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.
Self-monitoring and early detection of cerebrovascular disease involve the use of a variety of tools and devices tailored to assess specific indicators and risk factors. One of the primary tools is the blood pressure monitor, which is essential for measuring blood pressure—a critical factor in determining the risk of cerebrovascular diseases like stroke. For individuals with diabetes, a glucose meter is indispensable for monitoring blood sugar levels, as elevated sugar can damage blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of cerebrovascular complications.
Additionally, a lipid panel test is conducted through blood tests to evaluate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are significant risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is another vital tool that records the heart’s electrical activity, aiding in the detection of any abnormalities that might suggest a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Non-invasive imaging techniques also play a crucial role in early detection. The carotid Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize blood flow through the carotid arteries in the neck, helping to identify the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque that could lead to cerebrovascular events. Similarly, the transcranial Doppler (TCD) measures blood flow in the brain’s blood vessels, detecting any abnormalities or changes that might signal a stroke risk.
Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of the brain and blood vessels, aiding in the detection of structural abnormalities, blood clots, or other indicators of cerebrovascular disease. Neurocognitive assessments are also employed to evaluate cognitive function, helping to identify changes that may suggest vascular cognitive impairment or other neurological issues.
In the realm of personal health monitoring, wearable fitness trackers have become popular for their ability to monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity, providing valuable data that can indicate changes in health status and risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, mobile health (mHealth) applications offer a convenient way for individuals to track their health metrics, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors that impact cerebrovascular health.
These multifaceted tools and devices collectively enable the monitoring and assessment of various physiological and lifestyle factors that contribute to the risk of cerebrovascular disease, facilitating early detection and timely intervention.
