although in rare cases it can last for half an hour. A day before the appointed time, you need to stop taking medications that affect blood circulation, in particular Aspirin, and avoid caffeine-containing drinks.

The patient takes a comfortable position, lying or sitting. Electrodes are attached to the scalp (behind the ears, above the eyebrows and on the back of the head), previously degreased with alcohol, and fixed in the correct position with rubber bands. Sometimes, to increase the sensitivity of the sensors, they are coated with a conductive gel.

The more channels the rheograph has, the more accurate the study.

The patient is asked to close his eyes to exclude the influence of external stimuli. Direct readings of tissue resistance are taken by passing weak electrical impulses through the electrodes. This does not cause the patient any pain. The only thing that can cause minor discomfort is the presence of contact paste.

The main difficulty of the study is that the patient may be nervous due to unusual manipulations. This can skew the results, as blood vessels tend to constrict in response to stress.

While taking readings, the doctor may ask the patient to turn around, make some movement, squeeze the carotid artery, hold his breath, or, conversely, take several sharp breaths. This is necessary to assess the reaction of blood vessels to movement, which helps to clarify the diagnosis.

During the procedure, the following is assessed:

• vascular tone;
• blood viscosity;
• pulse wave propagation speed;
• level of blood filling of blood vessels;
• blood flow speed;
• severity of vascular reaction.

If there is a need for an REG for children, parents are advised to mentally prepare their child for the upcoming manipulations in advance so that the child is ready to remain completely still during the procedure.

To increase the accuracy of the study, functional tests can be additionally performed to differentiate organic and functional disorders. They are executed with:

• nicotine resin;
• caffeine;
• nitroglycerin;
• papaverine;
• aminophylline.

This is what the results of a nitroglycerin test look like:

If after taking the drug the amplitude of the waves increases several times, this indicates organic disorders, that is, the presence of changes in the structure of tissues or blood vessels. Often, in addition to rheoencephalography, ultrasound with Doppler is prescribed. This complex of studies provides comprehensive information about the condition of blood vessels, the completeness of which is comparable to MRI.

Decryption must be done by a specialist

Explanation of results - table

Due to its functional characteristics, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients to a much greater extent than many other organs of the human body. Their delivery is ensured by a developed vascular system, “problems” in which - narrowing of the vessel, obstruction (blockage) of it and others - cause disruption of the functioning of one or another part of the brain and lead to the development of various unpleasant and sometimes extremely dangerous symptoms. A diagnostic method called “rheoencephalography”, or REG, will help to assess the state of cerebral blood flow and identify the location of its disturbances. What is the essence of this method, the existing indications and contraindications, as well as the preparation and technique for its implementation will be discussed in our article.

Rheoencephalography: the essence of the method

REG is a non-invasive method of functional diagnostics. It is used to measure the resistance of head tissue to electric current. Everyone knows that blood is an electrolyte. When a brain vessel fills with blood, the electrical resistance values ​​of the tissues decrease, which is what the device records. Then, based on the rate of change in resistance, conclusions are drawn about the speed of blood flow in a particular vessel, and also evaluate other indicators.

Why is REG performed?

Since the results of rheoencephalography describe only the functional state of the cerebral vessels, it is not a definitive diagnostic method - it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on the results of this research method alone. However, it makes it possible to identify the fact of cerebral circulation disorders in one or another area of ​​the brain and to concentrate the doctor on further study of this particular area.

REG provides data on the following blood flow parameters:

• vascular tone;
• the degree of blood supply to a particular part of the brain;
• blood flow speed;
• blood viscosity;
• collateral circulation and others.

Indications

This diagnostic method is indicated for all conditions accompanied by symptoms of cerebrovascular accident. Typically this is:

• frequent headaches and dizziness;
• presyncope and fainting;
• noise in ears;
• hearing and vision impairment;
• sleep disorders;
• memory impairment;
• learning disability;
• weather sensitivity (changes in health status associated with changes in weather);
• ( , );
• acute cerebrovascular accident () in history;
• arterial hypertension;
• arterial hypotension;
• cerebral atherosclerosis;
• spondylitis;
• diabetes mellitus if its complication, diabetic microangiopathy, is suspected;
• cerebrovascular diseases in close relatives;
• assessment of the effectiveness of previously administered drug or non-drug treatment.

Are there any contraindications?

Rheoencephalography is an absolutely safe diagnostic method, approved for use in almost all categories of patients. The study should not be carried out if:

An REG can be performed only if the patient agrees to the examination, so the patient’s refusal is also a contraindication.

Do you need preparation for the study?

No special preparation is required before performing rheoencephalography.

To obtain the most accurate data, the subject should avoid stress on the eve of the test, and get a good night’s sleep the night before. You should also not smoke, drink strong coffee or black tea, as these actions affect the nervous system, vascular tone and blood pressure, and the results of the study will be distorted.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend that the patient discontinue any medications that affect vascular tone before diagnosis. However, this applies only to course medications - if a person takes such drugs on a regular basis, then the diagnosis should be carried out against the background of his usual therapy.

When you come for an examination, you do not need to immediately go to the diagnostic room. It is worth resting for 15 minutes in a well-ventilated, but not stuffy room, and only then go to the REG.

Those who have (and have) long hair will need to put it in a bun so that it does not interfere with the study.

Method of performing rheoencephalography

The study is carried out using a 2-6-channel rheograph (the more channels provided in the device, the larger area of ​​the brain will be covered by the diagnostic procedure). As a rule, the diagnosis is carried out by nursing staff, and the doctor directly deciphers the data obtained.

During the examination, the patient is in a comfortable position, sitting on a chair or lying on a soft couch, relaxed, with his eyes closed. The specialist places electrodes treated with gel or contact paste on his head, securing them with an elastic band (it runs around the circumference of the head: above the eyebrows, ears and along the back of the head). During the diagnostic process, these electrodes send electrical signals to the brain, and at this time the computer monitor displays the above indicators of the state of the vessels and blood flow in them (in some devices the data is not sent to the computer, but is displayed on paper tape).

The area where electrodes are applied depends on which part of the brain is being diagnosed:

• when examining the external carotid artery, the electrodes should be attached above the eyebrows, outside and in front of the external auditory canal (in other words, in front of the ear);
• when examining the internal carotid artery - on the area of ​​the bridge of the nose and mastoid process (behind the ear);
• when examining the basin of the vertebral arteries - on the mastoid process and occipital protuberances, and in this case it is recommended to take an electrocardiogram simultaneously with the REG.

When the main part of the study is completed, if the doctor considers it necessary, he can conduct one or more functional tests. The most common tests are taking a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue (contraindicated in glaucoma, hypotension and intolerance to this drug), changing the position of the entire body or simply turning and tilting the head (usually used to diagnose vertebral artery syndrome), hyperventilation (deep breathing) for several minutes, holding your breath, any physical activity and others. After the test, the REG recording is repeated and changes in it are assessed.

The duration of the study takes from 10 minutes to half an hour. During it, the patient does not experience any special sensations, he is not in pain (the only thing is that a headache can occur after a functional test with nitroglycerin, as a side effect of this drug).

Decoding REG

In order to correctly interpret the data obtained during REG, the doctor needs to know the exact age of the patient - this is logical, because vascular tone and the nature of blood flow in young, middle-aged and elderly/senile patients are different (what is a pathology for a young person is the norm or a variant of the norm for an elderly person).

The rheoencephalogram has a wave-like appearance, and each segment of this wave has its own name:

• its ascending part is anacrota;
• descending – catacrota;
• between them there is an incisura (actually, the bend itself - the transition of the ascending part to the descending one), immediately behind which a small dicrotic tooth is defined.

When deciphering the REG, the doctor evaluates the following characteristics:

• how regular the waves are;
• what anacrota and catacrota look like;
• the nature of the rounding of the wave top;
• location of the incisura and dicrotic tooth, the depth of the latter;
• presence and type of additional waves.

Concluding the article, I would like to note that although REG is not an independent diagnostic method,
allowing one to verify a particular cardiac or neurological diagnosis, however, if carried out in a timely manner, at the first symptoms, it helps to detect the presence of vascular pathology at an early, initial stage of the disease. A further examination and adequate treatment will lead the patient to a speedy recovery and eliminate complications that could arise if the diagnosis was not made in a timely manner.

And, although today some experts are very skeptical about this diagnostic method, nevertheless, it has a place and is still widely used in many medical institutions.

A headache accompanied by nausea may be the first “bell” indicating a problem in the brain. Even a minor, but long-term malnutrition sometimes leads to the development of encephalopathy, which is why it is so important to listen to your body. At the initial stage of symptom development, the rheoencephalography (REG) method serves as a starting point in identifying cerebral vascular pathology.

What is rheoencephalography

Rheoencephalography (REG) is a non-invasive method for diagnosing blood flow in the vessels responsible for feeding the brain.

REG belongs to the group of safe functional studies. They are called functional because the examination reveals dysfunction of an organ or its system.

The method is based on the ability of soft tissues, depending on their blood supply, to change the resistance to electric current: with a decrease in blood flow, which can be pathological, the resistance increases, and with good filling of the vessels, on the contrary, it becomes lower.

When conducting an REG, the result of the study is recorded in the form of a rheoencephalogram. This is a graphic image of the blood supply to the brain, which is analyzed by a functional diagnostics doctor.

When analyzing a rheoencephalogram, the doctor evaluates specific indicators: the ascending part of the wave, its peak, the descending part, its tooth and the dicrotic wave

Many experts consider REG to be outdated and recommend magnetic resonance imaging. But both methods have their positive and negative sides.

Advantages and disadvantages of REG and MRI - table

Blood supply to the brain - video

Positive and negative aspects of REG

This method has many advantages, including:

1. Non-invasive. There is no need to make any incisions or injections. Electrodes are applied directly to the scalp.
2. Safety. The study is scheduled as many times as needed. Electric current of variable frequency does not cause any discomfort. This is important because the diagnosis is allowed for children and pregnant women.
3. Information content. With the help of REG, changes are determined with the exact localization of the pathological process.
4. Integrity of the study. Blood flows to the brain from several great vessels, and with the help of REG you can get a complete picture of blood flow.
5. Availability and ease of implementation.

Like all medical studies, REG also has negative nuances. Some experts believe that the bones of the skull do not pass alternating current deep enough, so the results obtained characterize only superficial vessels. But back in the early 60s of the last century, it was found that bones and skin are not an obstacle to high-frequency alternating current (100–200 kHz).

When recording REG, interference is sometimes observed, often associated with incorrect settings of the rheograph, electrode obstacles, or an uncomfortable position of the patient. All these shortcomings can be easily corrected by checking the correct application of the electrodes. In addition, the person must take a comfortable position to prevent distortion of the study results.

The correctness and quality of interpretation of the rheoencephalogram depends on the qualifications of the specialist, and this, as is known, can have a negative impact on the technique as a whole.

Who needs vascular rheoencephalography

REG is allowed to be carried out according to indications and as a preventive study of the functioning of cerebral vessels.

Indications:

There are practically no contraindications, but if skin diseases of the scalp of bacterial or fungal origin are detected, the study is not carried out.

Functional diagnostics on video

Preparing for the study

Preparation for REG does not require specific activities, but there are a number of recommendations:

• on the eve of the study, avoid stressful situations;
• do not consume natural stimulants (strong coffee and tea);
• no smoking;
• inform your doctor about taking medications, as a break in therapy may be required;
• immediately before the diagnosis, sit for 15 minutes and completely relax.

The above tips are necessary in order to eliminate the negative impact of various external factors on vascular tone.

Research process

To carry out REG, a rheograph is used - a device consisting of three parts: an electric current generator, electrodes and a converter. In modern medicine, computer modifications of this device are increasingly common.

Rheoencephalography describes the functional state of the cerebral vessels, therefore, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made only on the basis of its results

The examination is carried out in a sitting or lying position. A rubber band is fixed on the patient's head and electrodes are connected to it, under which wet gauze wipes or gel are placed for better conduction of current. Women with long hair should wear it in a bun to avoid clutter.

Depending on which area of ​​the brain needs to be examined, REG is performed in the following leads:

1. Fronto-mastoid. Vascular anomalies of the cerebral hemispheres are identified.
2. Frontal, frontocentral and frontotemporal. Pathology in the blood flow of the anterior cerebral artery and its branches is determined.
3. Parietotemporal, parietocentral and temporal. The leads characterize the blood flow through the middle cerebral artery and its branches.
4. Occipito-mastoid and occipito-parietal. Detect abnormal processes in the vertebral artery and its branches.

In most cases, two leads are used: fronto-mastoid and occipito-mastoid.

Simultaneously with the REG, an electrocardiogram is recorded for the correct interpretation of the study results.

Using a rheograph-polyanalyzer, in addition to conventional rheoencephalography, a comprehensive assessment of hemodynamic parameters of blood flow is possible:

• the volume of blood that the heart pumps out per minute;
• blood pressure;
• HR (heart rate);
• physiological deviation of indicators during REG with functional tests.

Functional tests

To clarify the nature of the lesion, functional tests are used:

1. With nitroglycerin. Necessary for differentiating organic damage to a vessel from its functional state. When Nitroglycerin tablets are absorbed, the vessel dilates, the amplitude of the curve on the rheogram increases, and after some time it is restored - this indicates functional changes. If changes are absent or insignificant, sclerotic lesion of the vessel is assumed.
2. Hyperventilation of the lungs. During REG registration, the patient needs to breathe deeply (with intense exhalation) for 3–5 minutes. During this time, the functional state of the cerebral arteries is analyzed, which indicates their reactivity. As a result of the test, the amplitude of the curve should decrease. Pronounced changes indicate increased reactivity, and minor changes indicate decreased reactivity. If the amplitude of the rheoencephalogram increases, this indicates a distortion of the reactivity of the brain vessels.
3. With carbon dioxide. The patient is asked to inhale a 5% mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen for 5 minutes. Such manipulation leads to dilation of blood vessels, a decrease in their tone, increased blood flow in the brain and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, which are assessed by rheoencephalogram.
4. Orthostatic. When the body position changes (from horizontal to vertical), both an increase and a decrease in the amplitude of the curve can occur. This also indicates the functional reactivity of the vessels.
5. Clamping of one of the main vessels. The blood supply to the brain is designed in such a way that if the supply of one of the main vessels is disrupted, the rest compensate for this condition for a long time, and pathological changes do not develop. To determine the completeness of collateral blood flow, it is necessary to clamp one of the main vessels. At this time, a significant decrease in the amplitude of the curve will be recorded on the rheogram. After some time, the amplitude is restored, which indicates adequate functioning of the collateral blood flow.
6. Turn your head to the side. When registering a rheoencephalogram, the subject is asked to turn his head in one direction for 5 minutes, then turn in the opposite direction. The preserved asymmetry of the curves indicates irreversible changes in the vertebral artery, for example, with stenosis.
7. Administration of medications. If, after a standard examination, signs of intracranial hypertension or congestion in the veins of the brain are detected, Eufillin will bring the rheogram back to normal. In addition, it is possible to perform tests with papaverine to determine the degree of its vasodilatory effect on spasmodic vessels. A test with magnesium sulfate is performed in case of intracranial hypertension caused by an increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid.

It should be noted that rheoencephalography does not pose a danger either to the patient or to the medical personnel involved in the manipulation, and does not carry any negative consequences.

Evaluation of results and their interpretation

The interpretation is carried out by a functional diagnostics doctor.

The following indicators are determined on the rheoencephalogram:

1. A - amplitude of the arterial phase, filling the brain with blood.
2. V/A - the ratio of the venous and arterial phases in percentage (characterizes the tone of medium and small vessels).
3. VO - venous phase (shows venous outflow).

Main rheoencephalographic indicators - table

During diagnosis, the type of circulatory disorder is determined:

1. Angiospastic. It is characterized by increased arterial tone and adequate venous outflow. Most often it is the result of neurocirculatory asthenia of the hypertensive type, expressed by headache.
2. Angiohypotonic. It is a decreased tone of the arteries, accompanied by obstructed venous outflow. Indicates chronic cerebral circulatory failure or neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypotonic type.
3. Mixed. It is characterized by increased vascular tone, decreased blood supply and slowed outflow of venous blood.

Rheoencephalography or REG of cerebral vessels is a study that is carried out using a rheograph and evaluates cerebral circulation. You can find out about the tone of blood vessels in some area and how it fills with blood.

What is REG based on and how is the research carried out?

The method is based on the difference between the electrical conductivity of human brain tissue and blood. Pulsating blood fluctuations are reflected in the electrical conductivity of the area being examined.

Many people are concerned about the purpose of REG of the brain, what it is in general and whether this study will cause any harm to the body. Rheoencephalography cannot cause harm, since it is a non-invasive research method, that is, one that is carried out without violating the integrity of the skin.

REG makes it possible to determine the degree of blood viscosity, as well as how quickly the pulse wave propagates, assess latent stages, blood circulation speed, and characterize the severity of local vascular reactions.

During the examination, the patient is in a supine position. Eyes must be closed. Metal electrodes are placed on his head, lubricated to improve conductivity, and secured with rubber bands.

Before applying the paste, the electrodes are wiped with alcohol to degrease. The first electrode is applied to the mastoid process, and the second - from the inside of the brow ridge. A small electrical voltage passes through the electrodes, which records the state of the brain vessels.

Sometimes, to obtain more accurate information, the patient is prescribed drugs that affect the walls of blood vessels. Such medicinal substances include caffeine, papaverine, nitroglycerin, aminophylline.

Why is rheoencephalography needed?

The purposes for which REG is performed may be different:

• diagnosis of cerebral circulation disorders, pathology of cerebral vessels;
• study of blood movement through lateral vessels;
• determination of the degree of hypertension;
• control of blood circulation in the brain after TBI or surgery;
• diagnosis of cerebral hemorrhages;
• clarification of the diagnosis for pain in the head, dizziness;
• diagnosis of tinnitus;
• clarification of disorders in vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• encephalopathy;
• brain tumors.

Is it possible to do without examining the vessels of the central nervous system?

All processes occurring in the body are regulated by the central nervous system. All the cells of this perfect system cannot exist without the oxygen and nutrients that blood vessels bring to it. How well a person feels depends on how well the blood circulation copes with its functions. The blood that nourishes the body and brain should not encounter any obstacles on its way. If along the way the blood is delayed by a narrowed vessel or some kind of blockage, or its movement is interrupted for some reason, an urgent clarification of the reasons for this circumstance is necessary.

The elasticity and smoothness of our blood vessels, good blood circulation, which nourishes tissues and organs and removes harmful and unnecessary substances, is a normal phenomenon. If this process proceeds without disruption, we practically do not pay attention to it. But some factors and circumstances can damage blood vessels. Sooner or later there comes a time when they lose the ability to normal thermoregulation; if you have to move from one climate zone to another, the person feels very bad. They cannot respond normally to stress, so any stress on the nervous system can lead to vascular disaster.

Causes of circulatory disorders

Cholesterol plaques, which are deposited in the vessels and lead to a narrowing of their lumen, can lead to poor circulation. This pathology is called atherosclerosis. The result can be a stroke or myocardial infarction. A violation of hematopoiesis may consist in the formation of blood clots, which tend to break off, move through the blood vessels and close its lumen, in other words, an ischemic stroke develops.

If a person once suffered a traumatic brain injury, which seemed to result in a complete recovery, intracranial pressure may sooner or later increase. This also leads to circulatory problems. If a hematoma has formed in the brain area, this also leads to disruption of the normal movement of blood through the vessels.

Fact! Rheoencephalography can detect circulatory disorders, the symptoms of which are mild and appear infrequently. A study of circulatory pathologies carried out in the early stages will help prevent serious consequences that can lead to disability and even endanger a person’s life.

What are the dangers of so-called non-serious diseases and how can REG help in this case?

Some pathologies do not pose a threat to life, but significantly complicate human existence. Such a condition, for example, is considered to be neurocircular dystonia or the same migraine, which at all times was considered a lady’s whim, has “survived” to this day and does not allow most women to exist normally.

All relatives and friends consider a woman complaining of migraine attacks to be absolutely healthy, but severe pain in the head significantly worsens her quality of life. Such an attitude can lead to the woman herself thinking of her illness as a simulation. However, pain visits her monthly. Those who think that migraine is some kind of frivolous disease of spoiled ladies are not entirely right. Unbearable migraine pain can lead to disability. If you conduct an REG during the examination and prescribe adequate treatment, the patient will quickly feel better.

How is REG deciphered?

A specially trained doctor has the right to decipher rheoencephalography, who must take into account many circumstances and factors. First of all, this is the age of the person who completed the study. For a young person and someone who is elderly, the norms of elasticity and vascular tone are different. Based on the recorded waves, one can judge how full the brain is with blood and how it reacts to the movement of blood.

What does the image that remains after the REG mean:

• one of the lines - anacrota - has a slightly rounded top, it rises high;
• the catacrota or descending line is smooth, it goes down;
• in the middle there is an incisura, a scar emanates from it, from which a descending wave descends and a new one begins.

To decipher rheoencephalography, a specialist evaluates the regularity of the waves, the apex and the degree of its rounding. The type of downward and upward waves is also important. It also matters where the midline is located, as well as whether there are additional waves and what the dicrotic scar looks like.

Types of REG results

Based on the results of the study, the doctor makes a conclusion about the condition of the blood vessels in the brain. These data may indicate the presence of some kind of pathology, but they are not a separate disease, but only a symptom of it. There are the following types of vascular conditions:

• dystonic type indicates regular changes in vascular tone, hypotonicity predominates, pulse filling is low, venous outflow may be difficult;
• angiodystonic type is similar to dystonic type, characterized by a decrease in vascular tone and elasticity due to disturbances in the structure of their walls, blood circulation is difficult in one area;
• with the hypertensive type, vascular tone is always increased, which leads to difficulty in venous outflow.

REG and other studies of the brain of the head: what is the difference

Patients often confuse rheoencephalography with electroencephalography. Both of these studies are done on the brain. When conducting them, electrodes are put on the head, and the result is recorded on paper tape. Despite the seemingly obvious similarities, EEG and REG examine different brain functions. If REG gives a conclusion about blood circulation in the brain, then EEG examines the state of neurons in a certain area.

Rheoencephalography of the brain is a non-invasive method for diagnosing blood vessels, which is based on rheography. The study provides information mainly about the functional state of blood vessels: tone, peripheral resistance, blood filling. Also, REG of cerebral vessels shows anatomical features, for example, the elasticity and integrity of the vascular walls.

Blood is a liquid system filled with formed elements and electrolytes. These components affect the electrical charge of the tissues of the arteries and veins. When blood flows through a vessel, the charge changes, followed by a change in the electrical resistance of the tissue. The change in this indicator is recorded by a device - a rheoencephalograph. The output data indicates the condition of the blood vessels.

The method is safe and does not affect the patient's health. It can be carried out an infinite number of times.

The effectiveness of the study is now disputed in medical communities. Some neurologists doubt the diagnostic value of the method due to the fact that electrical resistance is also present in the bones of the skull, so the results obtained do not reflect all pathological processes. Opponents' research proves that bones are not an obstacle to current flow, so the results are not distorted.

A rheoencephalogram is rarely prescribed as an independent study. Usually the method is combined with other methods: magnetic and computed tomography, contrast radiography and electroencephalography. This increases the diagnostic value of each method and reduces the likelihood of an erroneous diagnosis.

Indications and contraindications

A rheoencephalogram is prescribed in the following cases:

• General cerebral disorders:
  • headache, dizziness, impaired consciousness;
  • noise in ears;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • decreased visual acuity and loss of lateral fields, darkening of the eyes;
  • hypersensitivity to climate change.
• Mental disorders:
  • decreased memory capacity, decreased concentration, slowed thinking;
  • irritability, frequent mood swings (more than 2-3 times a day), short temper, sleep disturbance;
  • reduced ability to learn and receptive to new information.
• Mechanical head injuries: skull fractures, bruises and concussions.
• Suspicion of an intracranial tumor.
• Somatic diseases in which blood circulation is impaired:
  • diabetes;
  • arterial hypertension;
  • coronary heart disease, heart failure;
• Post-stroke condition.
• Acute circulatory disorders, subarachnoid hemorrhage, accumulation of blood and brain spaces.
• Encephalopathy.
• Assessing the effectiveness of prescribed medications.

REG is a safe method, but it is not recommended for newborns and people whose skin areas being examined are damaged: wounds, hematomas, boils. The study should not be carried out on children if they are overly excited and agitated. First, the child needs to be reassured, and only after that the diagnosis begins.

Vascular rheoencephalography is prescribed when there are several of the above symptoms at once. The manifestation of single symptoms is often considered a temporary functional impairment. For example, when concentration of attention decreases, REG is not prescribed.

Diagnostics in adults is no different from the pediatric version.

You should not smoke half an hour before the start. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which distorts the results. It is also recommended to remain calm before and during the procedure: anxiety affects vascular tone, so the results may be distorted.

Conducting a survey

How to do RZHG of cerebral vessels, step-by-step algorithm:

• The subject is asked to sit down.
• Gel is applied to some areas of the scalp - this prevents irritation and blocks additional resistance.
• A cap equipped with electrodes is placed on the patient's head. They measure and record changes in electrical resistance.
• At the doctor's request, the subject closes his eyes. This is necessary in order to relieve excess stress on the sensory system of the brain.

Separate electrodes are applied to different places on the head - it depends on the indicators:

1. Sensors are attached to the bridge of the nose and mastoid process if it is necessary to examine the blood flow in the internal carotid artery and its basin.
2. In front of the ear and above the eyebrows is the basin of the external carotid artery.
3. Occipital protuberances, mastoid process - basin of the basilar artery.

Examination of the rag's head can be carried out using functional tests. The latter are drugs that are administered before the study to record sudden changes in vascular tone. Functional tests are prescribed to distinguish and find the difference between organic vascular damage, for example, atherosclerosis, and dysfunction, for example, arterial hypertension.

results

The interpretation of the results depends on the age of the patient. Thus, the older the person under study, the lower his vascular tone and functional state.

The result of the study is depicted on a graphic curve, the lines of which are located in a certain way and have parameters. This graphical curve is located on the tape. The result looks like an electrocardiogram. Each pulsating impulse of blood in a vessel is reflected by a wave - a repeating complex, which must consist of stable and regular elements.

What the wave shows: normally it has a peak - anacrotic. It is followed by an incissura - a depression, after which a new wave begins - a dicrotic rise. These three components change in different diseases. For example, with atherosclerosis the complex becomes flattened.

Decoding the indicators takes into account the following parameters:

1. Wave frequency.
2. Degree of anactor rounding.
3. The state of a descending and ascending line.
4. The nature of the depression and dicrotic rise.
5. The presence of additional waves on the tape.

When deciphering, the difference in electrical resistance of the vessels of the left and right hemispheres is taken into account. Ideally, these results are combined with an electroencephalogram, so that the electrical activity of the brain is studied as a whole.

What does REG of the head show in diseases:

• Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels:
  • sharp peaks;
  • all complexes on the REG are smoothed.
    With massive atherosclerosis, the waves have the appearance of an arch.
• Decreased vascular tone:
  • waves have increased amplitude;
  • sharp apex and rise;
  • between the complexes there is an additional tooth that moves upward;
  • the rising line is short.
• Increased tone of vascular walls:
  • waves have low amplitude;
  • the rise is smooth;
  • the top is displaced;
  • there is an additional tooth, but it is weakly expressed;
  • the rising line is distorted.
• :
  • the descending line is convex and elongated;
• Severe vascular spasm:
  • the tops are rounded.
• Arterial hypertension:
  • the amplitude and shape of the complex changes.