self-monitoring and early detection of cerebrovascular disease:
It is crucial to conduct self-monitoring for cerebrovascular disease, especially for individuals at high risk. When the following conditions occur, close attention should be paid and timely medical attention should be sought:
- Neuroasthenia: This is an early symptom of cerebral arteriosclerosis and is mainly characterized by headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, drowsiness, a sensation of tightness and pressure in the head, memory decline, and easy fatigue.
- Emotional abnormalities: In the early stages, individuals may be easily agitated and lack self-control. As the condition worsens, they may gradually become emotionally indifferent, show a lack of enthusiasm towards familiar people and friends, lose interest in their surroundings, and exhibit sudden and unexplained sadness or laughter. They may also display occasional negative attitudes towards work, alternating with periods of cheerfulness and positivity.
- Impaired judgment: Initially, individuals may have difficulty sustaining concentration, reduced imagination, indecisiveness in problem-solving, and may require assistance from others. They may also exhibit anxiety and excessive concern over sudden trivial matters.
- Autonomic dysfunction: This manifests as positive results in the scratch test (skin turning red and raised after being scratched), cold hands and feet, generalized or localized sweating, premature graying and hair loss.
- Abnormal movements: In the middle to late stages of cerebral arteriosclerosis, individuals may experience instability in walking and turning, characterized by stiff or slow gait, or unsteadiness in their steps.
- Epileptic-like seizures: Focal epilepsy is a common symptom in the late stages of cerebral arteriosclerosis. It is primarily characterized by paroxysmal and spasmodic convulsions in a specific part of the body. At times, symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease may occur, such as increased involuntary movements and tremors, lack of facial expressions, low and rapid speech, forward bending of the body while standing, stiffness in the limbs with slight joint flexion, and an unsteady and hurried gait with small steps and a forward-leaning body. In severe cases, paralysis, coma, and other complications may occur due to cerebral arteriosclerosis hemorrhage or thrombosis.