Cerebral circulation

Cerebral circulation refers to the flow of blood in the brain. This is essential as the brain gets oxygen and nutrients for healthy functioning through this blood flow. Our brain needs about 15% of cardiac output to get the oxygen and glucose it requires. If this circulation is affected it can lead to brain damage and as a result many neurological disabilities can occur.

Factors that affect cerebral circulation

• Poor cerebral circulation can occur at any age. The various factors that put anyone at increased risk of problems with cerebral circulation are:-
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Presence of any heart disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Family history of heart disease
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Taking excessive alcohol

Signs and symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation

Common conditions related to impaired cerebral circulation are:-

1). STROKE- Stroke occurs when blood clot blocks the flow of blood in cranial artery causing the brain tissue in that area to die. Damage to the brain tissue results in impairment of neurological function corresponding to the area of brain involved. Also it is seen that the degree of impairment depends on how much damage has occurred and how quickly treatment was received.

2). CEREBRAL HYPOXIA- It occurs when brain doesn’t get enough oxygen even if there is enough blood flow. Causes of cerebral hypoxia include- drowning, choking, suffocation, high altitude, anemia and lung diseases. The person with cerebral hypoxia appears confused and lethargic and may end up in coma or die if the underlying cause is not timely treated.

3). CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE- It occurs when there is internal bleeding in cranial cavity. It can arise from ruptured artery, abnormally formed blood vessels, head injury and bleeding disorders. The blood puts pressure on cranial cavity and leads to loss of consciousness. It’s a medical emergency and can lead to brain damage and death.

4). CEREBRAL ODEMA- It occurs when there is increase of water in the cranial cavity. This leads to pressure on the brain which can eventually crush or damage the brain if not timely relieved.

Management for healthy cerebral circulation

Some causes that lead to impaired cerebral circulation are hard to prevent. But by making healthy lifestyle changes we can lower the risk of some of these factors. Such changes include:-

• Maintain healthy weight
• Eat well- balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol intake

Homeopathic management of cerebral circulation

Homeopathy can treat impaired cerebral circulation due to various causes in an effective yet safe way. In cases where cure is not possible homeopathy can still help by improving the quality of life of the patient. Best homeopathic medicine for cerebral circulation is the one most similar to disease manifestation belonging to both mental and physical sphere. Commonly indicated homeopathic medicines for cerebral circulation includes:-

• BELLADONNA- Indicated or sharp and throbbing headache due to cerebral congestion with redness of face.
• NUX VOMICA- Indicated for headache after debauch and associated with hemorrhoids.
• PHOSPHOROUS- Indicated for chronic congestion of head with heat that comes from spine.
• ZINCUM METALLICUM- Indicated when there is associated convulsive twitching and fidgety feet.