Rheoencephalography of Cerebral Blood Vessels (REG)
Rheoencephalography is a method for examining cerebral vessels using weak electric pulses. REG is a non-traumatic, absolutely painless and quite informative method of examination which makes it possible for the physician to assess blood velocity, tone, elasticity and blood filling in blood vessels in the head.
Advantages of this method of examination are known to every neurologist. Rheoencephalography provides a detailed picture of intracerebral vessels irrespective of their size, may be used in any conditions and makes it possible to obtain differentiated information on the condition of not only the vessels but also veins and arteries.
The blood has highest electric conductance as compared to other media in the body. As the cerebral circulation is most intensive, only this method allows to assess not only the vessels but also the condition of internal cerebral structures.
At the same time rheoencephalography is a quite easy and absolutely comfortable procedure for the patient.
Indications for REG
Rheoencephalography of cerebral vessels is indicated to patients with any diseases associated with cerebral circulation disturbance or if they are suspected:
- cerebral ischemia;
- transient ischemic attack;
- migraine;
- epilepsy;
- strokes and post-stroke conditions;
- hypertensive crisis;
- dyscirculatory encephalopathy;
- disseminated atherosclerosis;
- cerebral atherosclerosis;
- internal carotid artery occlusion or stenosis;
- cervical osteochondrosis.
Contraindications to REG
With all safety and painlessness of the REG procedure, it is not advisable in newborns.
The REG investigation of cerebral vessels is not recommended to the patients with pronounced injuries, mycotic lesions, scratches etc. on the scalp in points of electrode application. In this case it is advisable to perform the investigation after the skin heals. And, finally, presence of metal plates in skull bones is also considered a contraindication to the procedure.
Rheoencephalograhy of the cerebral vessels: What is the procedure like?
Before the procedure try not to take any drugs or substances, which affect the vascular tone and circulation (drugs for treatment of hypertension, Nitroglycerin) before the investigation. If you take such drugs regularly, you should consult your Doctor regarding the next time you should take your medication day before the procedure or on the day of the procedure.
If you should be excited, stressed or tired after a physical effort, please try to relax as fully as possible before the procedure. You will be ready for the procedure when you breathe freely and your pulse goes back to normal.
REG is performed using a device which is called rheograph. Modern electrocardiographs also allow to examine the state of cerebral vessels. The Doctor shall apply the electrodes treated with a special conduction mixture on the scalp in the diagnostic room. The electrodes are fixed with the elastic rubber tape and after that the device begins to record coming pulses. The rheograph records them in the form of graphic symbols (curves) which are subsequently decoded by the Doctor.
Sometimes the Doctor prescribes functional tests: vasodilators (Papaverine, Nitroglycerine, Nicotinic acid) for a more precise assessment of the nature of vascular changes. In this case the graphic image shall be recorded before you take the medicine, and then it is compared with the findings obtained after the vasodilators are administered.
Diagnostics
The Doctor may ask the patient to change the position of the body, turn the head, stand up and lie down during the procedure. The fact is that change of the head position allows the specialist to make a conclusion on the nature of the disorder, i.e. to understand whether they are functional (situational) or organic disturbances associated with certain diseases.
Rheoencephalography (REG) of cerebral vessels is the most often performed to diagnose cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, its spreading and stage. The investigation performed in patients with craniocerebral injury provides the important information on the size of damaged zones, presence of intracranial hematomas, their depth and severity of the condition.
Why Do REG Testing at JSC Meditsina Clinic (Academician Roytberg’s Clinic)
JSC Meditsina (Academician Roytberg’s Clinic) in Moscow is equipped with modern high-precision electrocardiographs, which allow to diagnose these conditions. The data is processed using special software, therefore, interpretation requires minimum time. Rheoencephalography allows to obtain highly accurate results which reflect the complex picture of development of cerebral diseases. The procedure is performed in comfortable conditions. Rheoencephalography may be performed at home for disabled persons. The main advantages of JSC Meditsina are the optimum price, professional competence of Doctors and an individual approach.
Have your rheography made in comfortable conditions at JSC Meditsina (Academician Roytberg’s Clinic)!
Doctors
