Headaches are a common and often the earliest symptom. Patients experience a feeling of heaviness and tension in the head, frequently rubbing their forehead, stroking or scratching their head, pressing on their forehead, or gently tapping it.
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(Photo: SK & DS) |
Chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency is a condition that can occur at any age but is most common among the elderly, especially those engaged in intellectual work. The primary cause is the hardening of arteries supplying the brain. The early signs that patients often notice include a vague sense of physical and mental change, an appearance that seems older, a slow and lethargic gait, a gradual change in personality, a loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyable, a tendency to ponder life more, and a preference for quiet places.
As the condition worsens, the following symptoms may occur:
Headaches: This is a common symptom (accounting for 90%) and is also one of the earliest to appear. Headaches may feel diffuse throughout the head, accompanied by a sensation of heaviness, especially when thinking intensively. Patients often have the habit of rubbing their foreheads, stroking or scratching their heads, and some may press or lightly tap their foreheads.
Dizziness (occurring in 87% of cases) or a feeling of slight unsteadiness when walking or standing, akin to seasickness. Some patients experience blurred vision and a sensation of darkness, especially when changing from a lying position to standing suddenly. Typical of this dizziness is the feeling that objects are swirling around them. This phenomenon occurs with every position change, causing patients to lie still with their eyes closed; any movement triggers dizziness and nausea. These episodes can last from a few minutes to several days.
Abnormal sensations: These are unreal, abnormal feelings that patients experience. For example, sensations of tingling or numbness in the fingertips, or a feeling of ants crawling. Some patients report pain along the ribs, neck pain along the areas at the back of the neck, or a cold sensation along the spine. There may also be a perception of buzzing or grinding sounds in the ears, which can affect daily activities, sleep, and overall health.
Sleep disturbances: These are very common and characterized by persistence, discomfort, and difficulty in treatment. Symptoms vary widely; some individuals may primarily experience insomnia, while others have disrupted sleep patterns—being able to sleep at night but restless during the early morning hours. They may struggle to stay awake during the day, often dozing off.
Attention disorders: Patients find it very difficult to shift their attention from one object to another. Gradually, they experience both physical and mental fatigue. External stimuli that were previously easily and quickly absorbed now require considerable concentration. Patients become forgetful, jumping from one thought to another unexpectedly; they may start discussing one topic and abruptly switch to another. Their ability to concentrate is severely diminished.
Emotional disturbances: Patients often feel restless, unable to control themselves over trivial matters, and react strongly. They may recognize that their reactions are inappropriate but feel unable to restrain themselves, gradually becoming irritable. Additionally, they may often feel sentimental, easily offended, and complain about various issues.
Personality changes: Individuals who were previously impulsive and hot-tempered may become quarrelsome. Those who were once gentle and content may become overly sensitive and insecure. Previously cautious individuals may become petty and suspicious, and those who were once frugal may become miserly and stingy.
The above are some symptoms that patients and their relatives can recognize. However, the best way to prevent chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency is through regular health check-ups to establish timely prevention and treatment plans, avoiding complications such as cerebral softening.
Dr. Nguyen Khac Hien
