Disease stage | Number of patients | Very good | Good | Unsuccessful |
II | 9 | 9 | -- | -- |
III | 117 | 114 | 3 | 1 |
IV | 37 | 35 | 2 | 1 |
Treatment results (%) | 95% | 3% | 2% |
Discirculatory encephalopathy (DEP) is the slow and progressive development of cerebral circulatory disorders, which gradually lead to diffuse structural changes and cerebral dysfunction (E.V.Schmidt 1985). It is the most common diagnosis in clinical practice.
In English literature, especially in the USA, this condition corresponds to subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy, Binswanger's encephalopathy, multi-infarct dementia, vascular dementia, etc. The overwhelming majority (96%) are chronic cerebral ischemia.
The main etiological factor is atherosclerosis or its combination with hypertension. The development of DEP is also influenced by smoking, alcohol, stress. It has been noted that this disease is more common among intellectuals (teachers, artists, scientists).
The clinic of DEP depends on the stage of the disease.
First stage: subjective dissatisfaction, fatigue, headache, irritability, mild sleep disorders, decreased performance and moderate memory disorders.
Second stage: worsening of memory disorders, attention and coordination, asthenic disorders.
Third stage: the patient has a poor judgment of his condition which leads to a reduction of complaints. Often there is uncertain walking, a state of faintness. Many patients develop dementia, major depression, and lose interest in life. At this stage, they need help.
At various stages of DEP, there is hearing loss, noise in the ears, visual disorders ("spots" before the eyes, dimming of vision), etc.
Clinical manifestations of DEP worsen spinal diseases.
Treatment of patients with DEP is complex and usually includes vasoactive, nootropic, and neurometabolic medications. The earlier the treatment is started, the better its results.
Ozone therapy is indicated in DEP
Ozone therapy is given systemically: ozonized physiological solution, rectal insufflation, or major autohemotherapy (8-10 sessions in total). It is repeated every 6 months.
The results of ozone therapy in DEP are: improvement of the general condition (activity, memory, concentration), relief of headache and noise in the ears. Neurological status is also improved. Treatment results are better in stage I and II with a disease history of less than 10 years. In other cases, effectiveness decreases, however, there is no deterioration or side effect from ozone therapy.