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Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
What is Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency?
Cerebral vascular insufficiency refers to decreased blood supply to the brain. It is extremely common among the elderly in developed countries due to the high prevalence of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The artery affected in most cases is the carotid artery. A pair of carotid arteries-one on each side of the neck running parallel to the jugular vein-are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Typically, the problem develops at the carotid bifurcation-the splitting of the carotid artery into the internal (supplying the brain) and external (supplying the face and scalp) branches. This bifurcation is similar to a stream splitting into two branches. At the bifurcation, just like the splitting of the stream, debris and sediment accumulates. Significant symptoms begin to appear in most cases only when the blockage of the artery has reached ninety percent. This situation is similar to what occurs in angina (see ANGINA).
Symptoms of cerebral vascular insufficiency are caused by a reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. Severe disruption of blood and oxygen supply results in a stroke. The official definition of a stroke is "loss of nerve function for at least twenty-four hours due to lack of oxygen." Some strokes are quite mild; others can leave a person paralyzed, in a coma, or unable to talk, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Smaller "mini-strokes," or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), may result in loss of nerve function for an hour or more, but less than twenty-four hours. TIAs may produce transient symptoms of cerebral vascular insufficiency: dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, confusion, and so on.
What causes Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency?
In most cases, cerebral vascular insufficiency is a consequence of atherosclerosis.
What dietary factors are important in Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency?
The dietary factors given in ATHEROSCLEROSIS are appropriate here.
What nutritional supplements should I take for Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency?
Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:
- MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
- Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
- RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been the subject of over forty double-blind studies on the treatment of cerebral vascular insufficiency. In these well-designed studies, Ginkgo biloba extract has produced a statistically significant regression of the major symptoms of cerebral vascular insufficiency and impaired mental performance. The recommended dosage is 240 to 320 mg per day (can be taken all at once) GBE standardized to contain 24% ginkgo flavonglycosides. There has been concern over the use of GBE in patients also taking the drug coumadin. Although quite rare, there may be a possible interaction that could lead to excessive bleeding or hemorrhage. Use with caution if taking coumadin.
Zymactive from Natural Factors contains serratia peptidase the proteolytic enzyme referred to as the "miracle enzyme" by Dr. Hans Neipper for its ability to help improve cerebral blood flow by reducing atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid arteries. Take two tablets of the high potency version two to three times daily on an empty stomach.
Comment:
Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms of cerebral vascular insufficiency should consult a physician immediately for proper evaluation. The modern evaluation of blood flow to the brain involves the use of ultrasound techniques. These techniques determine the rate of blood flow and the degree of blockage by using sound waves.
If you have symptoms of severe cerebral vascular insufficiency, including frequent TIAs or a past stroke, along with severe (greater than seventy percent) blockage of the carotid artery, then carotid endarterectomy may be appropriate. However, before electing to proceed with this surgery, I highly recommend that you consult a qualified EDTA chelation specialist. (For a discussion of EDTA, see ANGINA.) For information on locating an EDTA chelation specialist, contact The American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM); 23121 Verdugo Drive, Suite 204, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, 1-800-532-3688; www.acam.org.
How do I know if the program is working?
Improvements in the symptoms of cerebral vascular insufficiency should be apparent within 2 to 3 months of use. Blood flow measurements via ultrasound should also show improvements.
Feedback:
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Condition Center Caution:
- Dr. Murray’s recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
- The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
- If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.
- Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or (D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.
- Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.
- If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.
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