Реоэнцефалография

Rheoencephalography (REG) is one of the methods for diagnosing cerebral vessels using weak electrical impulses. Blood has the highest electrical conductivity compared to other body fluids. And since the blood circulation in the brain is the most intensive, it is this method that allows you to evaluate not only the vessels, but also the state of the internal structures of the brain. REG is a non-traumatic, absolutely painless and quite informative method of research, it allows the doctor to assess the blood flow rate, tone, elasticity and blood filling of the vessels of the head. The advantages of this research method are known to every neurologist. Rheoencephalography gives a detailed view of the intracerebral vessels, regardless of their size, can be used in any conditions and allows you to obtain differentiated information about the state of veins and arteries. At the same time, rheoencephalography is a fairly simple and absolutely comfortable procedure for the patient.

General characteristics of the method

Rheoencephalography is a non-invasive functional diagnostics. With the help of REG, one can also obtain information about the overall functionality of the vascular walls, the magnitude of pulse blood filling, vascular resistance and reactivity of the brain vessels. The study assesses the overall functionality of the venous and arterial systems. The study does not require expensive equipment or specially equipped rooms.

The study is carried out using a device called a rheograph. In the diagnostic room, the doctor applies electrodes treated with a special conductive compound to the scalp. They are fixed with an elastic rubber band, after which the device begins to record the coming pulses. The rheograph records them in the form of graphic symbols (curved lines), which the doctor later deciphers. During the procedure, the doctor may ask the patient to change the position of the body, turn his head, stand up and lie down. The fact is that a change in the position of the head allows the specialist to draw conclusions about the nature of the violations – to understand whether they are functional (situational) or organic, associated with certain diseases.

It is important to understand that rheoencephalography is not enough for a comprehensive study of veins and arteries. The method describes only the functional state of the elastic walls of blood vessels, and this is not enough to make an accurate diagnosis. REG allows you to detect a problem in a particular part of the brain and concentrate on its further detailed study. Blood flow parameters such as blood viscosity, blood flow velocity, vascular tone, the level of blood filling of a separate part of the brain, and the specifics of blood circulation are diagnosed.

Indications/contraindications for REG

Initially, REG was used to monitor brain function in real time. Currently, the method is used to diagnose cerebral atherosclerosis, its prevalence and stage. With a traumatic brain injury, the study provides important information about the size of the injured areas, the presence of intracranial hematomas, their depth and severity of the condition.

Research progress

No special preparation is required for the rheoencephalography procedure. If immediately before the procedure you are excited, stressed or have just experienced significant physical exertion, you should calm down, try to relax as much as possible. Calm breathing and a slow, even pulse can be considered an indicator of readiness for research. Before the study, it is advisable to refrain from taking medications and using substances that affect vascular tone and blood circulation (drugs for the treatment of hypertension, nitroglycerin). If you regularly take such drugs, you should consult with your doctor on the eve of the procedure or on the day of the procedure regarding the advisability of taking them again.

After the patient signs a written agreement to conduct the study, he is laid on the couch or seated in a comfortable chair. The hair is collected in a bun and the scalp is lubricated with a special gel. It helps to avoid irritation, itching, discomfort and redness.

A special device is put on the head for recording a rheoencephalogram, which has from 2 to 6 or more channels. The number of scanned areas is equal to the number of channels. The procedure involves the application of round metal electrodes with a diameter of 5 to 30 mm on the patient’s head. The electrodes are fixed with rubber bands and a special paste that minimizes resistance.

In order to register the state of the vessels of the basin of the internal carotid artery, electrodes are placed on the bridge of the nose and the mastoid process. To diagnose the pool of vertebral arteries, one electrode is fixed on the mastoid process, the second – on the large occipital foramen. Information on the state of the external carotid artery is obtained by attaching electrodes to the course of the temporal artery, at the outer edge of the superciliary arch and in front of the auditory canal.

With rheoencephalography, not only the shape, but also the digital parameters of the vessels are evaluated, which allows you to get the most objective and accurate result. The features of REG, which depend on the age category of the patient, are also taken into account. During the diagnosis, specific functional tests are used. They help to distinguish functional changes from organic ones. Most often, a test with nitroglycerin is used, in combination with other medicinal substances. Also, during the study, the patient is often asked to change the position of the body, turn the head, or perform other actions that affect blood pressure, and hence the REG.

Evaluation of results

The results of REG are recorded graphically and deciphered taking into account the age of the patient, since the indicator of vascular tone / elasticity varies for different age groups, which means that the level of normality and deviations cannot be constant either.

During rheoencephalography, information is recorded about the waves, which indicate the degree of blood filling of individual parts of the brain and blood vessels. For the doctor, such characteristics as the regularity of the waves, the nature of the rounding of the top, the presence of additional waves, the dicrotic tooth (formed between the upper and lower peaks of the waves) are important. For example, a strong rounding of the top indicates vascular spasm, and the absence of additional waves, flat tops and smoothed rheoencephalography indicate cerebral atherosclerosis.

Do not try to independently evaluate the result and make a diagnosis. This is the prerogative of a specialized medical specialist.

Which is better: rheoencephalography (REG) or electroencephalography (EEG)?

Both methods are used to study the brain, but they are not interchangeable, since REG and EEG are based on different diagnostic goals. REG specializes in non-invasive assessment of the state of blood vessels, blood filling, intensity of venous outflow from the cranial cavity. Rheoencephalography determines the nature of vascular changes (organic or functional) and indicates serious internal changes that are difficult to diagnose – acute cerebrovascular accidents, large-scale vascular lesions, and so on.

EEG is aimed at determining the degree of activity of the brain. A special computer program captures the electrical impulses produced by neurons, on the basis of which the functional state of the cortex / subcortical brain structures is assessed. Diagnostics helps to identify the departments that have undergone pathological effects, which led to a violation of their functioning. The study helps to diagnose oncological diseases in the early stages of development, epilepsy, and inflammatory diseases of the brain.

The choice of one or another diagnostic method remains with the doctor based on the patient’s complaints and his anamnesis.

Rheoencephalography helps to assess the functionality and general condition of the cerebral vessels. For the procedure, a weak electric charge is used, which does not cause pain or significant discomfort to the patient. It is important to understand that REG is not an independent diagnostic method. The study will not help to make a final diagnosis, but will only indicate deviations in a specific area that needs additional diagnostics. If you suffer from headaches, migraine attacks, high blood pressure, or are very afraid of a stroke, do not rush to sign up for an REG. First, visit a general practitioner. Be rational and healthy.